REVIEW: Deadhouse – Tales Of Sydney Morgue

Returning to Sydney for a second season, Deadhouse: Tales From Sydney Morgue, will be taking audiences into the depths of the crypt beneath St James’ Church in Sydney. A true-crime, immersive theatre experience, audiences are led right down into the crypt itself. Splitting the season in two, the true story of Louisa Collins will be told, a 19th-century woman hanged for allegedly murdering her two husbands. The last woman hanged in New South Wales, A Poison Crown will run until November 9. Mystery and doubt still hang over the case with questions still be raised of her innocence or lack thereof. 

From November 20, Deadhouse will immerse audiences in the chase of their lives, with The Deadly Run uncovering the story of two escaped convicts, Kevin Simmonds and Leslie Newcombe. The pair escaped Sydney’s notorious Long Bay Penitentiary in 1959 and captured the nation’s attention for five weeks while on the run. Also taking audiences into the crypt beneath St James’, The Deadly Run will be immersive and fast-paced. 

While being led into the crypt at St James’ as part of Deadhouse’s A Poison Crown, you can’t help but feel a little scared. Adrenalin starts pumping as the actors, in period costume, pull you into the performance. Once you’re inside the crypt it’s dark, it’s creepy and it’s exhilarating. Being inside the performance leaves you more attached to the story once it’s over, definitely more so than most standard theatre experiences. A Poison Crown was terrifying in the best way possible and left you wondering if Louisa Collins was guilty after all.

★★★★

Until Nov 30. The Crypt – St James’ Church, West Courtyard, 173 King St, Sydney. $69.66-$80.21+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.eventbrite.com.au

Reviewed by Madison Behringer