The murdering Makin family – played by Andrea von Bertouch, left, Madeleine Shaw and Angelino Schintu – and Amber Murray (Sarah Cosstick, right) form the story of The Hatpin.
One of Australia’s darkest child murder cases seems an unlikely topic for a musical – but despite its macabre origins, The Hatpin is a story of hope, courage and a mother’s undying love for her child. Written by WA Academy of Performing Arts graduates James Millar and Peter Rutherford, the musical makes its WA premiere at the Old Mill Theatre this July. The Hatpin is directed by Graeme Johnson with musical direction from Paul Lawrence Olsen.
Inspired by the true story of Amber Murray, The Hatpin tells of how she unwittingly gave up her son in 1892 to a notorious Sydney “baby farming” family, giving them support payments while looking for work. But they actually murdered the child and were eventually arrested and tried for killing several other infants, leading to one of the most moving criminal trials in Australian history.
THE DETAILS
- WHEN: July 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25 and 26 at 8pm and Matinee July 20 at 2pm
- WHERE: Old Mill Theatre, Corner of Mends Street and Mill Point Road, South Perth
- COST: Standard $30, Concession $25.
- BOOKINGS: Book online here or call (08) 9367 8719