Review: Picnic at Hanging Rock, The Hope Street Theatre

On August 9th and 10th, The Hope Street Theatre showcased Tom Wright’s poignant adaptation of Joan Lindsay’s seminal 1967 novel, Picnic at Hanging Rock. Set in the enchanting yet eerie confines of a small intimate theatre, this intimate production captivates audiences with not just a narrative of loss and intrigue but also offers a profound reflection on innocence and the unfathomable depths of the human experience.

The grim yet beautiful tale, which revolves around the mysterious disappearance of three schoolgirls during a picnic in the Australian Outback in 1900, resonates deeply within this compact space, enhancing every whisper, every footfall, and every heartbeat of suspense.

Under the insightful direction of Beth Frances, the ensemble cast of five young actors—Hosanna Starkey, Juliette Collins, Holly Lawless, Lucy Hickman-Germon, and Lucie Rose—delivered performances that deftly balanced the nuanced dualities of girlhood. Each actress embodied the complexities of the students from Appleyard College, weaving between moments of unbridled curiosity and stark vulnerability, exhilaration and haunting fear. 

In addition they each take on other roles throughout the performance telling  the story of other people in the performance. Frances’s directorial vision is clearly evident in the way the performers interact with one another, creating a tangible bond that both draws the audience in and heightens the tension of impending doom. 

One particularly striking moment occurred when the carefree laughter of the girls was suddenly swallowed by an oppressive silence, coinciding with the onset of the first disappearance. This seamless transition from joy to dread reverberated through the theatre, leaving the audience suspended in a collective breath of disbelief and confusion. This pivotal scene encapsulated the production’s ability to transform innocent joy into a chilling foreshadowing of mystery and loss.

The minimalist design of the set further amplified the production’s themes.  Unfortunately the sound scape tended to interfere with rather than enhance the narrative although things did improve during the latter part of the show. 

Anyone hoping to sit back and be entertained would be disappointed as this performance required serious attention and intellectual engagement to make the most of it.  At its core, this production delves into the tension between rationality and the inexplicable, inviting the audience to ponder the limits of comprehension in the face of the unknown.

As the narrative unfolds, the colonial notions of control, progress, and certainty disintegrate, compelling both characters and viewers to grapple with their own understanding of reality. Themes of memory and loss pervade the storyline, leaving a lingering resonance that prompts introspection well beyond the final blackout. It encourages the audience to reflect on how mystery can both unite and separate individuals, creating a duality that is as unsettling as it is captivating.

Picnic at Hanging Rock at Hope Street Theatre stands as a compelling embodiment of atmospheric storytelling. For those in search of theatrical innovation or a poignant exploration of mystery, this production offers an unforgettable experience marked by its emotional depth and striking visual language. 

In an era where grand spectacles often overshadow subtlety, this production becomes a remarkable demonstration that even the most modest of stages can encompass profound mysteries and complex human emotions. With its skilful execution and lingering themes, Picnic at Hanging Rock not only redefines the boundaries of theatre but also paves the way for future explorations into the realms of memory, loss, and the inexplicable, ensuring it remains a vital fixture in contemporary theatrical discourse.

Theatregoers looking for a thought-provoking journey into the heart of one of literature’s most enigmatic tales would do well to witness this brave attempt. Picnic at Hanging Rock at Hope Street Theatre represented a compelling embodiment of atmospheric storytelling. For those seeking theatrical innovation or a profound mystery, this production offers an unforgettable experience.

Picnic at Hanging Rock demonstrates that even the most modest of stages can encompass the most profound mysteries and whilst, in my opinion, the performance lasted a little too long it was a challenging piece of theatre.

Production details and cast list adapted from the Hope Street Theatre’s official programme.