A powerful and talented cast drives this original new musical, Monopoly: The Unauthorised Musical, written and developed by Jasper Cruden and Ian Tassicker. The show tells the tale of Scott and his unexpected adventure through a fantastical world inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
Along the way, he encounters the fierce but kindly Lady Luck, dramatic Sir Knight, verbose Miss Wordsmith, awkward Baron von Strategy, unpredictable Admiral Cannonblast, and the ruthless Mayfair.
Jordan Richards as Scott commands the stage with a strong presence and a melodic voice. His acting allows him to connect deeply with the audience, conveying both the humour and humanity of his character.
The show delivers plenty of laughs, thanks to sharp one-liners and a cast brimming with energy. The clear audience favourite, however, is Jake Battle as Baron Von Strategy. His farcical dance routines and priceless facial expressions are comedy gold, earning some of the biggest laughs of the night.
Caleb Haidary brings comic flair to Sir Knight, whose chess-inspired movements are restricted to forward, backward, and side steps. This provides a delightful physical humour. Ethan Battle (yes, Jake’s brother) delivers a solid performance as Admiral Cannonblast, particularly shining in a scene where the characters plot to overthrow Lady Mayfair with a bomb!
Mary Carter as Mayfair brings seriousness to the role, her rich and powerful vocals perfectly suited the character’s ruthless nature. Georgia Goff is a standout as both Lady Luck and Madame Charade, shifting effortlessly from one persona to the other. Her introduction as Madame Charade, where she charades her opinion of the Baron, is a comic highlight.
The original score blends powerful ballads with playful, whimsical numbers, highlighted by a hilarious tango sequence. The fourteen-piece band, led by Cruden, delivers a tight and well-synchronised performance.
The choreography bursts with infectious energy and precision, while the lighting design bathes the stage in the vibrant colours of classic board and card games, vividly bringing the fantastical world of games to life.
The production’s set is engaging. A clever arrangement of angled wardrobes draws the audience into the fantasy world. The second act impressively transforms, featuring giant dice and a game board that become part of the action.
Although the title references the famous board game, copyright restrictions mean there is no direct mention of it in the show. The title comes from an earlier version of the show that was based on the game’s iconic figurines.
At just over two hours, the production could benefit from some trimming to tighten the storyline and pacing. Still, Crunden and Tassicker have assembled a dynamic ensemble who deliver with heart and humour.
Monopoly: The Unauthorised Musical is a light-hearted, imaginative adventure that celebrates originality, wit, and the sheer joy of live performance.
Monopoly: The Unauthorised Musical
Old Mill Theatre, Mends Street, South Perth
Performance: Saturday 8 November 2025
Season: 1 – 8 November 2025
Information: www.instagram.com
Images: Monopoly: The Unauthorised Musical – photos by Deprimo Photography
Review: Craig Dalglish