Davros Dark - Dark Stories True Crime Tours

Meet the Actor – A Night With The Villains

This Halloween, Mira Ball Productions, in association with Our Yakka and the Salad Bowl Collective, brings you a sinister night of villainous melodies through their concert A Night With The Villains.

But only for two unforgettable nights – Tuesday 31st Oct and Wednesday 1st Nov. Here we meet one of the concert’s principal performers – Georgia Leigh – whom we chatted to for the insider’s view of A Night With The Villains.

About Georgia Leigh

What do you enjoy most about acting?

I love the way being an actor can transport you to so many different places and be a completely different person to yourself. It’s so fun being able to play different characters. I personally love going out after the show and meeting the audience, hearing what they think and interacting with them as myself.

What productions have you acted in before?

I have worked mainly in Musical Theatre, with most of my professional experience in Children’s Theatre, starring in roles such as Sophie in Mamma Mia and Nancy in Oliver! And Rosalie Mullins in the QLD Amateur Premier of School of Rock. I have performed at the Adelaide Fringe Festival with JALLY Entertainment, performing as Snowy in Snowy and the 7 Cool Dudes by A.J. Bailey and have performed this show in 6 states and territories.

What has been your favourite role so far in your career?

I met my husband playing Sophie in Mamma Mia, so I am probably slightly biased in thinking that’s my favourite role. In terms of the most challenging, I think that would have been Rosalie Mullins from School of Rock, she is very different to who I am, so it was hard being a tight arse, but that’s what made it so enjoyable.

What do you think makes a performance most believable?

I think that a believable performance has heart. I find performances most believable when I can sense the deep connection to the character and can feel and see myself in those moments.

Are there any particular genres or types of roles that you prefer or feel most comfortable in?

I love working in the Children’s Theatre. Although physically demanding, it brings me joy knowing that I could potentially influence future young actors. I remember watching shows at my school and thinking how amazing it was, and I hope I am bringing that same feeling to others.

About A Night With The Villains

What is this Production about?

A Night With The Villians is the amazing brainchild of Elodie Boal and Trent Sellars, with help from Jennifer B Ashley and Jackie Fredericksen along the way. Imagine having all the best villains in the world returning for just one night (in our case, 2!) and tormenting you with fabulous song and dance. Truly, it is a match made in Halloween heaven, but you can’t just take my word for it!

What character are you playing, and what can you share with us about them?

I am playing the Wicked Witch character. As soon as I was posited with going green for this show, I was all in! Some of the best roles are painted green, so I am actually honoured to be doing it for this one! Everyone in this show has a unique character, and it is so wicked and fun to see them transform at rehearsals.

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

I spent a year in America in 2019, and the difference between American Halloween and ours cannot be understated! When Elodie approached me about being a part of a Halloween show, you bet I was ready brooms-a-blazing. Being a part of a supportive cast and crew was also a major draw card. These guys have been the BEST to work with.

What sort of person is going to love this show?

Everyone who loves a bit of a spook and something quirky will love this show—bringing a little bit of Musical Theatre, Film and Television together in one jam-packed 2-hour thrill. Everyone has their moment to shine and tell their own unique story with iconic songs and amazing dancing.

What’s going to surprise people about this show?

How amazing the talent is in Brisbane (though we already knew it!), the cast is so solid in their performances and deliveries I think that people will be amazed.

Georgia can be seen in A Night With The Villains from 31st Oct to 1st November in the Ron Hurley Theatre in the spooky Seven Hills Hub.

Other interviews can be viewed in Our Meet The Actor Series, or check here for the latest Dark Stories True Crime Tours.

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On This Day in True Crime History – 19th October

by Davros Dark

Today we circle back to the challenges that have existed for 19th of October on This Day in True Crime History.

1216: 👑 The Mysterious End of King John: Poison and Betrayal? 🍐🍺

On this day in 1216, King John of England, notorious for the signing of the Magna Carta, met his end at Newark Castle. Rumours suggest that a monk from Swineshead Abbey, resentful of the demands placed upon the abbey by the King, poisoned either a batch of pears or a pot of ale. This act of vengeance supposedly sealed not only King John’s fate but also the monk’s own. 🤫📜

1973: 📼 Nixon’s Defiance in the Watergate Scandal 🏛🎙️

On this day in 1973, amidst the swirling controversy of the Watergate scandal, President Richard Nixon took a bold step 🚫 by rejecting an Appeals Court demand to release the infamous Watergate tapes 🎙️. These tapes, which held crucial evidence of conversations between Nixon and his aides, became the focal point of the investigation. Nixon’s refusal to release them intensified the crisis 🌪️ and risked putting himself in contempt of court. The event would eventually lead to Nixon’s resignation. ✍️

1989: 🙌 Guildford Four’s Conviction Overturned 🏛️💥

On this day in 1989, the wrongful convictions of the Guildford Four were quashed by the British courts. Originally convicted in 1975 for their alleged involvement in the 1974 Guildford pub bombings, crucial evidence, which had been withheld during the original trial, came to light, including alibi evidence and original police interview notes that differed from the confessions presented in court. Moreover, the Balcombe Street Gang, an IRA unit, had admitted to the bombings whilst in custody, but this was initially dismissed by authorities. 🏛️🔍🇬🇧

2005: 🏛️ Saddam Hussein’s Trial Commences ⚖️🇮🇶

On this day in 2005, the trial of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein for crimes against humanity began in Baghdad. The world watched with bated breath 🌍👀 as Hussein, who once held an iron grip 🤚 over Iraq, faced charges related to the mass killings of Shiite Muslims and Kurds. The proceedings were marked by intense debates and confrontations, shining a light on Iraq’s tumultuous history during his regime.

2006: 🩸 Inmate on Death Row’s Final Claim of Innocence 🚔

On this day in 2006, just before his scheduled execution, a death row inmate, Michael Johnson, used his own blood to write “I did not shoot him” on the walls of his cell. The message served as his final plea of innocence. When he was 19 years old, Johnson, alongside his friend, was involved in a fatal incident at a gas station. The friend later testified against Johnson in exchange for a reduced sentence, although this information was not disclosed to Johnson’s defence legal team. 🕊🔒

2018: 📰 Disappearance and Death of Journalist Jamal Khashoggi 🖋️🇸🇦

On this day in 2018, the world’s attention was captivated by the case of Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent Saudi journalist. Khashoggi, known for his critical writings on Saudi Arabia’s government, vanished after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. As days passed, evidence mounted, suggesting he had been brutally murdered inside the consulate. Despite global outcry and demands for a thorough investigation, the exact circumstances and individuals responsible for his death remain subjects of contention and intrigue. 🌍🔍✒️

Hope to see you on a Dark Stories True Crime Tour soon.

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On This Day in True Crime History – 12th October

by Davros Dark

Today we rewind the clock to the 12th of October on This Day in True Crime History.

On this day in 1609, London witnessed the publication of what seemed to be a simple nursery rhyme, “Three Blind Mice.” While it enchanted children with its catchy tune, some historians theorize that the “three blind mice” are believed to represent three Protestant bishops who conspired against Queen Mary I of England, infamously known as “Bloody Mary”. Their failed plot led to their conviction for treason and subsequent execution by being burned at the stake. The “farmer’s wife” cutting off their tails with a carving knife? None other than Queen Mary herself. 🎶🔥👑

1933: 🔒 From Island to Infamy: Alcatraz’s Transformation into America’s Most Dreaded Prison 🌊

On this day in 1933 Alcatraz Island, formerly a military fortification, underwent its most notorious transformation: it became a federal maximum-security prison designed to hold the nation’s most dangerous criminals. Alcatraz was the ultimate punishment – a remote, inescapable fortress where inmates faced a life of strict discipline amidst the chilling winds and unforgiving waves. Names like Al “Scarface” Capone and Robert “Birdman” Stroud would soon echo through its cells, cementing Alcatraz’s reputation in true crime lore. 🏢🦜🚔

1949: 🌍 Birth of a Mercenary – The Early Days of Carlos the Jackal 🔫

On this day in 1949, Ilich Ramírez Sánchez was born in Venezuela. He would later become infamously known to the world as Carlos the Jackal, responsible for a series of terrorist attacks and hostage takings across Europe during the 1970s and early 1980s. Raised by a devoutly Catholic mother and a Marxist father, his early introduction to communism set the stage for his future activities. 🌎✈️🕵️‍♂️🧨

1960: 📺 A Live Broadcast Turned Tragedy: The Assassination of Inejiro Asanuma 🗡️

On this day in 1960, televisions across Japan showed what would become one of the most shocking moments in the nation’s modern history. Inejiro Asanuma, leader of the Japan Socialist Party, was addressing a political gathering when a young nationalist named Otoya Yamaguchi rushed onto the stage and assassinated Asanuma with a samurai sword. The horrifying act was witnessed in real time by countless viewers. 🇯🇵🎥🚫

1984: 💥 Brighton’s Dark Day: The IRA’s Attempt on Thatcher 🏨

On this day in 1984, the serene coastal town of Brighton, England, became the epicentre of a chilling political assassination attempt aiming to eliminate British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her cabinet, who were staying there for the Conservative Party Conference. The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) orchestrated a bomb attack at the Grand Hotel; nevertheless, the Prime Minister narrowly escaped, but the blast claimed the lives of five individuals and injured 31 others. 🇬🇧🔍🚑

1988: 🔍 Melbourne’s Unsolved Mystery: The Walsh Street Shootings 🚓

On this day in 1988, a tragic incident unfolded in South Yarra, Melbourne. Constables Steven Tynan, aged 22, and Damian Eyre, aged 20, members of the Victoria Police force, were ambushed and tragically killed during the early hours 🕰️. The Walsh Street police shootings sent shockwaves 🌊 through Melbourne, leading to an intense and prolonged investigation which to this day remains unsolved. 🔍

2002: 💥 Bali’s Night of Horror 💥🌴

On this day in 2002, Indonesia faced its deadliest act of terrorism. The Bali bombings resulted in the tragic loss of 202 lives, and among the casualties, 88 were Australians 🇦🇺. The bustling nightlife of Bali’s Kuta district was shattered when blasts from two bombs ripped through popular nightclubs. 🌌

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Meet The Actor – The Secrets of Carmichael Manor

by Davros Dark

The Secrets of Carmichael Manor is coming to Sydney on the 13th of October, and here we take the time to chat with the Actor, Director and Author of the show Kate Jirelle in our Meet The Actor Series.

Let’s turn our spotlights onto Kate and delve deeper into her and The Secrets of Carmichael Manor production.

About Kate

What do you enjoy most about acting?

What I most enjoy about acting is the ability it gives you to explore yourself and the world around you. Whenever I take on a new character, I learn so much about myself and what I’m capable of, but it also makes me consider other perspectives and other walks of life that I’ve never considered before.

Do you believe talent or training is more important to an actor?

I firmly believe it takes both, but I don’t think you need to get an acting degree necessarily. I never had the opportunity to attend a traditional drama school, but I have gained so much by training at places like Sydney Acting Studio, which offers regular and ongoing training with incredible teachers who always support, encourage, and challenge me to do my best. Whether you go to a traditional drama school or not, it’s essential to continuously work on your craft as an actor with people who inspire you and constantly push you to do your best work.

Which acting technique do you think is the best for you?

The foundation of my training has been the Meisner Technique, which is definitely the technique I would say is my foundation. However, as an actor, I’m constantly learning and always looking for new tools to add to the toolbox.

What do you believe is the most challenging aspect of being an actor?

To be an actor, you need to have a thick skin. When you become an actor, you hear “No” a lot more times than “Yes”, and it can be easy to let that get to you. However, I find that if you surround yourself with the right people who understand you, inspire you and can lift you up in the low times, it makes the more challenging times easier to navigate.

What is your favourite film or theatre production?

This changes for me almost daily, but I’m always a sucker for stories that can have me laughing one minute and crying the next. In terms of movies, Jo Jo Rabbit is definitely up there in the favourites list. In the category of plays, The Things I Know To Be True by Andrew Bovell is also a firm favourite. Regarding TV, I’ve recently hopped onto the Ted Lasso bandwagon and am very much enjoying the ride.

The Secrets of Carmichael Manor EVENTBRITE

About The Secrets of Carmichael Manor

How did the writing of this show come about?

Having acted in several Dark Stories productions before, I couldn’t help but jump at the chance when I was asked to write one. All Dark Stories shows have a great tone that often mixes history, mystery and humour, which is an absolute ball to write. I also couldn’t resist the opportunity to write for such a great venue as Experiment Farm Cottage. You can’t help but be inspired when it comes to such a beautiful historical building.

What sort of person is going to love this show?

I like to describe this show as Doctor Who meets Knives Out. So, if you like either one of those, I think you’ll love The Secrets of Carmichael Manor.

Who should not come see this show?

People who aren’t prepared to be dragged into the action. No, really – this show is very interactive, and the audience very much becomes part of the show. But, if being involved in the story is your cup of tea, you will enjoy this show.

Who in the show is most like their character?

I must say it’s Ben Durham playing the role of Father Patrick. The instant he walked into the audition, we knew we’d found our Father Pat – and that was even before he started delivering the scene.

Who’s the least?

Definitely, Gary Leonard Belshaw, who plays the role of George Carmichael. I’ve known Gary for a while now, and he is genuinely one of the most kind-hearted and generous performers I’ve met. In comparison, George is a very boorish and ill-tempered character, and it always amazes me how well Gary manages to slip into that energy when it is the very opposite of who he is. Talk about great acting!

Kate Jirelle can be seen in The Secrets of Carmichael Manor, which only runs for two weekends, from the 13th to the 15th of October and the 20th to 22nd of October, in the historic space of Experiment Farm Cottage, in Parramatta.

About Georgia Leigh

What do you enjoy most about acting?

What productions have you acted in before?

What has been your favourite role so far in your career?

What do you think makes a performance most believable?

Are there any particular genres or types of roles that you prefer or feel most comfortable in?

About A Night With The Villains

What is this Production about?

What character are you playing, and what can you share with us about them?

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

What sort of person is going to love this show?

What’s going to surprise people about this show?

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

1216: 👑 The Mysterious End of King John: Poison and Betrayal? 🍐🍺

1973: 📼 Nixon’s Defiance in the Watergate Scandal 🏛🎙️

1989: 🙌 Guildford Four’s Conviction Overturned 🏛️💥

2005: 🏛️ Saddam Hussein’s Trial Commences ⚖️🇮🇶

2006: 🩸 Inmate on Death Row’s Final Claim of Innocence 🚔

2018: 📰 Disappearance and Death of Journalist Jamal Khashoggi 🖋️🇸🇦

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1609: 🎵 Hidden Horrors in Harmony: The Dark Tale Behind Three Blind Mice 🐁

1933: 🔒 From Island to Infamy: Alcatraz’s Transformation into America’s Most Dreaded Prison 🌊

1949: 🌍 Birth of a Mercenary – The Early Days of Carlos the Jackal 🔫

1960: 📺 A Live Broadcast Turned Tragedy: The Assassination of Inejiro Asanuma 🗡️

1984: 💥 Brighton’s Dark Day: The IRA’s Attempt on Thatcher 🏨

1988: 🔍 Melbourne’s Unsolved Mystery: The Walsh Street Shootings 🚓

2002: 💥 Bali’s Night of Horror 💥🌴

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About Kate

What do you enjoy most about acting?

Do you believe talent or training is more important to an actor?

Which acting technique do you think is the best for you?

What do you believe is the most challenging aspect of being an actor?

What is your favourite film or theatre production?

About The Secrets of Carmichael Manor

How did the writing of this show come about?

What sort of person is going to love this show?

Who should not come see this show?

Who in the show is most like their character?

Who’s the least?

Spread the word on your favourite platform!