Essence Productions invites art and history lovers to join them as they celebrate their 1000th performance of What Was That? at Werribee Mansion on Saturday, August 12 at 8pm
Written by Alaine Beek and based on the true story of the Chirnside Family, this experience has entertained more than 23.000 audience members since it began – welcoming them into one of Victoria’s largest and most opulent properties.
Now in its 20th year, the success of Essence Theatre Production’s What Was That? is a testament to the marrying of arts and history in Victoria, and how the results act to showcase some of our finest attributes to locals, interstate, and international guests, alike.
It is July 1908 and visitors are rare at Werribee Mansion. The mistress, Mary Chirnside, tragically died three months ago and since then there have been multiple strange occurrences in the house.
Despite this, the only two remaining servants, Maggie (the Head Maid) and Mr Duncan (the Butler) have tried to stay positive as they await the new masters.
Welcomed by Maggie as “Old friends of The Chirnside’s”, What Was That? is an immersive, roaming play filled with drama, comedy, and scary elements.
It also allows people to experience the magnificence of the Mansion as the story unfolds throughout the house. Taken through nine lavish rooms during the performance, they are even invited to sit around the grand dining room table – something normally closed off to the public.
Performed (on varying nights) by Alaine Beek, Ross Daniels, Helen Hopkins, Clare O’Brien, Kevin Hopkins, Phil Cameron-Smith and Glen Hancox.
The countdown to the 1000th show is:
• Saturday, July 29 at 8pm (show 998),
• Saturday, August 5 at 8pm (show 999) or
• Saturday, August 12 at 8pm (show 1000).
Venue: Werribee Park Mansion – K Road, Werribee
Duration: 90 mins (includes glass of sparkling wine or soft drink at end of show with performers)
Accessibility: due to the historic nature of the mansion there is no wheelchair access for this event
Age Suitability: 11+
Warnings: Some scary elements, light sexual references
Bookings: www.essence
theatre.productions

• Cheryl Threadgold

Pictured: Alaine Beek (Maggie) welcomes guests to Werribee Mansion in What Was That?