Genesian Theatre Company continues to thrill ahead of move to new location

June 3, 2024

Karen Sweaney

The Genesian Theatre Company is currently staging their production of ‘Let's Kill Agatha Christie’, directed by Gregory George and delivering a humourous take on the murder mystery genre which sees an unsuccessful writer, Prudence Sykes, so desperate for a literary hit, she schemes to die for one.

‘Let’s Kill Agatha Christie’ was written by Anthony Hinds after he retired from making horror movies and published in 1990. It is an entertaining homage to the mystery murder genre and to Agatha Christie.

‘Let's Kill Agatha Christie’ explores the genre of the murder mystery thriller and with a generous splash of humour threaded throughout, the Genesian Theatre Company keeps the audience entertained, laughing and guessing as to what is going to happen next.

“I am delighted to present this mainland premiere" shared Director Gregory George adding “I invite you to exercise those little grey cells while you enjoy this homage to the Queen of a classic formula, who has shaped our collective consciousness while exploring the darker natures of humanity.”

The plot sees Prudence Sykes aided by her assistant, Angela, and her reluctant house staff including the sardonic butler Tombs, set in motion a plot to be ‘murdered’, involving some of her sworn enemies Sir Frederick Belting, the self-made millionaire; fading film star, John Hartley-Miles; and investigative journalist Marjory Field.

Michael Schell, responsible for lighting and sound, set the tone of the mystery, creating a dark atmosphere, especially with the music that played to open both the first and second act.

The company’s lush red velvet curtains, prop stained-glass windows and rows of red velvet seats, all salvaged from the demolished Her Majesty’s Theatre in Haymarket add to the theatrical ambience of the Kent Street location.

The red velvet curtains are incorporated into the Genesian Theatre Company’s new branding as it prepares for its move to Rozelle.

The Genesian Theatre Company’s production of ‘Let's Kill Agatha Christie’ is one of the last few to be performed at their Kent Street location in Sydney before the Company locates to their new home in the parish hall of St Joseph’s, Rozelle at the end of the year.

“For many decades, the iconic St John’s Church building has served as our company logo,” explained Genesian Theatre Company President, Barry Neilsen adding “but with our move fast approaching, we felt it was also time to invest in a new graphic look for our group.”

Nielsen also notes “we are so pleased to have found a great new venue so close by that will be easy for our many loyal patrons to attend. We are also keen to attract locals from the Rozelle area and offer them our tradition of high quality productions at an affordable price.

“The pieces are all starting to fall into place for the next phase of our journey. But as a 100% volunteer organisation, we will only achieve this with your generous support and donations. We need to raise $300,000 to ensure our new theatre is completed to the highest standards for our community.”

The Genesian Theatre Company’s passion and work ethic has never waned. Nielsen says the group’s loyal and diverse membership, about 120-strong and open to anyone aged 18 and over, allows people of all ages, backgrounds and theatre aspirations to participate.

Show seasons, regularly sold out, have included an array of plays from Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire to Agatha Christie mysteries, Neil Simons comedies, the canon of Oscar Wilde, William Shakespeare, Noel Coward, Jane Austen adaptations and Australian classics.

Donations can be made via the Genesian website, or added on during the booking process.

With just three more shows scheduled for production on the Kent Street stage, this makes the perfect opportunity to show support for this icon of the community theatre scene.

For tickets to Let’s Kill Agatha Christie, visit www.genesiantheatre.com.au/

‘The Genesian Theatre 420 Kent St, Sydney.
Tickets from $30
Season: 4th May - 8th June 2024
Friday and Saturday nights at 7.30pm
Sunday matinée at 4.30pm
Running Time: 2hrs including 20min interval

GENESIAN Theatre - Let's Kill Agatha Christie

Production
Director: Gregory George
Assistant Director: Mary Abraham
Set Design: Gregory George
Costume Design: Susan Carveth
Lighting and Sound Design: Michael Schell

Crew
Stage Manager: Brooke McKenzie
Nat Peric
Lighting and Sound Operation: Cian Byrne
Mark Berriman
Chris Dunwell
Gregory George

Cast
Prudence Sykes: Caitlin Clancy
Sir Frederick Belting: Theo Hatzistergos
Marjory Field: Natalie Reid
John Hartley-Miles: Bryan Smith
Tombs: Peter J. Donnelly
Gladys: Andrea Blight
Inspector Murray: Brendan Layton
Angela Teal: Denise Kitching (Montgomery)
PC Crockett: Harry Lewis

About the author

Karen Sweaney

Co-founder and Editor, Australasian Leisure Management

Artist, geoscientist and specialist writer on the leisure industry, Karen Sweaney is Editor and co-founder of Australasian Leisure Management.

Based in Sydney, Australia, her specific areas of interest include the arts, entertainment, the environment, fitness, tourism and wellness.

She has degrees in Fine Arts from the University of Sydney and Geological Oceanography from UNSW.

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