Melodrama, Mystery and Music Hall for Adelaide Rep

You can’t keep former professional music hall actors in the wings forever. They keep breaking out in song and dance! This time it’s with The Adelaide Repertory Theatre for its end of year musical parody, The Mystery of the Hansom Cab.

Well-known professional actors, the irrepressible Phyl Skinner, as well as Christopher Megan, Penni Hamilton-Smith and Jude Hines are joined by other of Adelaide’s familiar faces in presenting this hilarious show. The remaining cast includes Barry Hill, Christopher Evans, Lindy Le Cornu, Neville Phillis, Karin Marks, Joshua Coldwell, Ashlinn Sambrook, Ryan Dooley, Hannah O’Grady, Tamara Bennetts and Annie Hall.

Written by Barry Pree in 1961, the origins of The Mystery of the Hansom Cab musical parody lie with Fergus Hume’s well-known mystery novel, published in Australia in 1886, which focused on an investigation of a homicide involving a body found in a hansom cab. In the 1800’s, mystery and detective genres were sweeping the world and the novel was very popular.

This musical parody, though, is only loosely based on the novel and is performed in the grand tradition of melodrama. It was last performed in Adelaide over 20 years ago, directed by who else but the wonderful Phyl Skinner.

The director of the current production therefore has a lot to live up to, but never fear, director, actor and professional music hall performer, Gary Anderson joins the Rep to bring this ode to music hall and melodrama to life. Gary has worked closely with Pam O’Grady, who was to have directed the show but has reluctantly withdrawn due to ill health.

Says Gary, “This is a show for everyone! It is a great end of year piece of light entertainment. There will be musical interludes, canny performances and most of all, plenty of laughs.”

The audience is required to play a part, of course. Patrons are encouraged to hiss the villain (Barry Hill), sigh with the heroine (Ashlinn Sambrook) and cheer the hero (Ryan Dooley).

There is a twist to this ‘Hansom Cab’ musical. Unlike the original version, the action takes place in the leafy streets of Adelaide, including a visit or two to Hindley Street!

Along the way audiences will meet dramatic and colourful characters, enjoy musical interludes by the ladies and gentlemen of the company and be amazed by the specially invited artistes…engaged at great expense to the management, of course.

Lesley Reed

Bookings: www.adelaiderep.com or 82125777

Dates:21-23, 27-30 November, 2013 qt 8pm. Matinee 30 November, 2pm.

Venue: The Arts Theatre, Angas Street, Adelaide.

Tickets: $22 (adults) / $17 (concession)

Photographs: Adelaide Repertory Theatre.

More Reading

Community Theatre Seasons 2013

More Community Theatre