by Claryse Prested
Verdict, a gripping play by world renowned author, Agatha Christie, will be staged by Glenbrook Players next month. Will Reilly, Melanie McLeod, Lauren Bacon-Fleming and Hannah Fileman will star as the leads, taking audiences on a journey through desire, rejection, and the murderous consequences of obsession.
Stepping into the role of male protagonist, Karl Hendryk, is Will Reilly. The seasoned performer who studied theatre in university and London is thrilled to play the role of the admired university professor.
“I’ve never done an Agatha Christie play or a psychological drama […] This felt like a great opportunity to step into something completely new.”
While Verdict is a departure from Christie’s usual murder mystery genre, the show still contains all the wit, charm, and drama Christie is famous for.
“I think [Verdict] takes you right back to that Golden Age of 20th century theatre. It can also be quite funny – Agatha Christie was always great at writing her characters,” Reilly noted.
Reilly, who immigrated from the United States 12 years ago, explained the relevance of a story penned in 1958.
“It carries incredibly timely lessons and invites us to look well beneath the surface, and question our assumptions and judgments – our “verdicts”, if you will – just like any great murder story should.”
Playing the wife of Karl is Melanie McLeod. While more accustomed to stepping into musical theatre roles, such as Maria Rainer in The Sound of Music (BMMS, 2024), McLeod is excited to be part of Verdict.
“This is my first time working with Glenbrook Players and I’m loving it! The actors, crew and everyone in between has really thrown themselves into telling this story, bringing the space alive, and really delving into the nuances of the characters,” she explained.
McLeod is honoured to portray Anya, a political refugee who is housebound by her chronic illness.
“My connection to her mental state has made me want to give as much truth as I can in telling her story, and shaping her into a full and nuanced character,” McLeod revealed.
Verdict takes place in the London flat of three political refugees – Karl, Anya, and Lisa Koletzky, who will be played by Lauren Bacon-Fleming. She steps into the role of Anya’s cousin and carer in her first straight play since studying a Bachelor of Performance at UOW. Most recently seen onstage in the musical & Juliet (PMCC, 2026), she is delighted to be part of Verdict.
“I am a fan of Agatha Christie, and Verdict was a play I hadn’t heard of before, which piqued my interest,” she revealed.
The Glenbrook Players newcomer has relished the opportunity to play the trained physicist as part of a welcoming and talented community.
“Getting to work with director, Ron Wadick, and this incredible cast to explore these really complex characters has been a highlight of rehearsals!” Bacon-Fleming gushed.
Also an immigrant from the United States, Bacon-Fleming finds relevance in her character’s adoption of a new culture, and the socio-political commentary of Christie.
“Sometimes the way you view things and think can be close-minded. In today’s political and societal climate, it’s more important than ever to be open to other thoughts, ideas and cultures,” she said.
Hannah Fileman is poised to star as wealthy outsider, Helen Rollander, who has a disturbing affection for her university lecturer, Karl. Verdict will be Fileman’s debut with Glenbrook Players, and as a stage actor.
“After working in and studying screen acting for the last six years, I finally bit the bullet and signed up for auditions. The fact it was Agatha Christie was the cherry on top – her stories are my favourite,” she explained.
Fileman has particularly enjoyed exploring the richness of Helen’s character.
“It’s been really fun finding the little moments where I can play with her confidence, charm and personality, while also figuring out what she genuinely feels versus what she chooses to show everyone else,” she said.
“Helen and I share confidence and a strong personality! She isn’t afraid to take up space or speak her mind, which is something I really enjoy about playing her,” Fileman continued.
Deepfelt human emotions are what Fileman finds most compelling in Verdict.
“It deals with very human emotions, and asks some difficult questions about what people are capable of when those emotions take over. We experience love, grief, jealousy, temptation, guilt and loyalty and make complicated decisions because of them,” she said.
Witness Verdict at the Glenbrook Community Theatre and Cinema from November 6 to 15. Tickets are available at www.glenbrookcinema.com.au/players/ or by calling 4739 4433. Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for concession, plus the booking fee.
