Don Russell Performing Arts Centre

From Page to Stage: Percy Jackson Delivers

The Lightning Thief

The Lightning Thief Rating

★★★★★

Click if you liked this article

Art in Motion Theatre Company are back at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre with The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical—and as a family who love musical theatre and have devoured everything written by Rick Riordan, we were counting down the days until the show.

We arrived dressed in our finest orange and blue (as you do, IYKYK), and loved seeing so many audience members leaning into the fun—camp colours, hand-painted bead necklaces, the lot. This was an audience coming in with high expectations. Thankfully, this talented cast more than delivered.

The story follows Percy Jackson (Joshua Hollander), who discovers he’s a half-blood—his father is none other than Poseidon. After his life takes a sharp and unexpected turn, Percy finds himself at a camp for children of gods and mortals before heading off on a quest filled with monsters, riddles, and a race against time. Alongside Annabeth Chase (Una Minello) and Grover Underwood (Cosimo Trichelo), Percy must try to prevent a war among the gods.

No pressure.

 

The Lightning Thief
The Lightning Thief

 

The show runs for around two hours (plus intermission) and is fantastic value for a community theatre production. A huge congratulations to the cast—these performers can sing. As well as the 3 lead characters, hats off to the other performers who seamlessly transitioned between so many characters. The live band was incredible (and honestly, live music just lifts a show in a way nothing else can), their enthusiasm was contagious. This is Liam Tickner’s directorial debut, and what a strong one it is. The set design by Craig Delbridge is clever and effective, using simple elements to bring scenes to life (the statue garden was a standout). Costume designer Kylie Martin has also done a great job capturing the essence of each character.

I was asked before going, “Isn’t that for kids?”
And look… not no…

The recommendation is 13+, but if your younger kids are okay with some fight scenes, they’ll likely love it. The books are aimed at around 9+, and I’d happily take an 8 or 9-year-old. That said, this absolutely holds its own for adults—I’d have enjoyed it just as much without the kids (although I suspect I would never have been forgiven) and there were lots of adults there of all ages without children.

If you love Percy Jackson, mythology, urban fantasy, or just a good musical, this one is well worth your time. The show is still running from 16–18 April (with two performances on the 18th). You can find more information here: https://www.gosnells.wa.gov.au/news-events/events/lightning-thief

To book tickets to The Lightning Thief, please visit https://drpac.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/160626.

Photographer: Perfectly Picturesque Photography

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Hopelessly Devoted

Hopelessly Devoted

Hopelessly Devoted Rating

★★★★★

Click if you liked this article

2

It is never easy having to care for an elderly, sick parent. Art in Motion Theatre Company presents Hopelessly Devoted, a play in which the heart of the story centres on adult siblings Amy and Andy, who care for their sick mother whilst also trying to make a life for themselves.

Set in Gosnells, Amy is the main caretaker as she stays at home looking after their sick mother full-time whilst her younger brother Andy works providing for his sister and mother. Although the mother’s illness is never specified, it is understood that she is ill and elderly.

Amy is insistent on taking care of their mother but her life is mundane with nothing much to look forward to. As a form of escape, she fantasises about her idol, Olivia Newton-John. She continuously persuades Andy to take part in role-playing in which she plays the part of Olivia Newton-John in various stages of her life. For example, in one scene plays Olivia a guest on the Parkinson show with Andy acting as the interviewer, Michael Parkinson. These little role plays are performed throughout the entire play. In between, Andy attempts to bring Amy back to reality with the possibility of moving their mother into a nursing home.

 

Hopelessly Devoted

 

Whilst Andy is kind enough to give in to his sister’s role-playing requests, he is desperate to move on with his life and to put his plans for the future into action.

Both characters are at a transitional time in their life, but where Andy is ready and eager to embrace the future, Amy can’t let go of the past.

Humour and the popular songs of Olivia Newton-John are used to balance the serious nature of the story. Amy belts out all the Newton-John classics, Physical, Xanadu, You’re the One that I Want, Suddenly, and of course, Hopelessly Devoted to You as she dons a blonde wig, believing she’s Olivia.

 

Hopelessly Devoted
Hopelessly Devoted

The entire play is set in the living room of their modest family home in Gosnells. I found it particularly amusing that some of the references they made to Gosnells.

Keri-Rose Baker delivers a passionate performance, showing off her vocal cords playing the devoted daughter and Olivia Newton-John fan, Amy. Michael Carroll also delivers a convincing performance as the realist Andy.

Hopelessly Devoted is a funny and innovative play that will resonate with any person having to care for an elderly or sick family member and in which personal ambitions are in conflict with familial responsibilities.

Olivie Newton-John fans will love it too!

To book tickets to Hopelessly Devoted, please visit https://drpac.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/149070.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Lizzie The Musical: Milky Way Productions

Lizzie

Lizzie Rating

★★★★★

Click if you liked this article

1

Off the back of Evil Dead, Milky Way productions has continued its love for the sinister and spooky with its second major production: Lizzie the Musical.

Somewhere between a concert and a sung-through musical, this show was a true celebration of femininity with four powerhouse femme presenting vocalists and an all-female band (despite interestingly being led by two male directors).

Telling the story of Lizzie Borden – a woman tried for the axe murder of her father and stepmother in the 1800s – you wouldn’t expect it to be 90 minutes of punk rock bad-assery, but boy was I pleasantly surprised.

Lukas Perez anchors the show as the titular Lizzie, innocent and manic, all the while singing the absolute house down (and clearly having a ball doing it). They’re paired well against Jessica Huysing as Alice who brings a softness to an otherwise hard hitting show.

Brittany Isaia shows off her vocal prowess as Lizzie’s sister Emma – with her and Perez’ duet ‘What the F*** Now Lizzie’ a highlight. Sarah McCabe rounds out the small but mighty group as the eerie Borden house servant Bridget.

Lizzie
Lizzie

McCabe doubled as costume designer for the show and did not miss, with some beautiful period style outfits turned rock-princesses later on, and an excellent choice of colour blocking to clearly identify each character.

With an on-stage band (expertly led by piano-conductor Akari Komoto) and large set piece that dominates the space the cast are left with little room to make use of which both added to the concert-like feel though also made some moments feel constrained. This carried through to the overall movement and choreography which at times felt uncertain and squashed – again potentially due to perhaps the unexpected lack of performance space.

Technically, balancing a rock band against just four voices was always going to be a challenge, with the singers often overpowered in the louder points of the show. However, this certainly improved in Act 2, and I’m sure it was just an opening night teething issue.

Directors Kieran Ridgway and Luke Miller have rounded up the very best of Perth talent for this production, and believe me it shows. A master-class in vocal agility – do yourself a favour and buy a ticket because this cast is deserving of far more than its small (yet highly appreciative) opening night crowd and you certainly won’t be disappointed.

To book tickets to Lizzie, please visit https://drpac.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/144012.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Terry Pratchett’s The Truth – A Delight for Discworld Fans

As a longtime fan of the Discworld series, I had the pleasure of experiencing the stage adaptation of Terry Pratchett’s The Truth. The production, presented by Roleystone Theatre at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre, successfully brings the vibrant world of Ankh-Morpok to life.

The storyline revolves around William de Worde’s bold steps into the role of Discworld’s first investigative journalist. And it is a baptism of fire as scandalous charges of attempted murder and embezzlement against the esteemed leader of Ankh-Morpok, Lord Havelock Vetinari, emerges.

The cast is large, with highlight performances from Lord Vetinari(Lilly Litchfield), Gangsters Mr Pin(Aaron O’Neill) and Mr Tulip(Peter Carr), William De Worde(William Darlington) himself. However, due to the large ensemble, keeping up with the frequent scene changes can take a lot of work, and every cast member gets their chance to shine.

For avid Terry Pratchett fans, this stage adaptation is an absolute treat. It encapsulates the unique humour and charm that Pratchett’s writing is known for. However, those unfamiliar with his work or who have yet to read The Truth might sometimes find the storyline a bit demanding to follow.

The production stays faithful to Pratchett’s style and includes his signature quirky commentary on contemporary life through the lens of Discworld’s foray into journalism. William’s frustrations with the public’s blind acceptance of information and reluctance to believe the truth resonate strongly in today’s society. The play cleverly satirises the willingness of some individuals to believe falsehoods while rejecting the truth.

Roleystone Theatre deserves commendation for taking on this ambitious endeavour. The adaptation captures Terry Pratchett’s brand of humour and seamlessly weaves it into the narrative.

In conclusion, Terry Pratchett’s The Truth on stage is a must-see for fans of his Discworld series. The production effectively brings Pratchett’s beloved world to life with solid performances, creative staging, and the infusion of his distinctive humour. While it may be slightly challenging for newcomers to grasp the storyline fully, the overall experience is a delightful tribute to Pratchett’s legacy and satirical take on truth and journalism.

Terry Pratchett’s The Truth only has three sessions remaining. Book a session for Friday at 7:30 pm 7th, July or Saturday at 2 pm/7:30 pm 8th July.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Connect Online

© 2026 Dark Stories Pty Ltd     ♦     Whats The Show