Once Upon a One More Time

Playlovers kicked off Community Theatre’s 2026 offerings with this vibrant, well-performed Youth Production, the WA Premiere of Once Upon a One More Time. Performed in the borrowed Tricycle Theatre at Mt Lawley (Playlovers home of over 50 years was demolished late last year), Opening Night saw a healthy and enthusiastic audience. Once Upon a One More Time is a jukebox musical based on songs sung by Brittney Spears.

Using a quality backing track, the young performers tell of a fairy-tale kingdom, where the well-known princess stories are repeated endlessly. Cinderella begins to question whether her happily ever after is actually happy, and when a feminist book enters their circle, the princesses, exposed to new ideas, begin to rebel.

A beautifully spoken narrator presides over this fairy tale realm, part governor and almost god-like, played with expert facial and hand expression by Daniel Nievelstein. He and Paige Heglund as Stepmother have difficult roles, playing much older and against the grain. OFG The Original Fairy Godmother is also played with maturity, in a solid and hip performance by Abby Letts.

Central character Cinderella is played with great panache and depth by Anneka McLennan, with a beautiful character arc. Bestie Snow White is gorgeously played by Anneke’s twin Bronte, as gloriously naive and sweet. Prince Charming is given charm and swagger by Saul Kavalsky - a wonderful character who promises love but not faithfulness.

A posse of princesses keep the show moving, with well-formed characterisations by Ellie Prosser as Sleeping Beauty, Lilah Stivaletta as The Princess and the Pea, Juliette Andrews as Rapunzel and Charis Rellegue as Little Mermaid, nicely supported by an ensemble of yet more princesses, princes, mice and birds. The cast sing well under the leadership of Musical Director Sue McLennan, and dance with enthusiasm, with special talents well-employed by choreographer Keeley Roper.

Other performances of note include fabulous team-work and strong performances from Cinderella’s Evil Stepsisters, Betany and Belinda (Jessica May and Elissa Murday). Lonely heart Prince Erudite was played with passion and flair, working well with a comedic Leo Brand as Clumsy. Olivia James was delightful as “outsider” the little girl reader, although we had trouble seeing her in her opening scene.

This is a fun story that will appeal to those who love new musicals, fans of a feminist storyline and lovers of fairy tales as well fans of Brittney. If this is an indication of the standard of theatre in 2026, we’re in for a fabulous year.

Kimberley Shaw