In 1975 the film of the eponymously titled adaptation of Joan Lindsay’s novel directed by Peter Weir was released.
This is a title that still resonates with potent ambiguity and suppressed anticipation. Its enigmatic lyricism and compressed atmosphere of contained horror made it a critical and commercial success. Fifty years on, The Royal Lyceum Theatre Company presents the UK premiere of Malthouse Theatre Melbourne and Black Swan State Theatre Company’s co-production, Picnic at Hanging Rock – a haunting and iconic Australian bush tale about the strange disappearance of three schoolgirls, one hot summer’s day.
Described by Australian Book Review as ‘a genuinely frightening experience’, this is the only UK run currently confirmed for the production, directed by Malthouse’s Artistic Director, Matthew Lutton, and performed by the original cast.
This highly physical rendition of a cult classic honours and enlivens a piece of Australian mythology that has cemented itself in the national psyche for fifty years.
Picnic at Hanging Rock is at The Lyceum from 13 – 28 January 2017.
