Sleuth gives theatregoers a new-look experience

Nothing is as it seems in Stark Raven Theatre Company’s modern adapation of British stage classic Sleuth, which debuts at the Newton Moore Performing Arts Centre on July 13.

Originally penned by Anthony Schaffer in 1970, Sleuth has appeared in theatres across the world and twice been adapted to the silver screen.

Stark Raven Theatre Company actor Rhys Hughes plays Milo Tindle, one of the production’s two protagonists.

“The show is about a mystery novel writer named Andrew Wyke who loses his wife because he is too involved in his own work,” Mr Hughes said.

“Milo is the young buck who steals Andrew’s wife away and the play takes place after Andrew finds out.

“Andrew invites Milo to come and visit and the action begins from there.”

The production places an emphasis on its use of multimedia, a first for Stark Raven, which enlisted the help of respected Bunbury wedding photographer Ben Yew to film parts of the action.

“Cinematography is a new pursuit for me and it was a challenging but very interesting experience,” Mr Yew said.

“What we are attempting is quite ambitious, so it was difficult to get right at a standard we were all happy with.”

The film makes up the middle section of the play, cleverly incorporated into the production with the aid of an innovative set design.

“The play actually takes place on a stage that resembles a wide catwalk,” Yew said.

“The actors perform in the middle with the audience on either side, and on one end is a large backdrop onto which the film will be projected.”

Stark Raven Theatre Company performs Sleuth on July 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27 from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost $25 for adults and $20 for concession and are available at BREC ticketing by calling 1300 661 272 or find the link on Stark Raven Theatre's Facebook page.