Arsenic and Old Lace

By Joseph Kesselring. St Mark’s Anglican School. Directed by Scott Robertson. Barbara Godwin Performing Arts Complex, St Mark’s Anglican School, Hillarys, WA. Oct 24 - 25, 2024

This well-known 1942 black comedy was performed with enthusiasm and flair by Year 10 Drama Students from St Mark’s Anglican School. 

Simply set against black curtaining, the play featured costumes and props that were of the era, nicely selected by Margaret Prouse and Susie Croke. Lighting design by Noah Diamond added to the emotion, while the sound design from director Scott Robertson featured excellent song choices although some sound effects verged into camp.

The young cast worked well as a team and delivered some impressive performances. Phoebe Love and Rhianna Cole led the cast as elderly sisters Abby and Martha Brewer, fond of a little murder between afternoon teas and charity work. The actresses had a lovely rapport and characterised with maturity and strong comic timing.

Leading man of sorts, the Brewster sisters’ nephew Mortimer, was played with earnest conviction by Toby Cream, while girlfriend then fiancée Elaine, was nicely portrayed by Lily Robinson. 

Gloriously delusional nephew Teddy, under the impression that he is Teddy Roosevelt, was played with great energy and commitment by Ben Senbrook. Criminal brother Jonathon was played with style by Catherine Jodas, while partner-in-crime, the German Dr Einstein was well portrayed by Kurtis Worth.

In smaller roles, Officer Klein was likeably played by Cooper Gruber, while Naomi Clark pulled double duty as Reverend Harper and Lieutenant Rooney - making them distinct and different, and Grace Haisell ably played three quite diverse roles.

An unusual choice for a young cast, but the cast and audience all seemed to be having a fabulous time. Congratulations to all involved.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Jaina van Rey