A Journey into Whimsy: The Murder Mystery Train Experience
As I sink into the plush embrace of the most charming pink and yellow armchair you could imagine, I find myself aboard a wood-panelled train carriage that feels as if it has leaped straight out of a Golden Age fever dream. Here I am, savoring a beautifully plated lamb rump – my third course in an extravagant dining adventure, each dish meticulously paired with its own wine – while a woman dressed in a striking teal suit attempts to persuade a man in tweed to eliminate her husband. No, this isn’t your typical Wednesday, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Welcome to One Way Ticket, an immersive murder mystery train experience that has quickly become the crème de la crème of the trend sweeping the nation. This phenomenon has captivated audiences since the end of the Covid-19 lockdowns, with a global market valued at approximately $114.37 billion (£90 billion) in 2024, and predictions of growth exceeding 25% by 2030. From the delightfully quirky Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience to enduring favorites like The Crystal Maze (a staple for corporate away days and thrill-seekers alike), our craving for sensory escapades seems insatiable in 2025. Yet, while most immersive experiences demand attendees to part with a pretty penny (for instance, tickets to Taskmaster: The Live Experience can soar up to £100), the price tag of One Way Ticket might cause even the most ardent fan to hesitate.
At £585 per person (or a staggering £1,170 for a private carriage for two), One Way Ticket offers a circular journey from London’s Victoria Station, complete with a five-course meal served amidst a gripping murder mystery that unfolds in the aisles. Who could possibly have killed the glamorous starlet Vivian Moreau at last night’s gala? One thing is certain: the culprit is on this train! And what a train it is – the opulent Belmond British Pullman, a sister to the iconic Orient Express, providing a luxurious backdrop for our delightful escapade into the world of theatrical murder on wheels.
In true immersive fashion, the experience begins long before we board the train. Actors dressed in impeccably styled, anachronistic outfits – living caricatures of the 1930s, devoid of any cheap costume connotations – mingle among the eager passengers, both on the platform and in the exclusive British Pullman lounge, where dapper stewards serve exquisite bellinis. After emerging from the bustling tube, my skin still bearing the soot of the city like a Dickensian orphan, it’s a refreshing jolt to join the polished crowds, where designer handbags abound.
Once settled into our elegant seats, and with a generous top-up of champagne in hand – this certainly isn’t your average commuter train – we’re invited to peruse the Arcadia Chronicle, a fictional newspaper from the narrative universe, filled with articles about the tragic demise of “Miss Moreau.” Who was the last to see her alive? With the train set on a course for Arcadia – the utopian vision of the ambitious scientist Ambrose Valkerne – could Moreau’s role as the colony’s spokesperson have provided the motive for her murder? Thankfully, while the story is engaging, it doesn’t demand too much mental exertion; it serves as the perfect backdrop for sipping, conversing, and indulging in high camp theatrics.
While the storyline may be straightforward, the logistics of orchestrating such a production across eight carriages is anything but easy. “We have a pretty serious spreadsheet,” admits Adam Blackwood, creative director of the production company Private Drama Events, sitting across from me. I can only imagine the complexity involved – my only concern at the moment is deciding which piece of cutlery to use as the first course, a delicate serving of Cornish hake accompanied by “Windsor” beans, is presented.
The performances that unfold as I dine are delightfully over-the-top, with each character embodying a familiar archetype from the Golden Age of cinema: from the seductive femme fatale Candice “Candy” Rose (the standout star of the production, Chloe Walshe) and her mobster husband Vince, to the obsessive filmmaker Renee Venderheuvel. Each character is dressed in a signature color reminiscent of a real-life Cluedo game, which the experience playfully evokes, and every course is paired with another twist in the tale. For instance, the spinach soup arrives with the shocking revelation that Candy is entangled in an affair with the MP Reginald Asquith-Mobley. With another glass of wine – surely it’s around 1 PM by now – we’re introduced to another character: Valkerne’s ruthless enforcer, Harland Graves.
Occasionally, participants are drawn into the unfolding drama; I find myself questioned by a strict ticket inspector character about any suspicious behaviors I might have witnessed. Thankfully, that’s the extent of my required involvement. After nearly four hours, we finally reach the climactic moment of revelation. While I won’t spoil the conclusion, there is a satisfying twist that makes sense in the context of the narrative, especially with a bit of last-minute exposition. If you prefer your drama to be divisive or avant-garde, you might want to skip One Way Ticket. But if you find comfort in a cozy, familiar experience, then step right up!
In today’s digital age, it’s only natural that we gravitate towards experiences like these. As more aspects of our lives transition online, there is a growing demand for tangible, non-digital distractions – young people are embracing hobbies like crochet, opting for vinyl records over streaming, and capturing memories on film cameras. Even if we’re not indulging in these nostalgic pastimes ourselves, we watch those who do – the runaway success of The Traitors is a testament to our fascination with old-fashioned entertainment.
Unable to pry our devices from our fingers through sheer willpower, an immersive experience like this provides a rare opportunity to relinquish our screens, compelling us to engage with the present rather than an endless cascade of notifications. And what could be more engaging (and deliciously retro) than a murder mystery – particularly one we know will reach a tidy conclusion by the end of the day? Admittedly, the narrative of One Way Ticket won’t redefine genre boundaries. However, it envelops you in a cocoon of warmth and comfort – a universe where a sharply dressed steward caters to your every need, drinks flow freely, and actors deliver light-hearted yet entertaining drama for your pleasure. It’s the closest I’ve felt to blissful escapism in a long while.
Despite my inner class warrior (I can’t help but think that the price of two of the cheapest seats is nearly equivalent to the average UK rent or a week’s holiday at the beach), something about being swept up in the action makes the entire experience utterly captivating. In the midst of a world that often feels chaotic, we might as well savor life while we can. One Way Ticket may not have made it to Arcadia, but it certainly fulfilled its promise of utopia – from the moment I boarded, I was free from concerns of poverty and strife, war and heartache. All I knew was wine, exquisite food, and the beauty of polished wood paneling. (Did I mention there’s even a stunning mosaic in the restroom?)
Have I ever, in my 31 years, met anyone who would genuinely consider spending on such an extravagant experience? Not that I can recall. But if you happen to have a bit of cash to spare, there are few experiences as delightful as One Way Ticket – a whimsical, charming escape that transports you to an entirely different world in every sense.
Book your adventure on One Way Ticket now!
