Lucky Stiff

Primadonna Productions’ Lucky Stiff, is, as per its subtitle, “a Dead Funny Musical”. In possibly the WA premiere of this manic little musical, eleven actors work their socks off to present a pacey show that delights its audience and has laughs at every corner.

Shoe salesman Harry Witherspoon receives news that he will receive a six-million-dollar inheritance, but under the bizarre terms of his uncle’s will, he must take his dead uncle to Monte Carlo and entertain him for a week - otherwise the fortune will pass to the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn. Add to this a collection of odd people eager to get their hands on the loot and increasingly unlikely obstacles, and we have an evening at the theatre that may not change your life but will certainly give you a great night at the theatre.

Steven Jones, the only performer to play a single role (with some performers playing up to 10 roles), is great in the central role of Harry Witherspoon, a lovely foil, and an excellent anchor performance. It isn’t too much of a spoiler to reveal that there is a romance in the air - and Bella Lambert is adorable as the very serious, very hardworking, Annabel Glick - from the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn.

Lori Anders shines as the villainous, hard edged, unstable, and kooky Rita La Porta - wearing some of the best of the wacky costumes in this show. Trick Cole is great fun as her brother Vincent Di Ruzzio, a conservative optometrist dragged into international crime against his will. Peter Bonner is funny and versatile in a slew of roles including gregarious Italian Luigi Gaudi.

In smaller roles, Sian Dhu gives glamour and sexiness to nightclub singer Dominique du Monaco, while Matthew Wake spends the show quick changing with aplomb into many roles including a less-than-convincing but well-acted nun. Rowan Creelman’s many nicely performed roles include an enthusiastic bellhop. Director Carole Dhu appears on stage in a variety of roles including Harry’s busybody landlady, with Zoe Lyons fabulous throughout - with her best roles including a drunken maid and numerous nightmare dogs.

The smallest role is that of the body of Tony Hendon. Performed with expertise by Michael Rogers - this is one time where saying a performer felt very dead, is a genuine and sincere compliment.

Simply staged and accompanied by a single piano played by Musical Director Kenn Ellis (assisted by page turner and occasional crew member Matilda Ellis), this show relied on the expertise of its performers. Strong singing and impressive comedic acting performances meant that this quick-flowing show did not disappoint.

Very funny and very offbeat, Lucky Stiff is simply great fun.

Kimberley Shaw