Go there, say hi to everyone, eat something and disappear quietly.

If it cost me £40, I'd make up an excuse as well ... our boss always paid for these parties and I always went because it was fun (we went bowling and stuff) but to just hang around and drink without a nice dinner? Screw that.

And yeah: saying you got a niece of nephew to look after would do the trick. I have a nephew of my own, and sometimes I have to look after him as well without any notice. There's many other things though - for example say you got an appointment with the garage to look after your car because it's been leaking oil and if you can't make it then, it will be postponed for at least a week.

I like the idea of the tickets to the play. But do consider that a little bit of face-time goes a long way at the office, even if you're there for less than 30 minutes. Just show up a little late so you're sure all the people you want to be seen by are there. Walk around and say hi to everyone (especially your boss). Then casually slip out when no one's watching, or if you need a cover just ask where the restroom is and make your escape from there. People will remember seeing you there (making you a "team player") but they'll have no clue how long you stayed. I know it's 40 bucks, but consider it an investment in your future career advancement.

Or if you're not looking at this place as a long term career opportunity, just do the play tickets excuse. That's kind of a win-win there.

Let me quote an older and wiser man the me:

"Master Bruce, if you pretend having fun maybe you will have some by accident."

- Alfred

Just go, if you go the way of the solution, you might get huge problems in the future.

That's the thing I like about the solution though, it's not a lie, I'll actually go see the play. I'm arranging with friends right now.

Oh, you meant the second part. Oops, I thought you would go through with killing your aunt.

Glad to be of help, and better yet that it won't even be a lie.

The problem with that is that every typical man (thinks) he is an expert in football, cars and women (or at least in one of them)... so when mentioning a car fault you will start a discussion asking for details. Entering into details is not good in this kind of situation...

Pssht, if the "service" light of your car is burning, then it even takes time for the garage to figure out why it's doing it - so I doubt you'd get caught from just that.

See how just mentioning a car fault started a discussion?... :))