Director Laurence Strangio
Cast Rob Meldrum and Jillian Murray
A brutal murder is committed in a small town in France. The dismembered corpse is dropped from a railway viaduct onto passing trains below… All except the head. Witness this modern classic psychological thriller that takes you right inside the heart and mind of the perpetrator. Based on a fascinating true crime that took place in 1949.
Pierre (Rob Meldrum) and Claire Lannes (Jillian Murray) are ordinary human beings leading everyday lives until a gruesome catastrophe occurs. In simple conversation, they effortlessly reveal the beauty and brutality of their inner selves, and create a painstaking portrait of lost passion.
On Tour
2019
Artform
Theatre, Drama
Suits
Proscenium Arch, Black Box, Thrust, Flat Floor, Hall
Duration
100 minutes
Minimum Stage
TBA
Previous Seasons
La Mama 2014 & 2015, fortyfivedownstairs 2016 & 2017
Technical Specifications
2019 Tour Dates
30 May Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs
1 June Portland Arts Centre
5 June Kingston Arts Shirley Burke Theatre, Parkdale
7 June Burrinja Cultural Centre
12 June Frankston Arts Centre
14-15 June NORPA at Lismore City Hall
25-26 June Mandurah Performing Arts Centre
28-29 June QUT Gardens Theatre, Brisbane
2-3 July Theatre Royal, Hobart
5-6 July The Engine Room, Bendigo
11 July Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre
13 July Beaufort Manor, Yea
19-20 July Whitehorse Centre, Nunawading
What people are saying
Meldrum is contained and compelling as Pierre and his rich, dark, velvety voice is almost hypnotic in both of his roles.
Murray is remarkable and disconcerting as the eccentric, mercurial Claire, depicting her as a woman teetering on the brink of psychosis but hauling herself back to some version of reality in which she is a bewildered, light-voiced and childlike creature…
L’amante anglaise is an engrossing theatrical experience with assured acting and direction. Duras should be delighted. Herald Sun
Jillian Murray won a Green Room Award for this performance, and rightly so. Initially rational and lacking remorse, but so mousy as to invite disbelief she could have committed such a grisly crime, Murray’s Claire gradually reveals a woman imprisoned long before the murder: by the weight of nostalgia for a youthful love affair, by her loveless marriage, by the insistent drip of her own thoughts and finally, by the flood of madness. The Age
L’amante anglaise is a thrilling psychological drama, beautifully served by superb performances. I have rarely been as impressed by performance as I was by this production.” Mary Lou Jelbard, Artistic Director fortyfivedownstairs
Selling Points
- This is an edge of your seat drama that will be both gripping and highly moving for your audience. It will appeal to fans of true crime dramas and murder mysteries in the vein of Agatha Christie, Truman Capote (In Cold Blood) or Edgar Allen Poe.
- The production has proved to be a hit with audiences, and has already had three successful sold out seasons in Melbourne.
- The other major selling point is the outstanding performances. Jillian Murray won the 2015 Green Room Award for Outstanding Female Performer (independent). Both performances are absolutely riveting and are two of Victoria’s most experienced senior actors working at the peak of their craft.
Community Engagement
Q&A’s and forums will be available.
Rob Meldrum is a highly experience teacher (VCA, National Theatre Drama School). Workshops for adults and upper secondary students may be made available as part of a touring itinerary.