Picnic at Hanging Rock

Stray Cats Theatre Company’s Picnic at Hanging Rock is a gentle but unnerving retelling of this famous Australian story. A horror story in beautiful packaging, this production is well acted, looks gorgeous, but may induce nightmares.

Playing in the intimate Fishtrap Theatre, the set is dominated by the title character - the infamous rock. While the colouring may be more Western Australian than the area near Mt Macedon - this is a well constructed and powerful set piece, designed by director Karen Francis and Bronwyn White and its presence throughout is ominously symbolic. Linda Lowry has designed accurate and beautiful 1900s costumes - with the schoolgirls' picnic dresses particularly impressive. Lighting, again designed by the director, is strong and well used.

 A large cast for a ‘straight’ play, Picnic at Hanging Rock features a cast of thirty-three - all working well, with a strong ensemble feel.

Those lost to the rock might have limited stage time, but are beautifully portrayed. Teaghan Lowry is a loveable and charming Miranda - capturing her Botticelli angel looks and grace. Dana Brennan gives us an intelligent and likeable Marion Quade. Georgina Turner creates a clever and quirky Greta McCraw. Eventually returned from the rock, Rhiannon Francis is lovely as heiress Irma, giving her elegance and great depth.

Quite a few unlikeable characters in this show - all given very likeable performances. Jessie Watson is wonderfully wicked as the villainous Mrs Appleyard, nicely backed by Meg Willis as nasty and petty Dora Lumley. Ella Thompson is appropriately and expertly annoying as Edith.

Ava Paschkewitz is excellent as the tragic Sarah. Brendan Geuer is strong as British newcomer Michael Fitzhubert, working well alongside Alex White’s rough diamond Albert. There are too many performances to mention, but particularly strong performances included Diana Joan’s sensitive Dianne De Poitiers and Mattias Sver’s salt-of-the-earth Ben Hussey.

This is a challenging play to stage - both because of its unusual locales, and because it is very episodic. Scene changes are nicely handled and pace is good - with well-built tensions keeping the audience highly engaged throughout.

Great to see a well-produced, well-acted rendition of a classic Australian story.

Kimberley Shaw