Wild, High Camp Comedy Thriller for Adelaide
Containing more twists than a corkscrew, Corpse! was first staged in 1984, in London’s West End. Welcomed by The Daily Mail as ‘a wild, high camp comedy thriller, a play where anything can happen –and most of it does’, it began its Broadway run at the Helen Hayes Theatre in 1986. Fast forward to 2013 and the Therry Dramatic Society’s November production at The Arts Theatre, Adelaide.
Author of the play, Gerald Moon, has been described as something of a mystery himself. He has professional acting credits listed in both England and America, but little is known about him as a playwright – except that Corpse! is considered his most successful play.
Sibling rivalry is depicted at an extreme level in this entertaining play. On 11th December 1936, when Londoners are waiting to hear the King's history-making speech on radio, egocentric out-of-work Shakespearean actor Evelyn Farrant has different plans in mind. He wants Rupert, his business tycoon twin, to die so that he can inherit his fortune, but as with many apparently fool-proof schemes, not all goes according to expectations.
The Therry Dramatic Society has the services of highly experienced director Norm Caddick for this production. Norm’s principal body of stage work has been with The Adelaide Repertory Theatre Company – acting, directing or designing more than 30 productions, but for Therry, his directorial ventures are also extensive. They include Ten Times Table, Lloyd George Knew My Father, The Business of Murder, The Happiest Days of Your Life and, in 2011, the South Australian première of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. In 2009, Norm directed his first musical, Therry’s Anything Goes, which won The Adelaide Theatre Guide’s award for Best Musical.
In the dual roles of Evelyn and Rupert Farrant, Adam Tuominen will need to draw on his NIDA training and extensive acting experience in order to depict two very different characters. After graduating from NIDA in 2001, Adelaide-born Adam played Hunter Bradley, the Crimson Thunder Ranger in the long-running American children's series Power Rangers: Ninja Storm. There followed a number of guest roles on Australian television, including Always Greener, Young Lions and McLeod’s Daughters. Recent further TV work includes playing war veteran Frank ‘Razor Jack’ Hayes in Underbelly: Razor.
As Mrs McGee, Sue Wylie also brings NIDA training and a wealth of theatre experience to the role.Peter Davies, as the devious Major Powell, is well-known by Adelaide audiences for his many comedic and dramatic roles for a number of theatre companies. Rounding out the experienced and well-credited cast is Simon Lancione in the role of Hawkins.
Unlike the convoluted schemes of Evelyn Farrant, your own plans to attend Therry’s production of Corpse! need not be complicated. Tickets are easily purchased – see ‘Bookings’ below.
Take care, though - after seeing this show you may die laughing.
Lesley Reed
Bookings: 8296 3477 (M-F 10 am -5pm).
8410 5515 (Same hours, but from 4th November only).
BASS; Venuetix.
Dates: Preview 8pm Wednesday, 6th November.
Thursday, 7th - Saturday 9th November.
Wednesday, 13th - Saturday 16th November, 8pm.
Venue: The Arts Theatre, Adelaide.
Tickets: Preview $10 (not available through BASS or Venuetix). Adults $25, Concession $20, Students (17 and under) $11.
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