Monopoly The Unauthorised Musical

It is rare that we have the pleasure of witnessing the World Premiere of a new musical in Perth, but Roundhouse Theatrical Company’s brand-new Monopoly is pleasing capacity audiences at Old Mill Theatre.

Monopoly developed from then WAAPA Composition student Jasper Cruden’s graduation recital, where he presented a 9-song musical. Pairing with Ian Tassicker, the musical now features 42 original pieces of music in a full-length show. 

When lawyer Scott meets with a sudden demise, he finds himself in a fantasy world inhabited by the personification of games, where he needs to play against the evil Queen Mayfair in order to survive.

A stunning looking production, with set and costume design by Sarah Halton, the set features cupboards, mostly half sunk into the stage floor. Costumes have a fantasy feel, and are consciously bold and theatrical, while lighting, designed by Matthew Roberts, is bold with strong use of colour.

The cast, all of whom sing superbly, are backed by a 13-piece live band, hidden somewhere in this compact space. Dance is clever and nicely executed by the cast, with thoughtful choreography by Tayah Crothers.

Central character and outsider Scott is played well by Jordan Richards, not so dislikable that we stop watching, but allowing for a redemption arc. He plays well opposite the villain of the piece, Mayfair, played with style by Mary Carter. Love interest Miss Wordsmith, is given intelligence, quick wit and charm by Stacey Gobey.

Jake Battle is lots of fun, sporting a German accent as Baron von Strategy and embodying a game you won’t have heard of, while Ethan Battle moves like quicksilver across the stage bringing boatloads of energy to strategist and bomb lover Admiral Cannonblast. Caleb Haidary is delightful as Sir Knight’s, who can only move in an L shape, while Georgia Goff is excellent as elegant, emerald clad Lady Luck, and the silent madame Charade.

While the show probably needs a little tightening to become commercially successful (the plot though clever is a little muddy in places), Jasper Cruden and Ian Tassicker have avoided the pitfall that befalls many writer directors, in that this is very audience friendly - and this might be due to the use of an Assistant Director - the impossibly busy Rp Van Der Westhuizen.

I look forward to seeing what happens with Monopoly The Unauthorised Musical as a product and feel that this will not be its final outing. See this very clever musical now, so that you can claim you were one of the people to see it early in its journey.

Kimberley Shaw