Local identity Noel Boyle was named as the culprit in the annual “Murder in the Museum Melodrama” at the Millicent National Trust Museum on Saturday night.


Set in 2525 and with a science fiction theme, Mr Boyle was deemed responsible for the homicide of the mayor.


Around 30 National Trust and community members donned costumes and even outlandish wigs and entertained the crowd of almost 130.


Key roles were played by retired Millicent High School principal John Shelton, former Wattle Range Mayor Mark Braes and local educators Patrick Smith and Steph Barton.


A pair of Daleks from the Doctor Who television show was also present along with Millicent High School students and Millicent Girl Guides and Shooting Starz.


The previous seven “Murder in the Museum Melodramas” have been popular and the 2025 melodrama matched the past performances.


The action took place in several of the museum’s displays including the Millicent Room, horse-drawn vehicle pavilion, Blacksmith’s shop and Helen Hughes costume collection.


Written by Chris Parmenter and produced by Chris Hollingsworth, there were several clues and false leads.


The plot involved the 2525 mayoral bid to relocate the town of Millicent to Mars.


In a desperate bid to find the murderer, scientists opened a time tunnel to allow current residents to go forward to 2525.


The prize for best actor by popular vote also went to Noel Boyle as the evil archaeologist Lux 4.


According to the votes cast, the prize for best costume went to octogenarian actress Jan Armit.


The “Murder in the Museum Melodrama” is usually a feature of the annual Geltwood Craft Festival in Millicent.


The Geltwood organisers have decided to delay the 2025 festival.