Fancy A Trip To The Theatre?

Local community theatre group, Growl Theatre, is putting on their 41st production, Arsenic and Old Lace, a classic dark comedy, filled with fun, suspense, farce and romance.

As a volunteer-run group, Growl Theatre is known for its impressive sets and costumes and their upcoming production is no exception.

Arsenic and Old Lace follows the old Brewster sisters, who are beloved in their neighbourhood but are hiding a sneaky pastime – entertaining bachelors, serving them elderberry wine spiked with arsenic.

The story also centres around the Brewster sister’s nephew Mortimer, his fiancé Elaine, and his brothers Teddy (who thinks he is Theodore Roosevelt) and Jonathan (a homicidal maniac).

Directors Jason Sharland, Founder and Artistic Director of Growl Theatre, and Tyler Harris, who has acted in many shows over the recent years, have teamed up to direct Arsenic and Old Lace, written in 1939 by American playwright Joseph Kesselring.

Growl Theatre Admin, Rhiannon, said the show was cast with a large number of Growl Theatre members and that they were also excited to welcome new members to their group.

“A couple of our committee members are on stage – Charles Langford and Brendan James are playing the brothers Jonathan and Teddy Brewster,” she said. “These two have directed shows together at Growl since 2020 including Boeing Boeing (2021), Gaslight (2022) and Rope (2023).”

Frances Price, who plays Aunt Martha, said her character was a sweet, elderly lady who loved to help those in need.

“I enjoy exploring Martha’s sweet and thoughtful nature, her attention to detail, and her commitment to tidying up any loose ends,” Frances said.

“The joys and challenges of putting together a show are unlike anything else – throwing yourself into a room full of new and old friends, pushing yourselves together up the mountain of physical and mental challenges, the exhilaration of opening night, and, finally, the letting go after the run finishes.”

Rhiannon encouraged the community to come along and enjoy quality entertainment that would not break the bank.

“We take pride in keeping our ticket prices affordable, as we believe theatre should be accessible to everyone,” Rhiannon said. “We also have a small bar serving alcohol, soft drinks, ice cream, chips, and chocolate.”

Frances said she was forever discovering a new ‘favourite moment’ in the roller-coaster play.

“Theatre is magic,” she said.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit growltheatre.org.au/

Arsenic and Old Lace
Saturday, 18 May to Saturday, 1 June
Growl Theatre
381 Lutwyche Road, Windsor.