Linda Lokhee

When Shakespeare wrote, “All the world’s a stage…” he could not have more accurately described a Dark Stories interactive theatre experience. The Secrets of Carmichael Manor does not occur on a singular stage, where the audience sits still, watching a play. As with their previous theatre performances, Dark Stories unfolds in the real world and, in this case, inside several rooms inside the historic Experiment Farm Cottage in Harris Farm, Sydney. The audience moves from room to room alongside the characters.

The Secrets of Carmichael Manor was written and directed by award-winning actress Kate Jirelle, who takes on one of the lead roles as the bride-to-be Elspeth Carmichael in the play. Kate brought depth to her headstrong character.

Gary Leonard Belshaw, who played the role of Elspeth’s domineering father, George Carmichael, was a standout in the show. In contrast to brutish George was his gentle wife, Mrs Ada Carmichael, played by Erica Nelson. In some scenes, these three characters argue over family issues and the audience is made uncomfortable, as though we were intruding on a family squabble. However, witnessing this in the same room was a testament to their believable acting.

Set in 1919 and led by Father Patrick, played by Ben Durham, the audience is initially briefed on the mystery to be investigated outside the bungalow, built in 1835 and thought to be one of Australia’s oldest standing properties. I loved having the opportunity to enter this cottage in the evening. It was the perfect setting for the time period.

Entering the cottage, the Australian colonial furniture and beautifully polished wood floors transported us back in time to just after World War 1. Combined with the scent of wood and the steady ticking of the grandfather clock, one of the rooms created a 4D experience for the performance. Though at first, we were observers, this transitioned into us being integrated into the story.

The cast is joined by the Carmichaels’ servant, Mr Peter Schmidt, played by Matthew McDonald-Kearns. The costumes and hairstyling added to the authenticity of the 1900’s, and Mr Schmidt’s costume was one that particularly stood out to me with the authentic colour shade of his shirt and braces.

Father Patrick is our host and guides the audience through the house, propelling the story forward in a Miss Marple type style. There appeared to be a definite nod to Agatha Christie in this script, and at one point, a character asks who that is. (She had not yet released her first novel, which was due to come out in 1920.)

Amongst the seriousness of unfolding events, Father Patrick brings a comedic levity to the experience.

One unique aspect of the Dark Stories theatre is that it is immersive and unlike any other play currently showing. The characters interact directly with the audience, and we become part of the performance by helping to solve a puzzle or participating directly by asking questions or commenting. All of the cast were able to incorporate audience participant comments and adapt their character to respond with interjections and responses.

I imagine that no two performances of The Secret of Carmichael Manor are the same! I can’t give away anything about the plot because of spoilers, but it was an entertaining experience. It was fun to be a part of the play. Step back in time to help solve this mystery and unravel The Secrets of Carmichael Manor.

The Secrets of Carmichael Manor is showing at Experiment Farm, 9 Ruse St Harris Park.

Performances: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Friday, 13 October 2023 – Sunday, 22 October 2023.

Show times: 5.30pm, 7pm and 8.30pm.

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