Entertainment
25 June, 2026
Catwalk Chaos is a stylish noir romp
THE Rondo Theatre has stepped back into the shadowy world of 1957 Los Angeles with Catwalk Chaos, a fast-paced comedy-thriller that affectionately spoofs classic film noir.
Written and directed by Ken Cotterill, the production combines mystery, humour and old Hollywood charm, drawing on the conventions of detective films while delivering plenty of laughs through witty dialogue and physical comedy.
From the opening scene, the attention to period detail helps establish the setting. Fedora hats, trench coats and colourful rockabilly dresses capture the look of the 1950s, while a soundtrack featuring jazz and Nina Simone reinforces the era. The script is filled with the language of the time, with expressions such as "No sweat, baby", references to "dames" and "cowboys", and nods to popular culture, including The King and I.
Ben Cook leads the cast as private investigator Mitch Wrigley, a small-time detective hoping to make the big time. He is joined by Vanessa Dinelli as Stella Simpson, Karen Wilson as Moxy Morris, Melanie Hossell as Toni Thompson, Rebecca Martin as Greta Green and Herman Smith as Big Harry.
The cast tackles an impressive volume of dialogue with confidence and maintains the production's brisk pace throughout. Comic timing is one of the show's strengths, with physical humour complementing a script packed with quick-fire exchanges and memorable one-liners, including Big Harry's observation: "I know what I don't know."
The simple set effectively evokes the smoky, mysterious atmosphere associated with classic film noir, allowing the performances to remain the focus. Mr Cotterill's love of the genre is evident throughout, with references to detective films and familiar Hollywood tropes woven into the story.
Following Wednesday night’s preview performance, Mr Cotterill said the production had been as enjoyable for the performers as it was for the audience.
"The audience enjoyed the show and the actors enjoyed playing their roles," he said.
Describing the production's theatrical style, he added: "It's a play within a play but not a play within a play."
"You can do anything with theatre, it's like Plasticine."
Rather than taking itself too seriously, Catwalk Chaos embraces the clichés of film noir and turns them into an entertaining evening of community theatre. With its authentic 1950s styling, energetic performances and steady stream of laughs, the production offers audiences an enjoyable trip into the golden age of detective stories.
Catwalk Chaos runs at the Rondo Theatre from 26 June to 11 July. Tickets are $31.50 for adults and $26 for concession and youth (under 18). Book online at: https://bit.ly/3SiEFWB.
