REVIEW | The Mystery of the Wee Pirate's Curse

Reviews

13 Nov

Written by Cathie

Disclaimer: gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

Content warnings: Flashing lights, moments of complete darkness and 2 references to domestic violence and sexual assault.

The show’s premise is ‘it’s 1952 and the spiffing summer hols are here at last, what larks indeed! Young Lady Iris Bungle finds herself in bonnie Scotland assisting her theatrical, spunky cousin Lord Dicky Hardwick as he prepares for his debut as Hamlet in Hamlet the Musical. However, all is not as it seems when Iris stumbles upon a rather swashbuckling adventure, lost treasure, vengeful ghosts and a jolly mystery to boot!’

This production is a joyful melding of Nancy Drew, Scooby-Doo and Agatha Christie. The story shows sincere homage to the tropes we know so well from these nostalgic giants, yet manages to retain a fairly wholesome and original feel. Without many spoilers, the plot unfolds in a joyful madcap manner where young mystery solver Iris Bungle (Phoebe Rose) and her queer-coded cousin Dicky Hardwick (David Hennem) encounter the ghost of ‘Wee Jock McDangle’ and search for his treasure hidden within the ancient ‘Mequela’ castle.

During this treasure hunt they encounter doddering but sweet old nursemaid Posset (Caryl Griffith), glamorous old film star Persephone Ruse (Louisa Moore), her brave ward Bing Beecroft (Monty Morrison), mysterious housekeeper Gaye Lich (Jennifer Grace) and scummy lothario producer Rudy Cockspur (Adam Jennings). This cast of 6 had exceptional tight knit chemistry together and portrayed their characters with much heart and witty nuance. I was roaring with laughter through most of this show.

Much of the plot is split between diary entries narrated by Iris and live action scenes by the whole cast. This makes the unfolding clues and hunt seem personal and exciting. Special highlights for me include Hardwick’s musical portrayal of Hamlet whilst attempting to steal a treasure map, any scene with Gaye Linch (whose lines truly stole the show for me), and the sweet picnic between Iris and Bing. Although I could see the plot twists coming fairly easily towards the end of this story, it did not detract from the fun I felt watching the plot unfold. This story also deftly references darker subjects such as misogyny and predatory behaviour in the exceptionally slimy Rudy Cockspur, who although he doesn’t get the pantomime evil end his character deserved, still does not flourish either.

The costumes were also completely fabulous and worked really well to help tell the story. Although props were sparse they were used to great effect and I enjoyed the precious items used in the treasure chest immensely. I also really enjoyed that the cast list was presented as a ribbon bound scroll on our seats as this really added to the piratical mystery atmosphere.

Overall this was a fun, mostly light hearted, cosy mystery comedy. A perfect play to watch in the run up to Christmas. I would eagerly watch the next adventure for Lady Iris Bungle and her love Bing Beecroft. I am excited to explore future productions from this company as I’m sure they’ll be as hilarious, adventurous and witty as this mystery.