In Dubbo, a regional wrestling promotion is still rolling into its twentieth year, struggling by with declining viewership and aging competitors playing out the same old ritulaistic rivalries. The return of the promoter's daughter Rose after some mishaps in Sydney, plus her mum, the conniving Cheryl and her new man, disgraced American wrestler "Perfect Ten Ken", could bring on change, particuarly as DubboMania XX approaches. And inevitably everything's going to be worked out in the ring in a series of contrived matches for ridiculously high stakes on the way to the only possible ending, an unlikely but inevitable victory of good over evil.
Rock musicals have huge passions, verging on the ludicrous, predictable plots and intense physical dancing. So does wrestling. So this is a rich field for a joyous theatrical spectacular, and the writers, brothers Daniel and James Cullen, know how to combine their sports movies cliches with loud rocking riffs and some goofy comedy to bring pure delight to an audience. Combined with Sheridan Harbridge's direction, Ellen Simpson's choreography and Tim Dashwood';s fight choreography, using the musical skills of Joe Accaria and Glenn Moorehouse, this is a fun night out of spectacle, song and emotional catharsis.
The performers get great chances to show off their skills, whether it's Zoe Ioannou's moody protagonist Rose, Bishanyia' Vincent's villainous Cheryl, Justin Smith's goodhearted old galoot Ozzy, Terry Serio's rough dad Des, Aaron Tsindos's egocentric idiot Ken, Genevieve Lemon and Noni McMallum's double act as the Tradie Ladies, or William Tukia-Edwards, covering as the gently heroic Ron.
This is certainly loud entertainment that indulges in stereotypes of old-style australianism and is sentimental and cliched, but it's also great fun, a true panto-in-tights, and a surprisingly well developed new Australian Musical that, if there's any justice, should be a great touring unit for years to come (with a cast of 8, a band of five and a simple but effective set, why wouldn't you tour this)? A delightful night out.
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