HILLS INDEPENDENT HILLS 127 January 2026 | Page 25

A murderously funny black comedy CASTLE HILL PLAYERS PRESENTS Arsenic and Old Lace
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A murderously funny black comedy CASTLE HILL PLAYERS PRESENTS Arsenic and Old Lace

In Arsenic and Old Lace, Castle Hill Players have chosen an absolute banger to kick off our 2026 season. It’ s a classic dark comedy set in 1940s Brooklyn in the home of the murderous Brewster family.
Perhaps best known for the 1944 film version starring Cary Grant, Arsenic and Old Lace is a fast moving, farcical black comedy featuring the maniacal, and mostly homicidal, Brewster family.
Our hero, drama critic Mortimer Brewster, has just married the very normal girl next door, Elaine Harper. But now he must navigate his very abnormal family.
Mortimer’ s two spinster aunts, Abby and Martha, love to ply lonely, elderly gentlemen with their very special elderberry wine. One brother, Teddy, thinks he’ s Theodore Roosevelt. His other brother Jonathan is a murderous Boris Karloff look-alike thanks to his sidekick Dr Einstein- an alcoholic plastic surgeon.
What exactly is in that elderberry wine? Why is Teddy doing all that digging down in the cellar? Whose body is that in the window seat? And will Mortimer and Elaine survive another night in the Brewster household?
Come along to the Pavilion Theatre and find out.
Kate Mannix, Margaret Olive, Wendy De Audney
Arsenic and Old Lace will have you in stitches- no surgery required! CASTLE HILL PLAYERS PRESENTS Arsenic and Old Lace By Joseph Kesserling Directed by Steve Rowe 30 Jan – 21 Feb Wed, Fri, Sat 8PM, Sun 4PM Pavilion Theatre Castle Hill Tickets $ 30, Concession $ 25 The Pavilion Theatre is located within the Castle Hill Showgrounds, Castle Hill Bookings paviliontheatre. org. au / arsenicand-old-lace or call 02 9634 2929 Enquiries call 02 9634 3846 or email admin @ paviliontheatre. org. au

Winston Hills Mall reveals refreshed food court

Winston Hills Mall have enhanced the local casual dining experience with the launch of its newly refurbished food court in December an inviting, contemporary space inspired by the natural beauty and community spirit of the Hills District.
The revitalised precinct features almost 60 per cent more seating, warm natural finishes, and a vibrant atmosphere designed to bring people together.
It forms part of a wider $ 2.6 million upgrade, the centre’ s first major renovation in decades- delivering renewed comfort, connection and contemporary design for
the local community.“ We wanted the new food court to reflect the lifestyle and character of Winston Hills while embracing a fresh, modern approach,” said Michelle Fazzolari, General Manager at TGC Retail.
“ This investment ensures the centre continues to evolve with the community it serves, providing an open, functional and welcoming space for locals to enjoy every day.”
The upgraded space will showcase a strong mix of popular eateries including Fried Brothers, Yabba Kebab Adoo, Winston
Hills Wok, Thai Society, My Deli, Donut King, Sharetea, Billy’ s Catch, Sushi Gon, Bakers Delight, Sushi Naya and Sehaj. Joining the lineup is Banh Mi & Co, offering fresh Vietnamese street-food inspired flavours. Local retailers are welcoming the renewed energy the upgrade will bring. Matt El Bayeh, owner of My Deli and El’ s Café & Bar, said the transformation highlights the close relationship between the centre and its customers.
“ We’ ve been part of the Winston Hills Mall community for over 15 years, and over that time, we’ ve built incredible
relationships with customers who’ ve become like family,” he said.
“ The renovation will breathe new life into the food court and we’ re really excited to see new faces while welcoming back our loyal customers. The fresh look will make the space even more inviting and vibrant— it’ s something we can all be proud of as a community.”
With its modernised food court and renewed focus on convenience and community, Winston Hills Mall continues to strengthen its position as a vibrant local destination.
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 127 // JANUARY 2026 23