Picnic at Hanging Rock

Ever since the novel was published in 1967, the story has intrigued readers and viewers as it has been both a movie and TV mini-series. Is it in any way true?  Apparently Lindsay wrote the novel in two weeks based on mystic dreams she had. The main action is centred around Mrs Appleyard, her girls’ school and students and what happens following the disappearances. The period is from Valentine’s Day, 1900.

The set was very functional for free movement while the towering Picnic Rock dominated the back and helped the audience keep the mystery of the disappearances in mind, no matter where the story led. Frances Foo, costume designer, has dressed everyone excellently for the period. The girl students stand out for their appearance and the way in which the uniform takes away their personalities.

Clare Argent, director, uses the stage to the full extent, particularly when the many students are there together. The young performers in the student roles showed good stage presence and characterization but at times needed better clarity in delivery. Greg Scurr, Constable Bumpher, was the outstanding questioner seeking answers. His strong, clear delivery enhanced his role. Mrs Appleyard, the principal, had to be a bossy, pig-headed nasty piece of goods and was, for the most part, as portrayed by Sandra Harman but needed a little bit more flexibility. Noteworthy too was Emma Kate Reynolds as Dianne De Poitiers.

This was a solid production with many highlights but at times the interplay of characters was too slow and staid. In this version of the play, I felt there were  a couple of scenes that seemed irrelevant to the story line. With a bit more pace, this will be well worth the visit. Oh, I would like to teach at that school.

William Davies