Despite having reviewed the blockbuster movie almost three years ago (which you can read about at https://rhysreviews.com/2023/04/11/dungeons-and-dragons-movie-review/, it is only recently that I was able to actually experience the interactive role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, and I have to admit that my first session will probably go down as one of the worst plays in the game’s history. After wrongly setting up my character with a strange collection of stats and no handy cantrip spells (which I have since learnt are insanely important for gameplay), I was basically useless in our first encounter. I physically had nothing I could do to help my teammates defeat the angry goblins. However, as our campaign has progressed and I have become more familiar with the mechanics of the game and what I can actually do, I have been able to become a much more supportive player—one who doesn’t simply stand there while my fellow adventurers face opposition on our quest.Similar to the group of adventurers in the brand-new musical Into Twinkletopia, the coming together of complex characters and a growing understanding of the world our story takes place in has allowed me personally to become far more useful. This relatability makes the story especially exciting to follow.
Having regrettably done fairly limited research prior to attending the show, I have to admit that, when walking into the fantastic Cornerstone Cardiff, I anticipated—based on the name “Twinkletopia”—a story akin to the beloved Nintendo game Animal Crossing or the newer Poketopia (which I have yet to play). However, despite the show’s homely and magical vibes, this production is much closer to a unique pairing of pantomime elements with classic Dungeons & Dragons. The group of adventurers must navigate the mystical world of Twinkletopia as they pursue their quest to discover their true purpose in life. This includes encounters with dragons, sentient greenery, a scene-stealing mage, an anthropomorphic mouse, and even a showgirl-inspired mermaid—alongside a nod to Dungeons & Dragons within the dialogue itself. The story follows the life of down-on-her-luck Moira, who, after becoming overwhelmed by the stress of everyday life and immense pressure from friends and family about her future, is transported into the magical world of Twinkletopia as she searches for a way back home. Throughout her adventure, she gathers a collection of unique characters, including the overly supportive Knight Reed and the shy Leviathan Mouse, the latter of whom is also searching for the meaning behind her unusual prophecy involving a cheese sandwich.
One of the most impressive aspects of this production is its ability to transform the clerical venue of Cornerstone Cardiff into a convincing array of mythical settings. The audience is able to follow each step of the plot with ease. The show uses a wide range of staging and props to transport viewers into the world of Twinkletopia—no easy feat in a venue of this size. The logistics alone must have been challenging, yet the team executed everything seamlessly. As someone with experience playing in an orchestra and as an avid fan of musical theatre, I always appreciate when a show features a live band—especially when they are visible on stage. The band here showcases a range of clever musical parodies that have been thoughtfully rewritten to fit the narrative. That said, there were some minor microphone issues during the opening moments, with occasional lines being missed. Combined with the already fantastical plot, this made it slightly difficult to follow at first. However, this was quickly resolved through strong staging and performances, allowing the audience to become fully immersed. The show opens with a wonderfully over-the-top full-company number, complete with high-energy choreography that immediately demonstrates the team’s ambition. At one point, the cast leap from the stage into a designated section of the venue just inches from the front row, injecting even more energy and establishing that every inch of the space will be used. Throughout the show, performers make use of the audience area, the stage, and off-stage spaces, maintaining a strong sense of immersion. My favourite musical performance however comes in the second half of the show , where Queen Cassandra (played by the brilliant Amelia Jenkins) leads the cast in a parody of “Land of Lola.” This high-energy, camp number is a standout moment, with Jenkins delivering a performance full of self-indulgent flair while showcasing impressive vocal ability—particularly during a powerful riff towards the end of the song.
The show is led by the wonderful Tabitha Andrews as Moira, who begins as a bemused and overwhelmed character but gradually grows into a confident and assertive figure. Andrews captures this transformation beautifully, moving from confusion to strength with ease. As previously mentioned Moira is initially joined by the timid Leviathan Mouse (played by the fantastic Anusha Datta), whose unusual prophecy becomes a recurring comedic device. Like Moira, Leviathan grows in confidence throughout the show, culminating in a standout moment where she boldly delivers a string of cuss words—earning a strong reaction from the audience. Datta’s ability to evoke sympathy early on makes this transformation especially impactful. The duo are later joined by the eager yet well-intentioned Knight Reed (played by Wyatt Duquenoy), who provides much of the show’s comedy. His exaggerated, theatrical delivery consistently draws laughter, and his commitment to character—even in the background—adds depth to every scene. A particularly memorable moment involves an extended, comedic “death” sequence that perfectly suits the tone of the show. They are also joined by the no-nonsense barmaid Arlana, whose character undergoes one of the most striking developments in a short space of time. Initially dismissive of the group, she gradually forms a strong bond with them, particularly with Moira. Their evolving relationship is handled with sensitivity and charm, capturing the awkwardness of budding romance effectively.
Overall, Inside Twinkletopia is a fully immersive and fantastical production that successfully transports its audience into a vibrant fictional world. Packed with humour, inventive staging, and engaging characters, it keeps viewers captivated from start to finish. The cast’s talent is undeniable, and the character development throughout is both clear and compelling without becoming overly complex. I would rate this production 5 out of 5 stars and look forward to seeing it take on larger stages—perhaps even at Fringe festivals around the world—in the near future.
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