Liverpool theatre company puts audiences at the centre of the story

The lights dim and the theatre falls silent. Then, the audience becomes the suspects.

Rebecca Connell-Brooks with her poster for 'Afternoon Tea Murder Mystery Death on Deck' | Credit: DBY Interactive

For Rebecca Connell-Brooks, interactive theatre has always been about breaking down the barrier between audiences and performers.

The 38-year-old co-founded DBY Interactive after moving to Liverpool in 2012, knowing nobody in the city.

Over time, the company has built a reputation across the Liverpool City Region for its interactive murder mystery productions.

Co-founded by actor and creatives Rebecca Connell-Brooks and James Podmore, DBY Interactive creates performances where audiences are encouraged to be a part of the action, rather than being an observer.

Connell-Brooks said: “I had always created interactive theatre, and I love bringing audiences into the story.

"I had the idea of creating theatre that takes the idea of traditional Murder Mystery and stepping it up a gear, adding new elements, and bringing it up to date to be a contender with other theatre.”

The company emerged with performances in hotels and pubs, before expanding into theatres across Merseyside and internationally.

One of DBY’s first milestones came after securing a run of performances at Liverpool’s Everyman & Playhouse Theatre.

Connell-Brooks has said: “I really wanted to move from hotels to theatre, this opportunity gave us a chance to develop our style and stories further, but more importantly, to develop the audience relationship and their DBY experience.”

Following its success in Merseyside, DBY has taken its productions internationally through work with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, allowing the company to expand their productions on a large scale.

Connell-Brooks said: “A member of the recruitment team saw one of our land shows and invited us to develop even bigger DBY shows. I have travelled the world with some of my best friends due to this.”

Rebecca Connell-Brooks on the Fred Olsen Cruise Line as part of her on board production | Credit - DBY Interactive

Liverpool’s creative identity and history continue to shape DBY’s productions.

Connell-Brooks said: “I am a real history nerd and the history of the city and surrounding areas always makes its way into the shows.

"As a writer, I am driven by what is happening around me so if the city is frustrated, that usually comes out in a character too.”

She also credits a Liverpudlian audience with helping shape DBY’s unique theatrical style.

Connell-Brooks explained: “Liverpool audiences have been my guinea pigs, I have learnt so much from them, what they love, what they don't like that much. 

“The beauty of interactive theatre is the audience is a member of your cast, you can't ignore them, they have a role to play so they have to get it and enjoy it.”

Whilst DBY has become known for its murder mystery productions, the company has also expanded into family and educational theatre, including ‘'The Forgotten Forest' and 'Tiggi Tiger and the Junk Yard Jungle' for The British Commercial Vehicle Museum in Leyland.

With many interactive projects under their theatrical belt, Connell-Brooks is excited for what the future holds for the company.

The company is now preparing for its first full-scale theatre production at Shakespeare North’s Playhouse Cockpit Theatre with ‘The City Of Curses: Murder Mystery by Trial.’

Rebecca Connell-Brooks during their stint at the Everyman & Playhouse Theatre in Liverpool | Credit - DBY Interactive

After building a following across Merseyside, Connell-Brooks hopes this is only the start of DBY’s national expansion.

Rebecca has said: “I would love to take DBY Interactive nationally. Taking the shows to more theatres and more audiences.”

The company continues to focus on offering audiences an alternative theatrical experience; an alternative to mainstream theatre where audiences do not simply observe the narrative, but become part of it.

You can purchase tickets for upcoming DBY Productions here - https://www.dbyinteractive.com/