Beyond Desire
Hamlet and Downton Abbey fans are in for a treat this month with the world premiere of a modern Edwardian musical. Beyond Desire tells an enthralling murder mystery story as a young man sets on a quest to find his father’s killer, uncovering a riveting story of jealousy, deception and love.
“It feels like an Upstairs, Downstairs kind of drama,” says Blake Bowden, who portrays protagonist Anthony. “[It’s] set in Edwardian England in a big household and there are servants who know all the secrets of upstairs. It’s almost like a musical version of Downton Abbey.”
The musical score is written by Kieran Drury with book and lyrics by Neil Rutherford and is an intimate, melodic piece of theatre with many lighthearted numbers.
“The score was the main reason why I wanted to do this piece,” Bowden continues. “It’s extremely intricate and complex, but so sweeping and uplifting. The people will walk away singing the tunes.”
The musical focuses on similar themes with a great deal of humour from the secrets of household life ‘upstairs and downstairs’. Most importantly, Beyond Desire encapsulates the universal idea of love, class, family and intrigue. (CT)
Nov 21-Dec 13, Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point, $55, hayestheatre.com.au
Written by Ciaran Tobin
