Talk

My DD went to two different ones for 14th birthdays. They were for 8 (I think the kits are designed for 8 or 12 people), four female and four male characters. She went as a boy to both. I remember that one of them was based on Grease, so the host had the kitchen set up as an American diner, and they served hot dogs, burgers and chips for dinner.

These people are pretty good and have a teen friendly range. Not sure about all boys though - I'm about to have the same (or opposite) problem with DD - she wants a murder mystery party but will be very girl heavy. But you could email them and ask.

www.mymysteryparty.com/domypate1.html

This might meet your needs

Thank you everyone, I will have another look at the links, (I had sort of hoped we had grown out of parties I had to organise ) but if I plan ahead hopefully ok . I can imagine girls taking on male roles more easily than asking one of his awkward mates to come as a girl but you never know

We've done them with our children (aged 8-17) and they've been great. The "adult" content probably wouldn't be too shocking for 13 year olds (though my 11 year old DD was a little unsettled to learn that her character last time turned out to be a hocker...)

But I think it'd only work if they're a) game for a laugh and getting into character - including playing women. And b) able to concentrate reasonably well and focus on the game. I think my DS's friends at that age would have been a bit prone to leaping around the room and not sitting still long enough to manage the game, especially when in a big group all together. I'd rather do it with a group of girls, or a mixed sex group, than an all boy group.

The ones with the DVDs are quite good if people aren't all concentrating, as the DVD character summarises what you should have learned as you go along.

Sorry, that should read hooker

Thanks yellow. They're quite a nerdyish bunch so might be ok. Just trying to work out how it actually works in action iyswim and a lot of the sites are American and seems a bit elaborate

Death by chocolate was a good one - very English/Agatha Christie feel to it. That whole range is quite easy to use. How would your DS feel about you and your DP playing with them? If not, I'd have a good read of the instructions beforehand and make sure your DS does too, so he knows what's going on. You don't have to do it around a dinner party, though that may help to keep everyone sitting down.

Hmm, will check out the choc one and have a good think. So, is it like a verbal cluedoey thing? What if they can't work it out and it descends into chaos? Then I have to step in? I need to go and do more research clearly

dd went to one based on Cluedo for a recent 13th or 14th birthday party. Everyone had to wear the right colour and had a little character card. It sounded great fun. I think that most of the guests were from her drama group and the mother was a director so a bit of an unfair advantage really!

Yes, that sounds great ,could do with someone to write one for me but will have to manage with a boxed one I think

I did one for my DD's 13th birthday. I bought it on the internet and downloaded everything i needed. All the invitees were given a role beforehand and had to dress according to their character. It was a 50's high school theme. It was a lot of fun. I had a role and co-ordinated it all but i didn't need any other adults and only a few props. After that they had diner themed food and they all stayed over.

Thanks cashew Can you remember which one you bought? I haven't found a 50 ' s one, the food would be easy

Neckless She is almost 18 now so it's fair to say i cannot recall where i got it!

My daughters did a Murder Mystery for their 13th or 14th. It was a real laugh. The best way to do it I think, is don't get too hung up on the script but really encourage everyone to dress up and act the part. Also do the food in keeping with the period, go for a bit of set decoration and have the right sort of music too. I love Murder Mystery parties (hence why my daughters were so keen!) and its very funny when you have everyone dressed medieval hags or 1920s flappers. For instance if you were doing Murder by Chocolate get hold of a chocolate fountain, and have chocolate chicken for main course or something! We went rummaging round charity shops to get the right clothes for them and some of the kids were unexpectedly brilliant at acting.
Also when its on, discreetly retire to the kitchen and keep out of their way....
My lot enjoyed it so much they did it two years in a row. The second time my daughter wrote her own script, which went a bit wonky but no-one seemed to mind anyway. Good luck!