No Body Makes for Mystery in Busybody

How does one investigate a murder when there is no body?

This is the premise of Busybody, the upcoming production at Hunters Hill Theatre, opening on November 8, 2013.

Andrew Redfern describes his first gig as director for Hunters Hill Theatre as “a good ole murder mystery with a big dose of comedy”.

Whilst Andrew is no newcomer to the stage, he is usually found on stage rather than behind the scenes.

Andrew is currently juggling several hats at HHT, where he’s president as well as the Box Office Manager.

Busybodyfeatures a cast of both long-time and newly joined members. The two main roles, that of Mrs Piper (the voluble office cleaner AKA Busybody) is played by Jan Johnson who is well known around the community theatre circles having recently played in Kindertransport at Theatre on Chester. The male lead character, Detective Superintendent Baxter is played by long-time HHT member, Dave Kirkham.

Four years ago Dave appeared at Hunters Hill Theatre as a grumpy old man besieged by the annoying Mrs Puffin (played by Jan Johnson) in Goodnight Mrs Puffin. He now finds himself at cross-purposes with Mrs Piper, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the earlier Mrs Puffin. He is still a grumpy old man (certainly older, and possibly grumpier), but at least he has the law on his side having been cast as Detective Superintendent Baxter. Unfortunately his powers of deduction really can’t compete with those of the “busybody” Mrs Piper and he now lives in fear that there is another play out there with a Mrs P clone who might inflict further irritation on him in the future. He is giving serious thought to retirement before that happens.

Busybody

By Jack Popplewell

Directed by Andrew Redfern

Hunters Hill Theatre

13 Margaret Street, Woolwich

November 8 – 23.

Adult Ticket $26 Concession $23

Bookings www.huntershilltheatre.com.au or 9879 7765

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