Brisbane review – Rope: Leaves You Hanging

By Lilian Harrington

Production:  Rope

Writer:            Patrick Hamilton / Farley Granger

Company:     St Lukes Theatre Society

Director:        Nigel Munro- Wallis

Location:     193 Ekibin Road East, Tarragindi

Season:          June 5- 20 Evgs: Fri /Sat @ 7 30pm; Sat Mat 2pm.

Bookings:      STLUKESTHEATRE.ASN.AU/ Mob:0493778379(online phone)

Inspired by the murder of a 14-year–old girl in England in the 1920’s, in rather bizarre circumstances, novelist and playwright, Patrick Hamilton, wrote the stage thriller Rope in 1929, and incorporated some character changes. When it was played in America it was renamed “Rope’s End”. This thriller inspired other writers in America and Rope influenced other well- known works and the popular Alfred Hitchcock movie in 1948.

St Lukes Theatre Society, help give towards various charities each time they do a production, and they have presented this play as part of their 2026 program. Director Nigel Munro- Wallis, is an experienced director who has set this production of Hamilton’s original English play Rope, post- World War 11 in the 1950’s, in order to make it more meaningful for today’s viewers, and for those who follow Hitchcock’s films.

This play is gripping entertainment, and the audience is told from the outset that the two young students Brandon, (Troy Catons) and Granillo, (Giorgi Impiccini), have followed up on a perfect murder plan which they have learned from their teacher Rupert Cadell (Lachlan Gregory Hugh). They have killed a fellow student as part of the plan and placed his body in a chest seen on stage. They use this as a table to serve refreshments to their guests on when they arrive to check out their book collection.

Munro- Wallis has created a set design, which is placed mostly upstage, reminiscent of the era. The wide stage helped accommodate a sense of the furniture of the period, but, the way it was laid out caused some characters to appear lost up- stage at times, so not all of their reactions could be seen clearly, or from some sight lines; the initial use of low lighting with no special effects, was to create atmosphere, but, it made it harder to make out the character’s profiles initially until the lights were faded up. On opening night, the good team work, cohesion and thought was obvious; the first act had a more deliberate delivery compared to the second act, which showed more energy and vitality.

The two students, the offenders, (Brandon) (Troy Catons) and (Granillo) (Giorgi Impiccini), held the audience interest throughout; they portrayed very contrasting characters and between them they displayed a diversity and a degree of believability. In particular, Troy ‘s interpretation of the, arrogant, devious and fast thinking Brandon, and Giorgi ‘s rendition of a drunk with a secret, dependent on Brandon for leadership and advice. Leila Arden (Lillian Dowdell), provided a colorful diversion, as the sparkling socialite who mirrored the fashion of the day, and the poise and style of the era. Complimenting this crafty team, Rupert Cadell (Lachlan Gregory –Hugh), played the super intelligent and cynical war veteran who mused over the business of murder and its ramifications. His quick wit and observations lead him to return to the scene of the crime on a pretext and to witness what he had suspected all along, but even with the blow of a whistle, he had to leave things unresolved.

This play leaves you hanging; it keeps the audience interested, alert and guessing from beginning to end. It approaches a crime story differently, and it leaves the audience thinking. If you enjoy a thriller, it’s a play not to be missed.