Photo Flash: First Look at Dark Psychic Productions' 'The Temperamental Artist'

A CLASSIC cult movie from the late 1950s is being brought to life as a stage production this May and June.

Presented by Dark Psychic Productions at Phoenix Theatre, the 1959 comedy horror film A Bucket of Blood has been adapted for the stage by Mitch Brian as The Temperamental Artist. It follows Walter Paisley, a bus boy at a beatnik café, who dreams of being an artist. After accidentally killing his landlady's cat, he covers it with clay and passes it off as sculpture and suddenly finds himself an overnight success. Walter feels the pressure to produce more work and, as the police close in and the murders escalate, he zeroes in on the girl he loves, determined to make her his wife - or next sculpture.

"The show has a Sweeney Todd-Little Shop Of Horrors feel with a film noir effect, which I'm calling stage noir," director Shaun Griffin said. "That may be something of a challenge for me, as well as the fact the script is set out for film rather than stage. This is also the first full-length show I've directed predominantly on my own, although I have an assistant director."

First performing with Rockingham Theatre as a 13-year-old, Griffin appeared in a variety of productions over seven years before spending six years with Kwinana Theatre. He first acted at Phoenix Theatre in Pass The Butler and has performed in several shows in the past six years. The Temperamental Artist appealed to Griffin because it's different to anything else he's seen or read.

"The script is somewhat intricate but it's a lot of fun and the cast have been working very hard," he said.

The Temperamental Artist plays at 8pm May 28, 29, 30, June 4 and 5 with 2pm matinees May 31 and June 6. Tickets are $20, $18 concession plus transaction fees - book at www.phoenixtheatreinc.com.au or on 0422 394 749. Raffle and program sales go to the Autism Association of WA.

Please note: the show contains adult themes, stylised violence and haze and flashing lighting effects.

Phoenix Theatre is located at 435 Carrington Street, Hamilton Hill, within the Hamilton Hill Memorial Hall.

Photos by Sally Newman