Review: Midnight at the Cemetery

**Picture**: Post-show Q&A with members of the cast, joined by Oriel Haplin (3rd from R) and Lachlan Driscoll (2nd from R). *Credit: Creative Futures Photography*

Blue Roo Theatre is an independent theatre company that is doing great work providing ‘an essential link between the disability community, the performing arts sector and the broader community.’ As noted on the Blue Roo website, ‘each production is unique with lots of fun, humour and music woven around our disability advocacy message. Their performers, living with disabilities, inspire audiences of all ages.’

I was charmed by the latest production by the talented Blue Roo crew. Midnight at the Cemetery is a light-hearted tale, with a moral message that is suited to all ages (playwright Sarah Jackson, together with the Blue Roo ensemble). What happens when a wannabe mystic sets up a late-night visit to Hauntmoor Cemetery, and tries to fool vlogger Nick and the spirit-hunting Dr Twizzle? If you missed this short world premiere run of Midnight at the Cemetery, be reassured that the clever gravedigger finds out what is really going on and reminds us that if something is too good to be true, it is ok to be sceptical and ask questions.

Thanks to Arts Queensland Funding, and the generous support of sponsors, supporters, and Friends of Blue Roo, Midnight at the Cemetery is a show with heart and high professional standards. Blue Roo’s talented Artistic Director, Lachlan Driscoll, led the way as Midnight at the Cemetery Co-Director and Mentor, working with Oriel Haplin (Co-Director, mentored) and James Loakes (Assistant Director, mentored).

The set was light-touch but sufficiently dressed to establish the cemetery location, with several excellent gravestones. The costumes (Catherine McNaught, Costumer Designer) and props worked well (Sabine Scholz, Props Master and behind-the-scenes costume wrangler), and the show benefited from excellent lighting, musical choices and soundtrack (Tim James, Lighting & Sound Designer). There are many monster-themed numbers to choose from, and audience members were delighted to get into the mood when entering to the finger-clicking Adams Family theme tune. And definite highlights of the evening were the Monster Mash performances—thanks to Maureen Bowra’s excellent choreography, and to the spirited dance moves by the cast and their dancing partners. The cast clearly had a ball, as Matt Southgate (podcaster Nick) later referred to the ‘cockroach stomp’ move as a favourite part of the whole show.

Congratulations to all of the members of the Blue Roo Midnight at the Cemetery cast. Benjamin Cox (Mystic Zoltan) was an excellent choice for the aspiring mystic, and Stephanie Collas (Kelsey, the ghost) was a believable and funny sidekick and out-of-work actor. James Loakes’ Dr Twizzle was a great piece of character work, and the audience was always amused at the entrances of his charming tea-loving wife, ‘Mrs T’ (Brigid Coote, Mrs Twizzle). Sarah Johnson was well-cast as ‘Not Igor,’ with excellent comic timing as the long-suffering assistant, Melody. Matt Southgate portrayed a believable—if rather gullible—podcaster (Nick), and I think that fellow members of the audience felt really quite sorry for Nick when he realised that he had been the victim of a set-up. Ben Halpin (Mr Grumbles, the gravedigger) probably had the best lines of the show. I enjoyed Halpin’s grumpy gravedigger, who of course sees through all of the deception, captures the ‘criminals’ and draws the show to a close. One of the newest members of the Blue Roo cast, Cameron East (The Mummy), was a great choice for the role of ‘dance captain,’ with a spirted ‘let’s dance!’ call to party. I have a feeling Cameron East would have been delighted to fit in a third run though of Monster Mash to conclude the Q&A session!

A most important member of the show was the offstage ‘volunteer narrator’ (Cherie Watson). Having a narrator was a lovely touch, as it kept the story moving along and included several amusing one-liners and interactions with the rest of the cast. Blue Roo’s work highlights the importance of access and diversity. I loved the use of open captioning projections, which included all of the narrators’ lines. And do make sure you keep half an eye on the Auslan interpreter; on the Friday night I was particularly entertained by the Auslan for theremin music.

The Blue Roo cast, creatives and wider team are doing a great job to encourage audiences and participants to value diverse voices and lived experiences. Keep an eye out for future Blue Roo shows, and always make sure you stay for the enjoyable post-show Q&A sessions.

Catherine Lawrence

**Picture**: The *Monster Mash* pose (cast and fellow dancers). *Credit: Creative Futures Photography*

Audience Information: Three shows included a final dress and tech run performed exclusively for school groups plus two performances (14-16 November 2024), at the Queensland Multicultural Centre, 102 Main St, Kangaroo Point. Tickets $12-$15 plus booking fee. This production is suitable for wheelchair users, with wheelchair parking and also accessible seating for wheelchairs. The production is signed by an Auslan interpreter and is open captioned. A quiet area is available at the venue and will be open throughout the performance. Assistance dogs welcomed and seating options provided. A tactile tour, suitable for visually impaired attendees, is available on request.

The reviewer attended the world premiere performance and Q&A, Friday 15 November 2024 (6:30pm).

Geoff Lawrence