A Magical Mystery Worth Solving:

Stonewood Delivers Laughs, Chaos, and Charm

There’s something delightfully chaotic happening in Stonewood, and it is not just the witches.

When a mysterious green flash streaks across the sky, the town’s valuables begin vanishing into thin air. Coins, gems, even treasured personal belongings  (like babies – eek!) disappear without a trace. As the stakes rise, so does the urgency, and newly appointed Detective Grimm is thrown into a case that is anything but ordinary. With fairy godmothers, wolves, and plenty of magical mayhem, this production blends classic fairytale chaos with a whodunnit twist, and it works beautifully.

From the start, the show embraces its playful tone. There are smoking cauldrons, eccentric witches, and just enough Shakespearean and pop-culture references to keep adults entertained while younger audience members stay hooked on the action. It strikes a clever balance, creating a genuinely family-friendly experience that never feels simplistic.

At the centre of the story is Libby Harrison as Detective Grimm, who anchors the entire production. She brings a strong “no-nonsense Aussie cop” energy, with a hint of Noni Hazlehurst in her delivery. As the straight-faced investigator surrounded by chaos, Harrison never breaks, and that commitment makes everything around her even funnier.

Varni Keioskie, playing Barclay, the detective’s ever-reliable assistant, is a delight to watch. Moving seamlessly between the prim and proper sidekick and more eccentric characters, including a particularly zany witch, Keioskie shows impressive versatility and strong comic timing.

Sophie Duck is equally as spectacular, juggling multiple roles with ease. From a melodramatic Snow White to an angsty Goldilocks and a misunderstood Big Bad Wolf, each character is clearly defined and fully realised. Her standout scene as Snow White misunderstanding information and forgetting why she came in the room was sensational and had the audience smiling so hard it induced face-pain.

Santhi Rajendran brings plenty of energy and humour, particularly as “Snappy” the grouchy dwarf. Appearing at unexpected moments, Rajendran delivers perfectly timed interruptions that land every time. As the Fairy Godmother, she adds an extra layer of magic, quite literally, with tricks that delight the audience.

One of the most impressive elements of the production is how effortlessly the cast handles multiple roles. Transitions are smooth, characters are distinct, and the audience is never left confused despite the fast pace.

Writer and director Paul Adams has created a script that is both engaging and well-structured. The mystery keeps the audience guessing, while the humour ensures the tone stays light and accessible. The direction is tight, with strong pacing and a clear sense of rhythm that allows each moment to land effectively.

The design elements deserve a mention too. Ada Lukin’s costumes are vibrant and functional, making quick changes not just possible but seamless. Each look clearly signals character shifts, which is no small feat in a multi-role production like this. The set design is equally thoughtful. It made clever use of space and included little nuggets of imaginative detail that enhanced the magical world of Stonewood.

Overall, this is a highly entertaining production that delivers for audiences of all ages. It is playful, polished, and full of personality, with just enough mystery to keep things interesting.

It also raises an interesting point about children’s theatre more broadly. During school holidays, there are endless activities on offer, yet theatre is not always seen as an essential outing. It should be. Live performance has a unique ability to ignite imagination, drawing children into a world that exists right in front of them in real time. It is immediate, immersive, and shared. A show like this highlights just how valuable that experience can be. In fact, the only real crime here is that every seat should have been filled, with the theatre ringing with laughter and joy.

If you are looking for a fun and fast-paced show with a magical twist, Stonewood is well worth a visit. Just keep an eye on your valuables.

Detective Grimm: The Spell of Stealing plays at Pip Theatre Milton from 9 – 18 April 2026

Get on it.

Want to be sure this play appropriate for your kids and family? Then watch their play reading here.