Once Upon A Mattress

Once Upon A Mattress kicks off Western Australia’s Community Theatre year with a joyful, celebratory, production with great colour, good laughs and a lovely energy, from Primadonna Productions.

A cast of twenty-five (it feels like more), work well as an ensemble to tell the ‘true’ story of The Princess and the Pea. They are supported by a four-piece band. The group numbers sound great under the musical direction of Bruce Angus.

Much of the success of any production of Once Upon A Mattress lies in the casting and performance of Princess Winifred the Woebegone, aka Princess ‘Fred”. Sian Dhu is a triumph, with a Fred who owns the stage, is delightfully down-to-earth and who charms the socks off the audience.

Unlikely love interest, down-trodden Prince Dauntless the Drab, is played as the ultimate Mummy’s Boy by Peter Bonner, and his “Song of Love” with Sian Dhu is a showstopper. Michael Caldwell brings personality to the mute role of King Sextimus the Silent. Shelley Whiteaker manages to play the highly aggravating Queen Aggravain, while delivering a likeable performance.

Darren Bilston as The Minstrel and Sarah Christiner as The Jester work expertly together in solid portrayals, and the Jester’s costume, by Tommi Barrie and Deb Thompson-Oliviera, is gorgeous.

Caris Read is lovely as Lady Larken, who finds herself ‘in trouble’, working well with Vincent Moore, picture perfect as Sir Harry. Matthew Wake also looks great, in an admirable performance as The Wizard.

Great support from the ensemble in a myriad of cameo roles. I particularly enjoyed Tahlia Aitkenhead’s Princess Number 12 and the gorgeously presented Seven Dwarves.

While not all of the individual singing is outstanding, it is forgivable because all the performances are likeable, the characters are well drawn and there is lovely commitment at all times.

Once Upon A Mattress is a delightful romp presented by a director with a wonderful understanding of the text. Lots to enjoy in this show - for audiences of all ages.

Kimberley Shaw