New True-Crime Immersive Theatre Production Explores Sydney's Dark Past

The world-premiere season of the true-crime immersive theatre production, DEADHOUSE: Tales of Sydney Morgue, will be presented by Blancmange Productions and Actors Anonymous from 24th April to 19th May.

DEADHOUSE: Tales of Sydney Morgue will present two unique shows based on the notorious crimes of Leonard Lawson and Louisa Collins. With a cast of 11 performers across the two productions, the thrilling true stories from Sydney's dark and murderous past will be brought to life across one sinister season.

Staged at The Rocks Discovery Museum, audience members are invited to explore the three levels of the historic 1850s sandstone building as scenes depicting the back stories of the famous crimes are played out.

Portrait of the Artist as a Murderer by Robert Armstrong
24th to 28th April and 8th to 12th May

Portrait of the Artist as a Murderer will present the light and dark sides of Leonard "Lennie" Lawson and depictions of his horrendous crimes.

In the 1950s, Lennie descended into a frenzy of violent crime and spent seven years in jail for rape and sexual assault. After being released, Lennie sexually assaulted and murdered a 16-year-old girl while painting her portrait, and held a group of teachers and schoolgirls hostage before killing one of the students. Lennie was sentenced to life in prison and died in 2003, aged 76.

A Poison Crown by Gina Schien
1st to 5th May and 15th to 19th May

Set in 19th century Sydney, A Poison Crown brings to life the characters who fought for and against convicted murderer Louisa Collins' appointment with the gallows. Tried four times and eventually convicted, Louisa was the last woman hanged in New South Wales after it was discovered that both her husbands had died from arsenic poisoning.

TICKETS: Adult $43.29 | Concession $32.74. Bookings via Eventbrite or purchase at the door

SUITABLE FOR: Ages 16+

Writers Robert Armstrong (Leonard Lawson) and Gina Schien (Louisa Collins) Director Michael Block Assistant Directors Liviu Monsted, Brinley Meyer and Stephen Carnell Production Design Bronte Schuftan Composer Carmen Lysiak Sound Design Tegan Nicholls Costumes Susan Carveth Make Up Dale Smoothy Lighting Design Kyle Stephens Props Lew McDonnell Stage Managers Farlie Goodwin and Skye Murphy

Cast Kyla Ward, Chris Miller, Jacqui Robson, Nathaniel Hole, Wendi Lanham, Rebecca Waters, Alex Smith, Liviu Monsted, Susan Jordan, David Attrill and Steve Donelan.

PLEASE NOTE: These performances contain depictions of sexual violence and death with semi-nudity. A nurse will be present to assist any distressed patrons.

ACCESSIBILITY: The venue consists of a back courtyard and three floors, with narrow staircases connecting each. Access may be difficult for some.