Curse of the Mummy

Primadonna Productions’ youth presented the funny little Aussie musical Curse of the Mummy. A blend of Ancient Egyptian curses, jokes that hail from around that time and some roaring twenties madness, this show features a plethora of kooky characters and some toe-tapping songs.

Paige Boardman kicks off the show nicely as heroine Georgina Nolan, a diarist and modern 1920s girl - part narrator and independent woman, Paige sings prettily and anchors the show well. Her father, Professor Nolan, is played with expertise and subtle comedy by Lauren Daniels, while hero-of-sorts Roger, Georgina’s boyfriend is given matinee idol swagger by Bianca Franklin. 

There are some great villains this tale. Ruma and Ra’an, ‘dodgy servants with dubious pasts’ are played with panache by Holly Creelman and Darien Peckover, adding colour and contrast. Max Bonner plays the mysterious Karaan, while Steven Jones is great fun in the title role - a second act appearance that is worth the wait.

Heroine Georgina has a trio of friends, modern career women who are educated and intelligent, except perhaps when it comes to men - well portrayed with lovely teamwork by Ariarne McBraida, Mali Tucker, and Lucy Fortune. Loyal family cook, and terrible singer, Mrs Scragg is great fun in the hands of Maria Collett

Marnie Kelly provides some musical highlights, playing Lytia, an Egyptian seer, with a great feel of mystery. Sarah Edmonstone brings both comedy and authority to Akram, Museum Expert in Antiquities. 

A strong ensemble of various ages and experience bring colour and life to many scenes - including a lovely cameo from Eva Collett, a strong solo turn from Josephine Fahl and a very cute couple of camels. 

This show looks great, with Ancient Egypt and 1920s Sydney simply but effectively created with sets and costumes. 

While the audience numbers might have been down on this show (as they seem to be across WA in the last week or so), those who attended were delighted by this little gift of a production.

Kimberley Shaw

Images: Gemma Little Photography.