Ira Levin’s Deathtrap
Directed By Matthew Van Den Berg
Opening 03 July - 18 July 2020
by Ira Levin
Thriller
Directed by Matthew van den Berg
03 Jul - 18 Jul
Sidney Bruhl is a playwright who has run out of success. His faithful wife Myra is supportive and tells him it is just a phase, but is her belief in him misguided? Sidney tries to persuade his reluctant wife to plagiarise the work of playwright Clifford Anderson who has sent him a script for comment. Helga Ten Dorp is a psychic who foretells of ominous happenings and untimely gruesome deaths. But is she away with the fairies?
A Community Theatre production of 'Deathtrap' special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd and New Zealand Play Bureau Ltd
It's a great pleasure to be directing my first play for Dolphin after debuting there as an actor in the mid-nineties. This isn't my first rodeo though having directed at Howick Little Theatre over the years. I was very lucky not only to be handed such a great play to lead but also with the choice of fine actors that I was able to cast. There are seasoned actors, returning players and one new addition to the Dolphin family; each one as committed and inspiring as the next.
It's has also been a great benefit to have the P.A. skills of experienced and talented director Penel Keegan at my side. Apart from being a bestie, her wealth of knowledge has helped me to steer this play in the right direction. As usual, the Dolphin crew have exceeded themselves in everything from tricky props and set design to costuming, sound, lighting...the list goes on. Every play is a team game and many thanks to everybody who has contributed to making this play a success.
So the stage is set. A juicy murder in Act One, unexpected developments in Act Two. Sound construction, good dialogue, laughs in the right places. No spoilers in there though. It should keep you guessing ‘til the very end. Enjoy!
as Sidney
Last seen at Dolphin as the psychopathic killer Jonathan in Arsenic and Old Lace, Richard has welcomed the chance to branch out and embody the more settled and urbane character of Sidney Bruhl in this wonderful production. A caring, thoughtful husband may be a stretch, given recent roles in The Perfect Murder and Dial M for Murder, but theatre is all about challenge. Outside of acting, Richard is making painfully slow progress on his new play and is loving being a math teacher at Pakuranga College.
as Clifford
This is James’s second show at the Dolphin after playing David O. Selznick in Moonlight and Magnolias in 2019. He has performed extensively off (and about as far away as you can be from) Broadway in plays including The Game’s Afoot, Good People, Cruise Control and The Great Gatsby. He declines to comment on his short stint in The Tubers, a vegetable-themed musical about King Henry VIII. He’s also an avid follower of Hugh Jackman, though Hugh isn’t aware of this.
After months of loudly practicing his lines late into the night, he is glad to be doing them for real... so are his neighbours. Please send all feedback to his mother.
as Myra
Yulia is thrilled to portray Myra in her first performance with Dolphins Theatre Group. Other significant roles include Mrs Balzaminov, Balzaminov’s Marriage, Meli in Aesope, and The Baroness in Masquerade (both in TAPAC Theatre). Every year Yulia participates in plays for children, her favourite is playing Baba Yaga. Apparently, there is witch in every woman that needs to get out.
as Porter
Back on the boards at Dolphin! Who’d a thunk it! After first acting with our director Matthew 25 (!) years ago in The Foreigner here at the Dolphin Ian is thrilled to reignite their working friendship – to work with people you admire is always the best. As a bonus to top it all off sharing the stage for the first time ever with his wife and partner of over 20 years, Julia, is a pure joy! (she made me say that). Along with the other members of this incredibly talented cast and crew Ian is sure this is going to be a show that will be remembered for a long time to come.
as Helga Ten Dorp
Ja Ja Ja! I predict you will be enjoying this play muchly! All kidding aside, to be working with friends old and new and to FINALLY set foot on stage with my beloved husband is a dream come true (ha that rhymes). My dear Dad, Bill Leathwick, played the role of Sidney Bruhl right here at Dolphin in 1982 so this is a bit of a full circle moment. Mum – I miss you every single day – I know you are proud – this one’s for you!
