South Australia's living history amongst the dead and not-so-dead makes for a lively experience!
Presented by West Terrace Cemetery
Reviewed 20 February 2021
It’s South Australia’s oldest operational cemetery (with a few spaces to spare if you’re planning ahead). It’s steeped in history that dates back to the foundation of our State. And buried within its gates are true stories of mavericks, madness and murder most foul.
The West Terrace Cemetery night tours are a staple throughout the year, but the team have thrown in extra shows for the Adelaide Fringe. And puns aside, people are dying to get a ticket. At the time of writing, all but a few shows are sold out.
Jock Dunbar has written the current script that lures audiences into the dark depths of the cemetery to discover a living history of politicians, personalities, axe murders and lovers. Expertly guided by Mick Young (who alternates with Tarn McIntosh), the stories unfold amongst the tombstones with drama, lighting, sound effects and spectral appearances. Young is an engaging storyteller with a deep, haunting voice that can turn your chuckles into goosebumps with nary a warning.
There is an alternating cast, who comprised this time of the utterly terrifying Heather Crawford (alternating with Emily Blair), comical Brian Godfrey (alternating with Timothy Cousins), and dramatic Simon Lancione (alternating with Todd Gray). All of them were stellar additions to the storytelling and visual impact of the setting.
The technology behind the sound and lighting is deceptively advanced for what one would typically expect to encounter on such a tour, although the disembodied voices can sometime be difficult to hear in a large group.
Wear flat shoes because you’re walking by lamplight in the dark over uneven ground. It should go with out saying but, you know… stupid people.
Like the years ticking by, time flies on this highly entertaining and educational tour. It’s a very fast 90 minutes, although it would be unsuited for anyone who has difficulty standing for so long (or wearing high heels). There’s no seating along the way to rest your feet.
You won’t learn from the past in Mavericks, Madness and Murder Most Foul! but you will learn of it, and it is sure to haunt you.
Reviewed by Rod Lewis
Twitter: @StrtegicRetweet
Venue: West Terrace Cemetery, 161 West Terrace, Adelaide
Season: 9pm every Friday and Saturday until 20 March 2021
Duration: 85 minutes
Tickets: $20 – $30
Bookings: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/mavericks-madness-and-murder-most-foul-af2021
Rating out of 5: 4
- Find out about the regular West Tce Cemetery Tours that run throughout the year.
- Learn more about the King of the West End, Adelaide personality Bert Edwards
Disclaimer: Actors Brian Godfrey and Simon Lancione are Glam Adelaide Arts contributors.
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