What Was That?

Werribee Park Mansion is a grand and opulent example of the Renaissance Revival style and was built in 1877 by the Churnside family who were originally from Scotland. Today it operates as a museum and the majesty of this place is vividly brought to life in a delightful immersive theatre experience.

This theatrical event is guided by Maggie, the head maid, and Mr Duncan, the butler. It is set on the evening in July 1908 when they are expecting the new owners of the property to arrive. Their fate is in the hands of the new proprietors, and this uncertainty gives them licence to abandon protocol. They wander the mansion and reveal many of the secrets of this magnificent building.

This sets the scene for some very insightful exploration of the history of the architecture and the characters who inhabited the property. The performance creates a unique way to experience the grandeur of the home and to be moved by some of the chilling tales that it houses. This encounter allows visitors to appreciate the pristine nature of the opulence and grandeur of the building and to imagine the distinct artistry and structure of the society of its time.

The story unfolds across many of the rooms such as the drawing room, the dining room, servant’s quarters and the laundry. The performance is keen to take the visitors to the scenes of some of the grim events that have taken place at the mansion. As the two characters become more and more relaxed, they reveal more and more details of the story of the home in an engaging and entertaining manner.