Intriguing, hilarious and ultimately suspenseful is Queensland Theatre Company’s production of ‘Switzerland’, produced for its third time for Brisbane audiences.
Written by renowned playwright Joanna Murray-Smith, the two-hander play (with just two cast members) will thrill and surprise with witty, dark humour, fascinating characters and a finely detailed script and storyline.
The Brisbane performance will be the third production of the show, with the lead role of Patricia played by local Matilda award-winning actress and Director Andrea Moor.
‘Switzerland’ tells the story of the fictitious final night in the life of real-life thriller novelist Patricia Highsmith, well-known for her iconic thriller novel series, ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’. “In the play, a young man from her New York publisher comes to her (in Switzerland) to try and convince her to write another Ripley,” Andrea says.
Though for more details, you’ll have to book tickets, because the creatives aren’t giving away too much more about the plot. “I can't tell you what happens, but it is very suspenseful. The play has a very similar feel to the Ripley novels – it’s a psychological thriller – and [Joanna] has been very clever in how she's created that,” Andrea explains.
“[In real life, Patricia] was a very challenging, interesting and difficult personality. She often lost friends and people could only take so much of her. She was an absolute eccentric, so Joanna already had a really amazing character to start with.”
Though after dabbling in more directing for the Queensland Theatre Company (QTC) recently, Andrea says she’s enjoying her return to centre stage, despite the challenge of stepping back. “Patricia was a complete contradiction in terms, she was this real dichotomy. She's one thing then she's something else, and it has been really exciting to explore just how complex she is... I’ve just been loving throwing myself into her world.
“The biggest challenge for me is allowing myself to be an actor. As a director you feel so responsible for everybody in the team and as an actor you are just there to do your bit... Luckily we have a totally wonderful director, so that is all taken care of.”
Following two successful seasons in both the US and Australia, Andrea says the all-new cast and crew are excited to bring Joanna’s talent for detailed scripts and intelligent humour to Brisbane audiences.
“It’s such a fine piece of work that we don't often get to do. Obviously there’s been another production in Sydney, but I think ’Switzerland’ will really appeal to our audiences up here. People already love Joanna Murray-Smith’s work, and I think this is her best play, it’s really outstanding.
“Audiences can expect a very wittily written, very funny, delicious thriller, that will have them on the edge of their seats. It’s a lovely intimate experience in the Bille Brown Studio as well.”
The QTC production is directed by Paige Rattray, and also casts Matthew Backer, who starred as Frankie Valli in Australian production of ‘Jersey Boys’, as the young publisher from New York. “[Matthew’s] a really lovely actor that’s always just a joy... Working with a fabulous actor and guided by our wonderful director; it’s one of those magical, joyous combinations because that doesn't always happen, so that’s very exciting.”
'Switzerland' performs the Bille Brown Studio 20 May – 26 June.
