Sugar and Ice

Sugarglass Entertainment’s World Premiere musical, Sugar and Ice is a high energy, unapologetically feminine tale, of a young entertainer in the world of bubble-gum-pop.

When Camilla Moore’s X Factor Winning, girl-group Starburst breaks up, she attempts to make it on her own, facing the pressure of social media, unscrupulous management and demanding fans.

Jayda D’Agostino is an absolute delight in the central role of Camilla Moore, relatable and genuine with an amazing voice that makes her a believable pop-princess. She is well supported by a team of ‘besties’, with Saskia Glass gorgeous as Camilla's Perth based, oldest friend Melody, and Tabitha Kerlin fabulous as sweet-natured Penny Bailey.

Love the fact that this show doesn’t rely on petty jealousies among the girls for its plot, with the tension coming from genuine concerns for each other, and from outside the bonded group. Lovely work from the Starburst girls, including Katie Green as Lavinia, a comedienne with excellent timing, whose solo song is a highlight, the lovely Ebony Uetake as Lauren, and late addition to the cast, Rosemary Spelman as Ebony.

Emma Haines commands the stage as Maxine Fox, a manager with less than honourable ethics, while Rudi Palmela brings some golden comic moments to her offsider Joey Madden.

Strong support in smaller roles including Joshua Firman as the ‘perfect tinder match’ Jesse, a strong ensemble and solid cameos.

Samantha Hortin’s choreography is highly energetic and creative, and executed with expertise throughout. Played largely on a bare stage, which allows Pia Dewar’s costumes (and the movement) to shine, there is some great use of audio visuals - that I could imagine could be taken even further in future incarnations of the show.

This is a show that deserves future productions. There are some very funny Perth references, but this would play well anywhere, with its great girl-power plot and an A plus on the Bechdel Test.

Of particular appeal to young women, who dominated the audience and clearly adored the show, its great songs, excellent performances and fun, fresh plot means it will be loved by nearly everyone.

Kimberley Shaw