Cheap and Dodgy Productions Presents The Fokker Is Lost

It is hard to explain the phenomenon that is the Cheap and Dodgy Shows. Incredibly popular and much adored, this short season also raises money for a host of local charities and worthy causes, one of the more unique being to sponsor local students to attend WAAPA.

Looked forward to with glee, one of the more unusual phenomena with this show, is that in this 800-seat auditorium, only a few dozen people actually leave the auditorium at interval. Those-in-the-know, know that leading man and producer David Templeman, who also happens to be the State Member for Mandurah, and the Minister for the Arts (among other portfolios) will take a stroll through the audience at interval - in character. This year he appeared almost inexplicably (as it had nothing to do with the plot) as Demis Roussous - and the audience lapped it up. David may be the most popular local member in the country, or this may be a cult - but it really was great fun, and if I disappear, you know where I am.

The show follows a loose storyline, interspersed with sketch comedy, and some singing and dancing, a bit like a 70s TV variety show (which I promise is better than it sounds). 

The main storyline this year sees our audience and cast depart on Cheap and Dodgy Airlines Flight 69 to Bali. Cheap and Dodgy Airlines require you to bring your own seat, and Captain Lance Boil (an exuberant David Templeman) and Flight Lieutenant Jeremy Plummet (Andy Peckover, resplendent in smart flight jacket and boardies) are a little the worse for wear. Despite the best efforts of Flight Crew Daphne Stench (an always entertaining Carole Dhu) and Quentin Fizz (a flamboyant Stephen Carter) we crash land on a desert island. 

Norton the Baggage Handler is sent out to try and attract attention from passing ships and planes. Norton is once again played by Samuel Templeman, definitely a chip off the old block (except that he doesn’t have HIS lines written in his hat), with charisma in spades.

The lead cast are all very funny and are supplemented by some gorgeous group and solo numbers, both within the plot and as an added bonus, from a large and enthusiastic ensemble. Particularly moving is a tribute to famous people and local heroes who have passed away in the last year - with beautiful sung accompaniment from Sian Dhu and Steven Jones. Some of the sketches are hilarious, even if the jokes are older than Methuselah, and the audience are obviously having a ball.

Another highlight occurred when pirates invaded the island. Led by Trick Cole as the Pirate King and Alex Pestrucci as Samuel, most of the male cast performed the Gilbert and Sullivan classic With Cat Like Tread, with what I assume was great skill. Unfortunately, not even their mothers were watching them. Thanks to Carole Dhu’s nepotistic casting, her not-yet-three-year-old grandson Idris took to the stage as the smallest pirate. Performing next to Dad Matthew Wake (who occasionally needs to lift him to travel at speed), Idris performs with outstanding timing, expert sword swinging and great expression, in what without doubt was 2023’s biggest scene steal.

Idris has of course received training from the best. As well an outstanding theatrical pedigree, exposure to expert scene stealers David and Samuel Templeman has obviously stood him in good stead.

If you have never experienced Cheap and Dodgy, this is a Christmas treat that should not be missed (and you can see the beautiful estuary Christmas Decorations and Santa on your way). While it might be Cheap and Dodgy, this is also superb entertainment, that is a joy to watch.

Kimberley Shaw