''Lightning Strikes Twice'' is a 1944 Australian stage play by Rex Rienits. Rienits originally wrote it as a vehicle for Marie Ney. It was presented by the Tin Alley Players, the first time they did an Australian play. The play received a number of productions throughout Australia. It was Rienits' most successful stage play.

Premise

Martha Allen, a possessive woman, commits one murder, then two, then becomes insane. Her nephew becomes involved.

Original Melbourne cast

*Ruby May as Martha Allen *Marjorie Dyson as Stephanie Markham *Joy Youlden as Kitty *Lorna Moriarty as Sarah Johnson *Kenneth Pawley as Robert Allen *Robert Horne as Sergeant Shaw *Les Young as Dr. Markham

Reception

''The Age'' called it "full of melodrama - but modern." ''The Argus'' felt it was "a strong drama, and it was produced with professional skill." ''The Bulletin'' said it had an "excellent reception" and leading actor Ruby May was "thrilling" in her role. The ''Brisbane Telegraph'' called it a "good thriller". The ''Adelaide Advertiser'' said it "strikes an ultra modern note".

References

{{reflist

External links

Lightning Strikes Twice
at Ausstage 1944 plays 1940s Australian plays Works by Rex Rienits