Some great local viewing and the world’s longest-running stage play are highlighted this month.
A spin-off from the well-known BBC franchise Death in Paradise, Return to Paradise is a six part series set in the Australian fictional seaside town of Dolphin Cove. The basic premise, in case you are one of the few people who haven’t seen at least one episode of Death in Paradise, is that a murder occurs, in a beautiful setting and is investigated and solved within the space of an episode. Along the way, the relationships between the investigator and team members are developed and character and back story glimpses appear building a relationship between the viewer and the regulars.
Dolphin Cove, a beautiful seaside town, is where Detective Inspector Mackenzie Clarke, (Anna Samson) has returned after building her career in London although not everyone has welcomed her back. It’s revealed early that she left popular local Doctor Glen Strong, (Tai Hara) at the altar there is some underlying dislike for the quirky Detective. I wasn’t really drawn to Mackenzie after the initial episode, which is problematic given the importance of the connection in keeping viewers tuning in, but I’m finding her more likeable as the series progresses, so I recommend you give it at least a couple of episodes.
The series was filmed in the northern suburbs of Wollongong with stunning ocean and escarpment views, hang gliders, beaches, parks and the phenomenal sea cliff bridge providing the home for Dolphin Cove. I may be biased, as it’s my home town, but I think the scenery is stunning enough to make it worth your time watching. I spent a day on set filming as an extra on a long but fun day, with the super professional production team and other locals enjoying the opportunity to show off our city. Watch Detective Inspector Mackenzie Clarke and visit Dolphin Cove on ABC iView.
I attended a recent production of Agatha Christie’s very famous play The Mousetrap. The world’s longest-running play, there have been over 28,000 performances since its debut performance over 70 years ago. This production was directed by Robin Nevin and was well-paced, entertaining and intriguing and it was easy to see how it still has appeal and is still keeping audiences guessing after all this time. Seven strangers find themselves snowed in at a country guest house and news spreads of a nearby murder. When the police arrive, it appears that the guests are trapped with a killer in their midst. Set and costuming were perfect and it was a polished, professional and thoroughly enjoyable production. You don’t need to be a theatre devotee to enjoy this production it’s accessible and easy to watch. The Mousetrap is touring Australia so keep an eye out and if you have the chance the see it you really should.
Get your brown pantsuit out because Fisk is scheduled to return to our screens late October. Kitty Flanagan returns as Helen Tudor- Fisk working in the team at the legal firm of Gruber and Gruber alongside Roz played by Julia Zamiro and Marty Sheargold as Ray. Possibly the worst dressed probate solicitor ever to grace the screen, Fisk is not especially likeable but something about her and the show just clicks. The first two seasons were funny, clean and also entertaining. One of the funniest moments was when Roz decided to go with her women’s choir group to sing to some natural disaster victims, a ridiculous out of touch with reality moment that had me in hysterics. Fisk has won multiple awards including back to back silver Logies for Flanagan and an international award for a comedy series. I can’t wait to see what the comedic talent of Kitty Flanagan who created, writes and co-directs Fisk comes up with next.