The curtains are set to rise on Mousetrap Theatre’s 2026 season, promising pirates, whodunnits and plenty of fun.
Pantomime Robinson Crusoe: Pirates and the Caribbean Queen will take the stage at The Sutton Centre from 9-18 January, directed by Susan Harding-Smith.
Susan said that this version, like all pantomimes, was a little different from the original story, with pirates, queens and witches added to the mix.
“It’s fun and colourful, with lots of singing and dancing,” she said. “There are goodies to cheer and baddies to boo.”
The story follows Clementine Crusoe as she sets sail to find her treasure-seeking son, Robinson. Meanwhile, Squire Rich, unaware that Captain Kipper and his crew are really pirates, is more interested in finding the treasure.
The long cast list of children and adults also includes Pickle the Parrot, Pilchard and Halibut the comedy duo, Oceana the Sea Fairy, Davy Jones, Wicklow the Witch, Queen Creole, and many more.
Susan said she had a personal connection to the original story.
“My dad had a Robinson Crusoe storybook, given to him in 1933,” she said. “He read it to me many times when I was a child and it holds fond memories for me”.
Mystery Comedy Follows in February
In February, there is the comedy whodunnit Inspector Drake and the Perfekt Crime, directed by Trevor Howden with Karen Christl as Assistant Director.
The Inspector Drake series of plays is David Tristram’s homage to Agatha Christie and classic British comedy. Trevor, who has directed several David Tristram plays, said he was drawn to the comedic style and well-crafted characters.
“This play has moments of slapstick, clever dialogue, and madcap misunderstandings,” he said. “I believe the audience will enjoy seeing the characters and story unfold as the plot develops with elements of comedy and drama.”
Alongside Inspector Drake and his hapless sidekick Sergeant Plod, characters include Doctor Rupert Short and one too many daughters named Sabrina Short. The cast features a mix of experience and newcomers.
“Watching the characters come to life has one of the great joys of this amazing script,” Trevor said.
“The interaction between Inspector Drake and Sergeant Plod is a particular highlight. They’ve had us laughing from day one.”
For booking details, find Mousetrap Theatre Co. Inc. online or on Facebook.
Mousetrap Theatre Co. Inc.
- The Sutton Centre
- 157 Sutton Street, Redcliffe
- +61 439 954 719
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