Disclaimer: This show at no point takes itself seriously, minor detail – there is a murder…………….
The MAC has officially become a crime scene, for the first time in its history as a murder has taken place on its famous stage, but whodunnit! A new co-production by Bruiser Theatre Company and the MAC, audiences will love this award-winning Broadway show, written by Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair which will premiere on 24 April and run to 11 May. Murder for Two is a hilarious high-energy musical whodunit, madcap murder mystery with a twist. Two actors put the LAUGHTER into MANSLAUGHTER! as they play thirteen characters… plus a few tunes on the piano.
When famous novelist Arthur Whitney is found dead at his own birthday party, it’s time to call in the detectives. The only problem is, they’re out of town. Enter Officer Marcus Moscowicz, a neighbourhood cop who dreams of climbing the ranks. With the clock ticking, it’s up to Marcus to prove his super sleuthing skills and solve the crime before the real detective arrives.
Welcoming the co-production with Bruiser Theatre Company, Rachel Leitch, Head of Marketing with the MAC, says; “We are delighted to be Co-producing ‘Murder for Two’ working with the team at Bruiser. This hysterical blend of music, mayhem and of course murder, pays a loving homage to the canon of murder mystery plays to audiences at the MAC. Both actors are devilishly clever and fantastically funny in this full on, fast paced killer musical comedy, which will have audiences in stitches.”
Ahead of the show opening, Bruiser Theatre Company founder and Director Lisa May adds; “For Bruiser this co-production with the MAC is an explosion
of joy. Our Bruiser style of extreme physical theatre will be evident in this epic, withWill and Rob bringing our much trusted and anticipated signature energy, inventiveness and dexterity – audiences should expect the unexpected. With the world in utter chaos right now, ‘Murder for Two’ delivers musical and physical gymnastics, side-splitting silliness and some much-needed escapism.”
Following auditions in Belfast and London, Bruiser have recruited actors Rob Gathercole, who will take on the daunting task of solving the murder as detective Marcus Moscowicz, and Will Arundell, who will transform into ten murder suspects during the performance. No strangers to the stage, Will and Rob will bring their training and high-end energy, providing mayhem, madness and a touch of comic genius to audiences.
Commenting on his many characters, Will says; “I am thrilled to be part of ‘Murder for Two’, it’s a fantastic script! It is very exciting to be working with this brilliant group of creative talent, coming together to make something special, tell a silly story and making people laugh. I am delighted to return to the MAC where I previously
performed ‘The World Goes Round’ by Kander & Ebb in 2018. I have family from Dundalk, so it always feels like coming home when I play in Belfast.” Will added.
Rob, who will play the supersleuth detective, adds; “Murder for Two’ has been on my radar since I graduated! I have been itching to do it, so I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Will, the team at Bruiser Theatre Company and the MAC in this fabulous co-production. It is going to be full on playful and physical, and I literally can’t wait to get stuck in, and maybe even solve the murder!”
“The best comedy comes from collaboration – it’s so fun to make something silly and have each other’s back, its literally Will and I as 13 people, so there is nowhere to hide in what is sure to be a full-on fun and energetic performance”, Rob concluded.
In their true signature style Murder for Two will be identifiably Bruiser; imaginative, daring and non-stop. Will and Rob will embrace the many great comedy double acts, swapping characters at a drop of a hat, quite literally. Taking inspiration from the likes of the Marx Brothers, Victor Borge, Monty Python and Morecambe and Wise, this uproarious comedy show will be bursting with silliness and slapstick, with the music playing tribute to old school novelty cabaret, from vaudeville, jazz and the Broadway musical.
Running 24 April-11 May, buy tickets online for the 17-show run of ‘Murder for Two | The MAC Belfast and by visiting the MAC in person (the MAC is open Tuesday to Sunday). Following on from the MAC, the co-production heads to Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, 14 May; An Grianan Theatre, Letterkenny 15 May; Theatre At The Mill, Newtownabbey 16 May; The Marketplace Theatre, Armagh 17 May and the tour closes at The Playhouse, Derry on 18 May.
The MAC and Bruiser Theatre Company are both funded and supported by the Arts Council for Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council.
