Dino quest promises to enthrall

Mandurah Performing Arts Centre is letting dinosaurs loose in the theatre on the school holidays.

Ivy, Saviour of the Dinosaur, is an entertaining children’s play which stretches the imagination.

From her hideaway in a museum basement, Ivy is a cleaning lady with a difference.

Her humble set of wheels may look like a cleaning cart but just wait and see where, and when, this time-travelling trolley is about to take you.

With her googly eyes and spindly frame, Ivy, Saviour of the Dinosaur is the delightful creation of Jennifer Martin, a New Zealand drama school graduate.

From a clash with Cleopatra to schmoozing with Shakespeare, and even a detour to the moon, this quirky queen of clean lets nothing distract her from her mission to save dinosaurs from extinction.

“Growing up with two scientists for parents I was often surrounded by eccentric academics — some of which were great inspirations for Ivy and her world,” she said.

“Also, blessed with a powerful imagination and a fascination with fantasy, I was drawn to dinosaurs.”

Martin created the character of Ivy in her final year of drama school.

It was after seeing a performance of her solo work that National Theatre for Children’s creative producer Stephen Blackburn approached Martin and Ivy, Saviour of the Dinosaur was born.

“I was delighted when Stephen approached me to develop this show,” Martin said.

“It has taken on a completely new direction, one that I never expected, but love.”

Ivy, Saviour of the Dinosaur will show at 10am and 1pm on October 4 and 5.

Tickets are available at www.manpac.com.au or by calling the box office on 9550 3900.