Fringe Encore Ballarat | Murder In The Market: A Murder Village Improvised Whodunnit
BMI – Minerva Space, level 1
Doors open 30min prior to show
Melbourne’s award-winning improvised whodunnit returns with a brand-new show in a historic venue
Photos: Kris Anderson | Mark Gambino | Nick O’Sullivan
Welcome to Murder Village, where people shop till they drop… dead.
Melbourne’s award-winning improvised whodunnit returns with a brand-new show in a historic venue. Staged amongst the cobblestones and arches of the heritage-listed Meat Market, Murder in the Market is serving up five delicious new marketplace mysteries this Melbourne Fringe.
No matter the backdrop – from fresh produce markets to arts & crafts fairs, or parish bakesales to antique roadshows – there is seemingly a murderer lurking behind the sales stalls. Luckily there also tends to be an amateur sleuth on hand to get to the bottom of things…
How each crime unravels is up to you. You suggest the clue and the weapon, while your votes determine who’s safe from the chop and who’s on the menu for murder. After all, across nearly 300 shows, Murder Village has proven there’s nothing more sinister than a market fair in a picturesque mid-century English village…
Melbourne’s award-winning improvised whodunnit Murder Village is also heading to Ballarat for the first time! Staged amongst the elegance and majesty of the heritage-listed Ballarat Mechanics Institute, Murder in the Market is serving up three delicious improvised mysteries as part of Fringe Encore: Ballarat.
“Smart, interactive and laugh-out-loud funny.” ★★★★★ (What’s On in Adelaide)
“Completely enthralling.” ★★★★★ (Theatre People)
“Magnificent in all its silly, witty improv glory.” ★★★★★ (Perth Happenings)
“This thrilling show promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.” ★★★★★ (On the House!)
Murder Village is a superb show.” ★★★★★ (Clara Reviews)
“The perfect mix of hilarious improv and puzzling crimes.” ★★★★★ (Hub)
“A delightfully crafted comedy improv show that changes every night.” ★★★★½ (The Adelaide Advertiser)
“Think Midsomer Murders meets Thank God You’re Here.” ★★★★½ (The Ponder Room)
“This would easily be the most polished improv I have ever seen.” (Judge’s Pick Comment, Melbourne Fringe Festival 2023)
Presenting Artist or Company
Murder Village proudly presents a new improvised production – Murder in the Market: A Murder Village Improvised Whodunnit.
The company’s flagship show, Murder Village: An Improvised Whodunnit, was developed and directed by David Massingham for a 2016 debut season in Brisbane with ImproMafia (now Improv Queensland). Since relocating to Victoria in 2018, Murder Village: An Improvised Whodunnit has performed to sold out crowds and critical acclaim in solo seasons and festivals such as Melbourne Fringe Festival (awarded Judge’s Picks in 2023 for Best Comedy), Sydney Fringe Festival, (awarded a Remount Award in 2022), Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Perth Fringe World, Adelaide Fringe Festival, Noosa Alive! and Brisbane Comedy Festival. This Melbourne Fringe Festival season also sees the debut of a new production under the Murder Village banner – Country House: An Improvised Comedy of Manners, directed by Zak Lior.
As of 2026, Murder Village has presented nearly 300 shows and is just getting started…
Full Price $37 | Concession $34 | Group of 6+ $32 | Blak Tix $10
A bar will operate in the Hugh Williamson Foyer – There is no allocated seating.
This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, learn and create. Always Was, Always Will Be, Aboriginal Land.
