Three Generations Combine For Wait Until Dark at Guild

Three generations of performers will come together for Wait Until Dark at the Guild Theatre, Rockdale. Glenda Kenyon, the director of the play, is joined by her daughter, Lauren Eade, who will be playing the lead role of Susy Henderson, and her granddaughter, Finlay Thomas, who is making her Guild debut as Gloria.

For Glenda, directing her daughter in the lead role brings back memories of her own experience, being directed by her mother, Edith Paull, in a production of Wait Until Dark by the Bankstown Theatrical Society. It's a special connection that spans generations. Glenda's husband, Greg Kenyon, also played the role of Mike Trenton in that Bankstown production, adding another layer of family involvement in that production.

Lauren is particularly excited about the challenge of playing a blind character on stage. It requires both emotional and physical stamina, as she must navigate the stage while simulating blindness, often resulting in bruised shins, knees, and thighs. This role presents a unique opportunity for Lauren, who already has a wealth of experience in dramatic and musical theatre roles.

In addition to the family connections, Glenda is also focused on fostering the next generation of performers. This production marks the Guild debut of her granddaughter, Finlay, who continues the community theatre tradition enjoyed by her uncles, Dan Kenyon and Jordan Kenyon. It's a proud moment for Glenda to see her family carrying on the love for theatre.

Glenda's decision to direct Wait Until Dark was mainly influenced by the play's potential appeal to The Guild’s traditional audiences. Frederick Knott’s story gained popularity through its film adaptation starring Audrey Hepburn, for which Hepburn received an Academy Award nomination.

The play's traditional staging and special effects require a “can do” approach that not all community groups wish to tackle, but the Guild Theatre is fortunate to have a talented team who can design and build the necessary effects. Glenda attributes her "can do" attitude to her mother, Edith Paull, who never shied away from any challenge over her 50 years as a community theatre Director.

The Guild Theatre has a long history of productions ranging from drama and comedy to thrillers and pantomimes. Glenda herself directed the farce called Chase Me Comrade last year. Now it’s time to take on a "dramatic thriller”.

The show runs from 11 August to 9 September 2023. See following pages for full cast and show dates.

For tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1070683

WAIT UNTIL DARK

By Frederick Knott

Directed by Glenda Kenyon

August 11 – September 9, 2023

“There’s no need to be ashamed – everybody’s frightened of something!”

After an accident that left her blind, Susy Henderson is learning how to navigate the changes in her life but now that fate has left her in possession of a doll stuffed with drugs, she must navigate a maze of violence and deceit against three desperate criminals.

By Arrangement with ORiGiN Theatrical on behalf of Samuel French A Concord Theatricals Company.

FULL CAST

Lauren Eade as Susy Henderson.

David Cascarino as Harry Roat.

Brendan Flood as Mike Trenton.

Brendan Jones as Detective Sgt Croker.

Finlay Thomas as Gloria.

T.J. Ross as Sam Henderson.

Scott Brawley as Constable Brawley and understudy to Sam.

Eloise Tanti as Constable Tanti.

Greg Kenyon as swing for Roat, Mike, Croker & Constable.

DIRECTOR

Glenda Kenyon

PERFORMANCE DATES

Friday 11 August 2023 8:00 PM

Saturday 12 August 2023 2:00 PM

Sunday 13 August 2023 2:00 PM

Wednesday 16 August 2023 8:00 PM

Friday 18 August 2023 8:00 PM

Saturday 19 August 2023 2:00 PM

Sunday 20 August 2023 2:00 PM

Wednesday 23 August 2023 8:00 PM

Friday 25 August 2023 8:00 PM

Saturday 26 August 2023 2:00 PM

Sunday 27 August 2023 2:00 PM

Wednesday 30 August 2023 8:00 PM

Friday 1 September 2023 8:00 PM

Saturday 2 September 2023 2:00 PM

Saturday 2 September 2023 8:00 PM

Wednesday 6 September 2023 8:00 PM

Friday 8 September 2023 8:00 PM

Saturday 9 September 2023 2:00 PM

Saturday 9 September 2023 8:00 PM