Pinocchio

The last pantomime to hit Perth each year is the professional Zealous Productions version, at the Regal Theatre. Once again, it is worth the wait, and a joy to watch for audiences of all ages.

With high production values, we have a set with lots of flying pieces, some very special “magical” lighting from designer Matthew Erred, and a spot of pyrotechnics. Katie Williams’ costumes are a great blend of traditional pantomime and 1970s disco, and although I would have loved to see more colour co-ordination with the ensemble (perhaps to complement the fabulous use of the Italian flag colours for Lampwick) the costuming was impressive and fun. Manuao TeAotonga has provided some amazing costumes and wigs, rendering some performers almost unrecognisable.

Ellen Ebbs, a very recent WAAPA Graduate, makes her pantomime debut in the title role - sweet and likeable. Elethea Sartorelli is by Pinocchio’s side as a very Liza Minelli like Jiminy Cricket and is great fun. Director Brendan Hanson pulls double duty, appearing as an earnest, loving and fatherly Gepetto.

Pinocchio’s bestie is another very recent WAAPA Graduate in his professional debut, Ben Goldsbrough, who in dark curls looks like a teenage Manuao TeAotonga, and is just as loveable, stealing scenes as the audience’s contact, Lampwick, in this show. Matt Dyktynski plays Lampwick’s mother, the Dame role, Mamma Mia, looking gorgeous and improvising with expertise. 

Every pantomime needs its villains, and Lachlan Edward Bain, returning to Perth after a long absence, is outstanding as the evil Stromboli, antagonising the audience with aplomb. His accomplices are an unrecognisable Dixie Farinosi, sleek and cunning as Signora Volpe and Vincent Hooper, athletic and fun and Signor Gatto.

Our Blue Fairy is played to perfection by Emily Lambert. Looking like she has stepped out of 1978, she is sassy and spunky, and speaks in rhyme, in a way sublime.

A tight and talented ensemble execute the bulk of Shenae White’s complex, retro choreography and the whole cast sound superb under the guidance of Musical Director Joshua James Webb.

If you fancy a couple of hours being rapt in a story that you know well and feel like shouting at the stage and dancing in your seat, you can’t go past this very fun show. A joy to watch.

Kimberley Shaw