Founder and Creative Director of WhoDunnit Events, Vanessa has long been immersed in creative arts. From her first writing competition entry at age 10, to directing a musical performed on her front porch at age 12, through a Bachelor of Creative Arts at the University of Melbourne, to selling out at the world's largest arts festival -- this is what Vanessa lives for.
A self-proclaimed 'Canalian' (Canadian/Australian), Vanessa has an overly active imagination, a passion for problem solving, and a restless, ambitious nature. And she's a perfectionist, too.
Away from work, Vanessa tries to spend time with her family, friends, and pets.
What does WhoDunnit Events do?
WhoDunnit Events creates interactive experiences and IMMIs. Our events are fully interactive, commonly immersive, and you can participate as much or little as you like. We create experiences which, like puzzles, are truly challenging and designed to exercise your grey matter. Events always include a splash of fun.
What is an 'IMMI'?
IMMI stands for Interactive Murder Mystery Investigation. An IMMI is a fusion of theatre, art, puzzle game, and story. IMMIs are a new genre of art-entertainment which WhoDunnit Events specialise in.
How does it work?
1) Hear about an event and purchase a ticket
2) Read through and follow the instructions on your ticket (where applicable)
3) Attend the live event…
…receive a briefing on the crime, suspects, and setting
…divide your time between interviewing suspects, sifting through evidence, and swapping notes with fellow detectives
…participate in the debrief where all discoveries are revealed
…make a group accusation and preliminary arrest
…receive secret information to continue the case online
4) After the event, login to the secret website where you receive additional clues, can ask further questions, and crack the case
5) Complete your experience by hearing detailed confessions
Can I just… sit there and watch?
Our events are not traditional theatre, but fully active experiences. In terms of what you do, it's not dissimilar to mingling at a cocktail party. It's not an embarrassing situation and we don't force you to do anything. Our suspects (actors) react directly to what you ask, and hence you dictate how (and how much) the story unfolds. The purpose of our events is to exercise and challenge your brain's grey matter in new and exciting ways. However, if you desire to "watch", you are welcome to follow another detective around the room while they interact with the puzzles and people. And we hope that you'll be inspired to join in after your cold feet have melted.
Does the murderer change every night?
No. All crimes, backgrounds and sub-stories are set for the whole season. Everything is there waiting for you to uncover. We must do it this way or else it would be impossible to solve.
When do I find out the answer?
As with any real life investigation, it takes time for all the information to come to light. Thankfully, unlike real world crime, there is a solution to our puzzles and you will know the full and complete truth in due course. Refer to "How does it work?" for a clearer idea of when this will be.
Are your events suitable for children?
It depends on the child. Some of our best detectives have been 8-16, however the content of suspects' secrets is unquestionably adult. We would recommend that mature minded individuals attend our events, regardless of their age.
Are your events suitable for individuals with differing access requirements?
Yes, to an extent. Most of our events offer a combination of tactile clues, and conversation-based suspects, so there should be something for everyone. Please feel free to get in touch beforehand to discuss your requirements.
Will I have enough time?
Solving one of our puzzles always takes more time than expected. We recommend you schedule your first visit early in the season so you have the chance to come again and pick up where you left off (if need be).
