There’s nothing like going to a night at the theatre knowing you will be laughing recklessly for 90 minutes.
Director Mark Kilmurry and actor Jamie Oxenbould have pooled their talents yet again to write a timeless ‘comedy of errors’. The world premiere of MIDNIGHT MURDER AT HAMLINGTON HALL has opened at the Ensemble Theatre, to enrich the frantic and joyous, festive holiday season.
Oxenbould writes in the theatre program; “What better genre of play to derail than the creaky, cliche-ridden murder mystery”.
And derail they certainly do. The “Middling Cove Players”, an amateur dramatic society, who for many years have occupied a community hall/theatre space in the North Shore of Sydney, are warming up for their much anticipated opening night.
First into the theatre to warm up (having started at 11am) is actress Phillipa, (played with great charm and charisma by Eloise Snape). Stage Manager Karen arrives (played with dangerous and dark humour by Ariadne Sgouros), full of nervous energy, hoping nothing goes wrong.
Kilmurry writes in the program; “The theatre is fraught with those moments of utter despair, where no matter how careful the plan, fate will ensue”.
Actor and Director of the MC Players, Shane, (played by Sam O’Sullivan with fine dramatic poise), arrives, flowers in hand, brimming with excitement.
He and Phillipa are very happy to be together for this adrenalin-fuelled opening.
Actor Barney, the ‘old guard of the MC Players’, flamboyant and feisty, (played with fine comedy timing and body language by Jamie Oxenbould), makes a grand entrance down the staircase, his deep voice resonating across the theatre. He is primed and ready for another opening night.
The Act 1 opening preparation scenes are fraught with both exhilaration and despair. A few of the actors have Covid and cannot come in. They scramble to the whiteboard to begin the sharing and distribution of the twelve characters in the play. Amongst three actors….and the Stage Manager. We anticipate what disasters Act II will bring about.
Act II, (the play), is of course hilarious. The manic cover-ups, desperate improvisational moments are rich and original. The cast are a brilliant and cohesive team.
The crew must be commended for their supreme effort, especially for the sound (Daryl Wallis), the lighting (Verity Hampson) and costumes (Simon Greer) that contribute to the mistakes that the “Middling Cove Players” make.
Aided by Kilmurry’s superb direction, MIDNIGHT MURDER AT HAMLINGTON HALL is a play not to be missed. With superb cast and choreography, it is an extremely enjoyable experience.
It plays at the Ensemble Theatre, Cammeraigal Country, Kirribilli, until 14th January, 2024.
Featured image- Eloise Snape and Sam O’Sullivan in ‘Midnight Murder at Hamlington Hall’ Production photography by Prudence Upton
Review by Bronwyn Fullerton