Interview with Tim Benzie as he brings Solve-A-Long-A-Murder-She-Wrote back to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Lisa in the theatre
Aug 1
3 min read

Updated: Aug 6

Award-winning playwright Tim Benzie talks about his return to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2025 with cult interactive show Solve-A-Long-A-Murder-She-Wrote where audiences work together to solve a TV murder mystery before Jessica Fletcher. Australian native Tim, who lives in London, is a veteran of the Edinburgh Fringe and he also shares his top tips here for first time visitors.

Tim Benzie in Solve A Long A Murder She Wrote

Tim Benzie: Solve-A-Long-A-Murder-She-Wrote, Edinburgh Fringe interview

What's your show about?

It's an interactive screening of a classic Murder, She Wrote TV episode. I’m a super-fan of Murder, She Wrote with a background in acting and playwriting and I’m proud to say my show has become something of a cult hit.

Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote features a race to solve the crime using the Fameometer and Suspiciometer and is a funny and affectionate tribute to a bygone era of crime television.

Last year the show was a big success at the EdFringe, with a presentation of the classic episode “Paint Me a Murder.” I'm bringing it back to the Fringe this year for 2025 with a new episode never before aired at the fringe, “A Fashionable Way to Die.”

You've performed 'Solve-A-Long-A-Murder-She-Wrote' all over the world. What makes you keep coming back to the Edinburgh Fringe?

Because it’s amazing! The buzz and atmosphere are incredible, audiences are wild and up for a good time, and it’s a great opportunity to see fabulous acts from all over the world.

I know many people love music festivals, but the EdFringe is MY JAM (and cup of tea, to be more Jessica Fletcher).

This year's murder case is "A Fashionable Way to Die." What can you tell us about that?

It’s a brilliant episode set in Paris. Jessica visits an old friend who is a fashion designer, so we get to see a very 1980s haute couture catwalk show (Murder, She Wrote-style) until of course there’s a murder that JB has to solve.

Who is your show aimed at / for?

Fans of Murder, She Wrote of course – but I always have audience members who’ve never seen the show before and now love it. No prior knowledge is needed, but if you love good old-fashioned murder mysteries you’ll love this.

What do you hope audiences will take away from your show?

An appreciation of not just the show but Angela Lansbury. The TV show might seem quaint and old-fashioned now, but it was a top-rating show for 12 years, with a protagonist who was an older woman with no love interest. It was ahead of its time in many ways, and Angela really did something wonderful with Jessica Fletcher.

I know you are a Jessica Fletcher superfan. But Murder She Wrote, the TV series ran from 1984 - 1996. Are there any current or modern murder mystery TV series or detectives that you're a fan of?

I’m loving Poker Face with Natasha Lyonne – it’s more a ‘howcatchem’ than a ‘whodunnit’ like Columbo, but brilliant plotted and she’s terrific. I also really enjoyed The Residence – I’d love more Uzo Aduba but sadly it’s been cancelled. And I cannot wait for the new Benoit Blanc mystery. And of course, the NEW Murder, She Wrote movie with Jamie Lee Curtis in 2026.

Do you have any top tips for visitors or performers coming to Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

Get the printed programme and a highlighter and get circling! The website isn’t practical for browsing through the 3,500 shows on offer. It’s old school and I’m sorry about the trees, but the EdFringe website will show you where you can pick up your free copy around the UK before you arrive.

Download the EdFringe app in advance and book all shows on that – it’s so easy. Also, use the ‘Nearby Now’ function on the app when you’re here – it’s a brilliant way of catching shows on the hop. But also book some shows in advance – a blend of planning and flâneuring means you’ll have the most fun.

Where can we find you at the Fringe in 2025?

Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote is on at the Edinburgh Fringe, 20:15 every evening in August until Saturday 23rd (not 10th or 17th). We're at venue 43: The Amphitheatre at theSpace @ Symposium Hall. You'll find this comfortable venue adjacent to theSpaceTriplex and theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall Address: Hill Square EH8 9DR

After the Fringe, Tim continues to tour across the UK. Find the full tour dates and more info here: https://www.solvealongamurdershewrote.com/

MORE: Find more Edinburgh Fringe news, reviews and interviews on Lisa in the Theatre here