Intent To Murder

Sydney's unique little inner city community theatre, the Genesian Theatre, is currently presenting a production of the British playwright Leslie Sands's lively thriller, Intent To Murder, directed by veteran director, Joyce Birch.

Intent To Murder is a clever, well-written thriller, and is mostly a dark character study. Sands's play takes us back in time to the 1950's and hones in on the world of Janet Preston, a successful writer of romantic novels. Preston resides in a large cottage on the haunting Yorkshire Moors. The play starts with her just having done away with her husband and confident that she can get away with the crime. She is desperate for a new life, after having been unhappy for so long. It is not what the fates have store in for her. She receives a knock at the door. George, her husband’s criminal associate, is looking for him, after a botched bank robbery. This is the start of her problems!

Joyce Birch's production was a ‘mixed bag', and gets a neutral review. There were definitely opening night nerves, and it took till after interval for the performance to settle. There were reservations with the almost melodramatic style of the production. The acting was more than a little 'telegraphed', especially in the case of the lead performance by Lisa Harrison.

On a positive note, Debbie Smith with her set, and Susan Carveth's costumes created an authentic 1950's look. Michael Schell's soundscape was a highlight, his choice of recordings were perfect for the thriller genre. Also, his choice of music before the play, and during interval, added to the night. Chris Smith as George and Colin Grace as the interrogative next door neighbour good confident performances, and were the pick of the cast.

David Kary

The Genesian's restaging of Leslie Sands's Intent To Murder plays 420 Kent Street, Sydney till October 3.