REVIEW – DEADHOUSE: Tales Of Sydney Morgue

Presented by Blancmange Productions and Actors Anonymous is immersive true-crime production, Deadhouse: Tales Of Sydney Morgue.

Deadhouse showcases two unique true stories from Sydney’s dark murderous past. The audience is invited to explore three levels of the historical sandstone museum while the crimes are played out right at their feet.

The first show to take over The Rocks Discovery Museum, Portrait Of The Artist As A Murderer, is the story of Leonard ‘Lennie’ Lawson and the horrendous crimes he committed during the 1950s. A charming troubled artist who conned his way into positions of power to assault and violently murder young girls.

The second story in the production will present, A Poison Crown, which details the Louisa Collins case. A story of a working-class mother, who may have been innocent of the charges against her, sentenced to death and executed in Darlinghurst Gaol.

Writer of Artist As A Murderer, Robert Armstrong stated that he chose the Leonard Lawson case because of his own fascination of the Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story. The production is directed by Michael Block, with a cast featuring Kyla Ward, Chris Miller, Jacqui Robson, Wendi Lanham, Rebecca Waters, Alex Smith and Liviu Monsted.

Using the Discovery Museum as a moving stage was a brilliant backdrop. The costumes looked quite authentic for the time and although at some points the audience was standing right over them the cast did an exceptional job of performing. A fun and spooky show worth being immersed in.

Portrait Of The Artist As A Murderer – May 8-12.

A Poison Crown – May 1-5 & 15-19.

The Rocks Discovery Museum, Kendall Lane, The Rocks. $32.74-$43.29+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.eventbrite.com.au

Reviewed by Riley Hooper