Everyone is in peril. Everyone is a suspect . . . When award-winning playwright and actor Toby Schmitz set his mind to writing his first crime novel, he couldn’t bear to follow the predictable tropes of the genre. What better place to dig into this mind-bendingly clever whodunnit than an unconventional venue like the Scenic World Skyway?
Set sail across the valley, just like the Toby’s razor-sharp debut, the Empress of Australia, crosses the Atlantic. Expect big ideas, audience interaction, puns and fun with writer and comedian Jennifer Wong, as well as Toby’s trademark charm!
“Whatever you think this book is, think again. Cosy murder mystery? Historical crime fiction? Flamboyant literary feast? Slasher horror? The Empress Murders has all that, but Toby Schmitz has created a unique beast. I loved it. What a trip. Be ready for anything.” Malcolm Knox
“A tense and claustrophobic mystery told with startling wit.” Tim Minchin
Toby Schmitz is a writer, director and actor, most recently seen on television in Boy Swallows Universe. He has received nominations for his performances in The Seagull, Thyestes, Much Ado About Nothing, Measure for Measure, Ruben Guthrie and The Great. He is also a celebrated playwright and was awarded the Patrick White Award for his play Lucky. His debut novel The Empress Murders was published in 2025.
Jennifer Wong is the co-author of Chopsticks or Fork?: Recipes and Stories from Australia’s Regional Chinese Restaurants (also on ABC iView), and a contributor to Admissions: Voices within Mental Health. Her writing has appeared in The Guardian, ABC News, SBS Food, Monocle and The Big Issue. Jennifer’s comedy in English and Cantonese has been seen by millions online, and her stand-up shows have sold out around Australia. She has appeared on The Cook Up, Celebrity Letters and Numbers, Thank God Its Friday! and Chat 10 Looks 3.
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This Writers in the Sky event is held at Scenic World, Katoomba and includes a complimentary drink and light snacks. We invite you to arrive any time from 5:30pm onwards to enjoy drinks and live music in the lounge area. Live music will also continue following the performance, up until 7:15pm. Your Skyway session will commence promptly at 5:45 pm, and will last for approximately 30 minutes.
Please note: Standing room only. If you have trepidation about heights or suffer from vertigo then please consider whether this event is appropriate for you.
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There will be an optional return shuttle bus between The Carrington Hotel and Scenic World for the Writers in the Sky events. The shuttle for this event leaves The Carrington bus stop on Katoomba St at 5:00 pm sharp and is included in the ticket price. At Scenic World, the bus will arrive and depart from the coach parking bus stop in the middle outdoor carpark, located across the road from the entrance.
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There are no seats in the Skyway, but we can provide seats for those who are unable to stand for the duration of the event. This venue is wheelchair accessible.
If you have any further questions, please email hello@bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au.