Review: Pinocchio at Regal Theatre
Pinocchio at Regal Theatre
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Zealous Productions brings the holiday spirit to life with a fun, energetic, and whimsical take on Pinocchio at Regal Theatre. Directed by Tom Whalley, this pantomime is a joyous blend of classic fairy tale magic and contemporary pop culture, offering plenty of humour, heart, and toe-tapping tunes.
The performance kicks off with a vibrant song-and-dance routine, Burn Baby Burn, setting the tone for an upbeat, high-energy show. The costumes—think 60s-style flair—combined with hits like Hey Mumbo and Amore, help establish a playful atmosphere. The audience was immediately drawn in with the lively numbers and plenty of audience engagement, creating an inclusive, feel-good vibe.
From the very first scene, where Giuseppe makes a heartfelt wish for his wooden puppet to become a real boy, the production hits all the right notes. The music throughout is a standout feature, drawing on iconic hits like We Will Rock You, Staying Alive and New York, New York. Each number is cleverly integrated into the storyline, with the well-choreographed songs elevating the performance.
Special mention must be made of the song It’s a Kind of Magic, used when Pinocchio comes to life. This moment, along with the later number Another One Bites the Dust, when Pinocchio is locked in a cage, is an excellent example of how Zealous Productions cleverly mix humour with heart, ensuring the younger audience stays engaged while keeping the adults entertained with witty pop culture references.
The plot moves swiftly, taking audiences on a journey from Pinocchio’s creation to his adventures with villains, including the comically sinister Stromboli (played by Lachlan Bain), and his daring rescue from the infamous Pleasure Island. The YMCA number during the rescue sequence is an absolute crowd-pleaser, with the audience clapping along, further adding to the fun, interactive experience.
A 20-minute interval gives everyone a chance to stretch their legs, but the energy quickly picks back up when the cast returns. The visuals during the second half are stunning, with scenes showing familiar landmarks in Perth, adding a local touch that resonates with the audience.
The final act brings a mix of emotion and spectacle, as Titanic’s theme song, My Heart Will Go On, plays during Giuseppe’s dramatic confrontation with the whale, and the iconic All By Myself echoes within the belly of the beast. These emotional moments serve as a touching counterpoint to the slapstick humour, showcasing the balance that this pantomime achieves so well.
As the show reaches its conclusion, Knock on Wood serves as a fun, energetic finale, followed by a lively shout-out to audience members—a perfect way to end the performance on a high note.
The cast shines throughout the show, with standout performances from Emily Lambert as the Blue Fairy, Lachlan Bain as Stromboli, and Elethia Sartorelli as the lovable, quirky Jiminy Cricket. Ben Goldsrough and Elethia Sartorelli bring energy and humour to their respective roles, while Ellen Ebbs gives an engaging performance as the wooden boy-turned-real-child.
In a perfect nod to the holiday season, the cast closes with a rendition of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, spreading festive cheer to all in attendance.
In conclusion, Pinocchio is a pantomime that masterfully blends humour, heart, and holiday magic. It’s a show full of laughter, music, and dazzling performances that will surely become a beloved holiday tradition for many years to come.
ALEIGHSHA GLEW
Photos by Stephen Heath Photography
