Case #7 · Easy
Curtain Fall at the Lyceum
The Royal Lyceum Theatre, London · October 12, 1894
On the glittering opening night of Macbeth, theatre manager Alistair Finch was discovered dead in his private office during the second act intermission. He had been struck on the head with an iron stage weight.
The victim
Alistair Finch
56, tyrannical and shrewd managing director of the Lyceum Theatre. He controlled contracts, salaries, and reputations with an iron fist.
- Scene of the crime
- Manager's Office
- Estimated time of death
- between 21:10 and 21:40
The suspects
Arthur Pendelton
Leading Actor (Macbeth)
48. A celebrated Shakespearean veteran whose grand reputation masks dwindling finances and vocal strain.
“I was onstage until Act I ended at 21:05, after which I retired straight to the Green Room to rest my voice and take honeyed tea. I remained there until the second act bell called me at 21:35.”
Beatrice Vane
Leading Lady (Lady Macbeth)
32. Acclaimed, ambitious, and fiercely defensive of her craft. Rumours say Finch intended to break her contract tonight.
“I finished my scene around 20:55 and went down to my dressing mirror in the Green Room. I spoke briefly with Arthur at 21:10, then touched up my face until curtain time.”
Charles Dockett
Stage Carpenter & Flyman
40. Gruff and hardworking, responsible for scenic rigging and backstage counterweights. Constantly at odds with Finch over pay cuts.
“Intermission is my busiest hour. From 21:05 until the second act began, I was up on the fly gallery inspecting rope tensions. Ask anyone—I never set foot on the manager's carpet.”
Evelyn Stokes
Wardrobe Mistress & Prompter
54. Observant, quiet, and omnipresent backstage. Knows every corridor, secret entrance, and grievance in the theatre.
“I was mending a torn hem in the prop store during the break. I only left when Mr. Finch didn't appear for the second act cue and we found him dead.”