WHEN Alaine Beek began writing a play about the history of one of Werribee’s most famous families, she never imagined it would attract thousands of visitors from around Australia 10 years on.
Mrs Beek began writing What Was That?, a play about the Chirnside family that built Werribee Park Mansion, after she was employed as a tour guide at the mansion.
Her background in theatre prompted her to volunteer to write the play after Parks Victoria expressed interest in staging evening shows at the mansion.
“I knew most of the history through being a tour guide,” Mrs Beek said.
“The Chirnside story is interesting and people want to hear about it, but we have included a scary comedy element to the play to make it different from the tours during the day.”
The first performance was held on June 27, 2003. It starred Mrs Beek as Maggie, the family’s maid, and one other actor. Over the years, more characters have been added as the play’s popularity has grown.
The most recent addition to the cast is former The Secret Life of Us actor David Tredinnick, who plays Mr Duncan, the other servant in the house.
“People travel from all over to see the play but I would like more people in Wyndham to know about it,’’ Mrs Beek said. ‘‘Some people don’t know we are here.”
Performances are held every Saturday night.
Details: essenceproductions.com.au.
