Firebringer

Firebringer is a contemporary musical theatre company responsible for a number of modern pop-culture inspired musicals, including, most famously, A Very Potter Musical. StarKid have somewhat of a cult following - and this may apply to performers as well - with several performers and the director of the last StarKid production performed in Perth, Marloo’s Twisted, appearing in this production.

Set in the Stone Age, we follow the discovery of fire and its impact on a local community - while the set and costumes (both designed by director Craig Griffen) have somewhat of a Flintstones feel - this is definitely a post-Flintstones Stone Age, with its strong female leadership and its nonchalant acceptance of same-sex relationships.

While the songs are not particularly memorable, they are well performed and good fun - and the music, under musical director and conductor Matthew Leak, is well played. Good fun to listen to, with very competent vocalists.

Cathy Woodhouse is strong as leader of the tribe Jemilla, wise and likeable - and conveying an interesting journey. Catalyst character Zazzallil, who challenges the status quo, is played with a good sense of fun, a likeable rebel in the hands of Lukas Perez. Candice Preston is the narrator and elder-statesperson Molog - who grabs and demands our attention, although her accent can be tricky to discern.

There are some interesting and bizarre characters. Erin Craddock delights as young romantic lead Emberley, well paired with Lochlan Curtis as outsider Grunt. Jessica Huysing is sweet as sidekick Keeri, Brittany Isaia maintains a running gag well as Schwoopsi, and Alex Banham brings conviction to man of faith Ducker. Alyssa Burton plays the intriguing Chorn (and its worth the wait to hear her lovely voice). Jarvys McQueen-Mason plays the interestingly named Smelly Balls, Kylana McIntosh is lovely as lark, Genevieve Wilson brings lots of life to the role of Tyblin, with Michael Carroll giving menace to Snarl. Verity Lux and Melody Castledine complete the cast well.

Not for everyone, the language is very strong and some of the imagery is a little “on the nose”, almost literally. The storyline is simple and with a lesser cast might not hold the audience’s attention - but luckily the direction and cast are strong.

A must-see for StarKids devotees, and those who love to see something new.

Kimberley Shaw