‘Murder On The Nile’: An excellent murder mystery
Image: Izzy Azzopardi as Jacqueline De Severac in MURDER ON THE NILE, Genesian Theatre. Credit: LSH Media
The Genesian Theatre Company’s current production of Murder On The Nile signifies a closing chapter for the little theatre group — it’s the last time it will present an Agatha Christie play at the Kent Street location. Next year, it takes up residence at its new home in Rozelle.
If sentimentality isn’t enough reason for you to buy a ticket to this show, then here’s another incentive: it’s a bloody good production. The set is simple yet effective; flickering lights give the effect of water behind the large windows of a boat; a palm tree and rock facade suggest the Egyptian location; casually arranged tables and chairs give the feel of leisure and understated luxury.
Smack bang in the middle of the stage is a towering statue of the Egyptian god, Anubis. As a visual prop, the figure, with the body of a man and head of a jackal, is foreboding, but it also helps create an exotic aesthetic. Anubis is the god of funerary practices and care of the dead, a cheekily appropriate icon.
The murder in this play doesn’t occur until the second act, unusually late for a Christie thriller. Instead, we spend a lot more time getting to know the characters and their backstories and the various relationships, which makes the speculation around the eventual crime more interesting.
Characters are introduced as they board a boat for a cruise down the Nile. Simon (Hunter Smith) and Kay Mostyn (Emma Burns) are newly weds hoping for a peaceful honeymoon on the river. They are being stalked by Simon’s jealous ex-girlfriend, Jaqueline (Izzy Azzopardi), who was also Kay’s best friend until Simon became besotted with her. Alas, Jaqueline boards just before the boat sets sail and havoc ensues.
Canon Pennefather (David Stewart-Hunter) is an elderly clergyman who also happens to be Kay’s uncle. He takes on the role of confidant, adjudicator, and investigator.
William Smith (Ollie Harcourt) is a desultory, cynical, outspoken socialist who resents the wealthy class. Dr Bessner (Gregory George) is a physician who can’t seem to help but act suspiciously.
Genesian veteran, Sandra Bass is delightful as Miss Ffoliot-ffoulkes, a horrendously racist wealthy snob. Her neice, Christina (Isla Harris), has been brought along to be the grumpy woman’s companion, but Christina manages to be mostly elsewhere.
Ash Sahka plays dual roles of Captain McNaught and steward, both minor roles though they give him a chance to show off his ability to do accents.
Making his debut as a director is Theo Hatzistergos who made an impressive appearance in the Genesian’s recent production, Let’s Kill Agatha Christie. He does a splendid job and we’ll no doubt be seeing more of his work in future.
This little old church theatre is the ideal venue for a Christie play, which often has a claustrophobic setting and intimate gathering of characters. See it here while you can.
