Joondalup Festival Unveils Mamma Mia! Immersive Experience by Tone and Cheek Productions
The Joondalup Festival is set to dazzle audiences with Mamma Mia! Immersive, a unique cinematic event presented by Tone and Cheek Productions at the Telethon Community Cinema. Scheduled for March 21 and 22, 2026, this show promises to transform the classic 2008 film into a lively, interactive spectacle.
From Fringe World to Full-Circle Moments
Liam Guiney, producer at Tone and Cheek, reflects on a personal full-circle moment tied to singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Her song Murder On The Dancefloor has followed Guiney from his school days at Forrestfield Senior High School to recent Fringe World events. "We were at her concert this season, and I realized it's a weird full circle," Guiney shares, highlighting how music from the early 2000s inspires their productions.
Founded in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tone and Cheek emerged from a collaboration between Guiney, operations manager Dan Bruce, and dancer Natalie Oakes. With borders closed, they leveraged their West End experience and local insights to launch successful shows like Club D’amour, which has become a Fringe World staple.
Expanding Beyond Northbridge to Joondalup
While primarily based in Northbridge, Tone and Cheek is no stranger to the Joondalup Festival. After presenting Club D’amour at Hillarys Boat Harbour in 2023, they return with Mamma Mia! Immersive, building on past successes like Cabaret and Grease At The Drive-In. "Joondalup Festival wanted another cinema experience because Cabaret was a huge success," Guiney explains.
The idea for Mamma Mia! came from recognizing Joondalup's love for disco and parties. "It's perfect because it's ABBA. We can have drag queens, dancers, and get the audience involved," Guiney adds. The show will feature 10 performers re-enacting musical numbers such as Dancing Queen and Super Trouper during the film screening.
Drag Queens Take Center Stage
Hosted by drag queens Cougar Morrison, Fay Rocious, and Donna Kebab, the immersive experience includes a stage in front of the screen where performers put on a full show. "People can still enjoy the movie, but it's more 3-D, and we'll get everyone up dancing," Guiney notes. The trio brings extensive experience from corporate events, ensuring a dynamic collaboration.
Guiney praises their talents: "Fay Rocious has a great presence, and Cougar Morrison is a musical theatre extraordinaire—perfect for the Christine Baranski role." Meanwhile, Guiney will handle lighting from the tech desk, enjoying the joyful atmosphere. "I love seeing people's reactions and the engagement," he says.
Festival Details and Ticket Information
The Joondalup Festival runs from March 7 to 22, 2026, with Mamma Mia! Immersive taking place at the Telethon Community Cinema, ECU Joondalup Pines. Tickets are available online, offering a night of ABBA hits, disco fun, and community celebration. This event underscores Tone and Cheek's commitment to innovative, audience-driven entertainment in Western Australia.
