Clara Croft: Rune Trader, a Tomb Raider Spoof in Nyack

Helicopters, motorbikes, a submarine and an ancient amulet, all brought to life by one performer on one stage.

Clara Croft: Rune Trader is a solo comedy adventure starring Clara Francesca, written and directed by Gavin Robertson. It’s playing one performance only, on Saturday, October 17, at Rose Hall at Prohibition River in Nyack, as part of Phoenix Theatre Ensemble’s Phoenix Festival.

The Tomb Raider spoof’s story

After her two closest friends are kidnapped, Clara is forced on a mission to recover the stolen Amulet of Isis. The quest takes her to Italy and Egypt by helicopter, plane, motorbike, submarine and more.

The company describes it as a fast-paced comedy “packed with ancient mystery, cartoon-style action, sharp humour, and a touch of feminism.” Clara points out that it should appeal to video gamers, parody fans, and anyone who loves physical theater and clowning.

The timing works, too. October marks 30 years of the Tomb Raider franchise, so it’s a fitting moment for anyone who grew up with Lara Croft.

What the critics have said about Clara Croft

The show comes with some strong notices. Fringe Review wrote, “Clara Francesca is in full flow… I was marveling at the originality.” The Guardian has called Gavin Robertson “a master of staging shows with big intentions.”

Tickets for one afternoon only

There’s just one performance, so don’t leave it late. Clara says that last time she performed the show, people told her afterward they wished they’d heard about it sooner.

General admission tickets are $38. Phoenix Festival also sells Flexible Admission Passes of four or six tickets, which save $5 a ticket and can be used across the festival lineup.

The show is family-friendly and recommended for ages 12 and up.