I was blown away by the show Fiona wrote, directed and produced.  The play was funny, optimistic and good natured. She wrote a speaking part for EVERY child who wanted one. She coaxed a performance out of the most reluctant performer.  During the show I could see how excited and proud the kids were, and the parents left on an even greater high. I liked it so much I bought the DVD!

– Judi McCrossin, TV writer/producer of shows including The Secret Life of Us, The Wrong Girl and The Time of Our Lives.

I’ve been to a multitude of plays over the past 18 years of my kids schooling and ‘The Great Chiko Roll Mystery’, has been one of my favourites – the storyline was so relatable and I found myself remembering similar, great summer holidays.  I couldn’t help smiling throughout the show and wanting to sing along to some of my favourite songs from the 80’s.  The clever and humorous dialogue, whilst being suitable for primary school kids to perform, was thoroughly entertaining for the adults in the audience. I have to say also that the 90 minute duration was perfect for the kids performing as well as the families watching!

I would encourage people of all ages to go see this production and if you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city into memories of summer by the beach you must see this school play!

– Atia Cader, Creative Director, Paper Stone Scissors

It was clever and funny. I loved seeing the kids embrace a simpler time when Chiko rolls ruled, caravan parks were holiday destinations and phone calls were made in booths. The Great Chiko Roll Mystery of 1983 was a nostalgic journey that brought back wonderful memories for the parents, whilst introducing the students to a simpler time. When Chiko rolls were worshipped instead of phones. A great showcase of dance, song and caravan culture. Loved it.

– Chris Jeffares, CEO – Cummins and Partners Advertising Agency

I loved the Great Chiko Roll Mystery. It was funny, extremely entertaining and a great showcase of each of our ripper students. Fiona should be commended for writing such an amazing piece for the kids to perform in. Well done and I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!

– Kym Smith, Ripponlea Primary School Parent

“The Great Chick Roll Mystery of 1983” was one of the best school concert productions I’ve seen … and I’ve been with the primary school for over 10 years!  The whole concept was simple but very effective.  From costumes, to props, music, lighting and performance – the whole show was cleverly thought through. The audience loved it and the whole production was over within 75 minutes and it was very funny!  Every child who wanted a speaking part was provided with one and all the supporting grades had plenty of time to shine on stage during their dance number and the finale … from parents and grandparents’ perspective it was perfect … entertaining, very relatable and nostalgic and not too long. The parent volunteers loved it … the costumes were simple to source and the props were easy to construct.  This not only kept costs down but it meant the production did not become a burden for a small number of people. The teachers loved it because it was simple to conduct rehearsals in small groups and bring the whole show together with a minimum number of whole school rehearsals. I would highly recommend other primary schools consider using this production and Fiona’s previous production for Ripponlea Primary (“Let’s Go To The Movies”) which was a similar format.

– Kylie Giffer, Ripponlea Primary School Parent