Larry has a chat to the actress who has been given one of the most iconic roles from the world of murder mysteries and crime fiction, Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple. Judi Farr is the legendary Australian actress who’ll be bringing Miss Marple to life on stage in Sydney and Melbourne in the production A Murder is Announced. We talk about the role, the show and more…
Do you remember the first time you were exposed to Miss Marple? What was your first impression?
I actually don’t remember my first exposure to Miss Marple. Somewhere, somehow in the mists of time I must have seen an Agatha Christie film “starring” Miss Marple and surely my first impression must have been a thrill that such a role was written for a really older woman. Ingenious and, at times, exciting.
What do you think separates this character from other detectives – or even other Agatha Christie works?
There is a simplicity, a joy, a naivete and a delight in this character rarely seen in “other” detectives.
What do you hope to bring to the role in this particular production?
I hope to bring all of the above and having an audience enchanted and delighted with Miss Christie’s creation.
What does it mean to you to be able to play such an iconic role?
It means that I have the honour of introducing Miss Marple to the Australian theatre going public.
You’ve had the opportunity to perform regularly at the STC over the years – what are your feelings of the theatre? You must have quite an affinity with it by now?
Hey, convoluted question! I have worked for the Sydney Theatre Company, off and on over the years, at the Wharf, the Drama Theatre and the Sydney Theatre – but the latter on only two occasions. Therefore, I’ve not really worked in this space enough to form an “affinity”. It’s a challenging theatre and the dressing rooms are great!!
How has your preparation for AMIA compared to other productions you’ve undertaken at the same theatre?
Rehearsals under the brilliant direction of Darren Yapp, have been exciting and adventurous. Comparisons? Hadn’t looked for any! Every production, every director, every company is different, but all striving for the same outcome – to entertain. Certainly our rehearsal period has been shorter than it usually is in subsidized theatre, but that’s part of the excitement of difference and I like the speed at which we’ve worked. It’s exhilarating! I have enjoyed the process very much. Great story, great young director and a truly great cast.
What do you hope people take away from the production?
A jolly good time out. Suspense, fun, mystery and delight in attempting to solve Miss Christie’s puzzle.
Were you able to guess “whodunit” when you first read this story?
Noooo!
After Miss Marple, what’s next for you?
Who knows! Surely that is the thrill of the future. I am happy to concentrate and enjoy the many moments with AMIA that are to come.
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A Murder is Announced premieres at the Sydney Theatre Company on the 27th of September, before moving onto Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from the 30th of October. More details here: http://www.amurderisannounced.com.au/
