Theatre Preview
Eleanor Pearson 6 June 2017 Mystery Spoof to Keep Audiences GuessingAmerican playwright Jack Sharkey must have had an appreciation of British humour. His 1977 farce, The Murder Room, pokes fun at the popular genre of British mysteries, without losing the witty dialogue often associated with them.
This Winter Hunters Hill Theatre presents The Murder Room as the second play of their 2017 season. Director Margaret Olive spoke to All Theatre editor Eleanor Pearson. “The Murder Room is a spoof of British mysteries,” Olive said.
“Although certain things are not “English enough”. We’ve tweaked the use of “Mrs.” and used “Madam” instead.” She added. The action plays out over a weekend at an English cottage owned by Edgar Hollister. Edgar has recently remarried. His second wife, Mavis, is - to put it plainly - “after Edgar’s fortune”. Two days after their wedding Edgar discovers Mavis has been unfaithful. The string of events that follow include a fatal poisoning, a shooting, a family reunion, and the disappearance of a body, which will leave audiences wondering - did she or didn’t she? “All is not as it seems. This play has great dialogue, physical comedy, and ends up in the air. Audiences will be laughing the whole time.” Olive said.
The production team has been working hard behind the scenes to bring this mystery farce to audiences in their relatively new theatre space at Hunters Hill Town Hall. In the spirit of high drama, this production has its share of hidden doorways, “magician’s tricks”, as well as twists and turns, which should keep onlookers intrigued. For the cast, who began rehearsing just after Easter, it’s been a fun journey. |
The Murder Room
Season Starting: Friday, 23rd of June (click on "Upcoming Events" for exact times.) Address: 22 Alexandra Street, Hunters Hill, 2110. |
“It’s a comedy. For the comedy to work, everybody must be willing to give anything a go. This is definitely an ensemble production.” Olive said.
It’s worth noting that the role of Edgar and the part of the police constable will both be played by the one actor, Anthony Burns.
“(Playing two different characters) is a real challenge, but Anthony Burns is taking it on brilliantly.” Olive said.
In light of the complicated set, props, and soundscape for this play, and the fact that the team will not get to rehearse in the Town Hall performance space until the week The Murder Room actually opens, Olive said this production “kept her constantly on her toes”. However, Olive hoped The Murder Room would reassure Hunters Hill Theatre regulars that the new theatre space caters to a variety of shows, with different settings. With timeless themes such as “the wicked stepmother”, romance, family duty and service, and “the old school constabulary losing the plot”, Olive believes this comedy will entertain and delight.
Ryde resident Olive is a registered nurse, who works as a clinical facilitator for the University of Tasmania. Olive discovered the joy of live performance 10 years ago when she played the role of Cherry in Cosi with The Riverside Lyric Ensemble. This is her first production with Hunters Hill Theatre.
The Murder Room plays June 23-July 2, 2017
It’s worth noting that the role of Edgar and the part of the police constable will both be played by the one actor, Anthony Burns.
“(Playing two different characters) is a real challenge, but Anthony Burns is taking it on brilliantly.” Olive said.
In light of the complicated set, props, and soundscape for this play, and the fact that the team will not get to rehearse in the Town Hall performance space until the week The Murder Room actually opens, Olive said this production “kept her constantly on her toes”. However, Olive hoped The Murder Room would reassure Hunters Hill Theatre regulars that the new theatre space caters to a variety of shows, with different settings. With timeless themes such as “the wicked stepmother”, romance, family duty and service, and “the old school constabulary losing the plot”, Olive believes this comedy will entertain and delight.
Ryde resident Olive is a registered nurse, who works as a clinical facilitator for the University of Tasmania. Olive discovered the joy of live performance 10 years ago when she played the role of Cherry in Cosi with The Riverside Lyric Ensemble. This is her first production with Hunters Hill Theatre.
The Murder Room plays June 23-July 2, 2017
Performers and Crew
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Margaret Olive
Casey Moon-Watton Maggie Scott Coralie Fraser James McMaster Casey Moon-Watton Amy Caccamo Peter Tucker Dahlia Barbara Anthea Brown Coralie Fraser Mary Bentley Casey Moon-Watton Lynne Jones Vincie Wahlquist James McMaster Christopher Hamilton Nadia Shaw James Cooper Andrew McMaster |