Winter is upon us; cue hearty soups, extra layers and rainy weekend afternoons hibernating on the couch. Oh, and desperately trying to find new and exciting ways to entertain the kids without switching on the dreaded idiot box. Luckily, there are plenty of quality live action alternatives to that expensive trip to the cinema.
Forget dusty old stages and uncomfortable seats, theatre for kids is colourful, fun and interactive. Most importantly, it offers far more parental enjoyment than all the ice-throwing princesses Disney can muster.
If you're keen to head out and take in what's on offer, get your skates on because it's already in full swing.
Adelaide Festival Centre's 'Something on Saturday' is a winter stalwart, entertaining kids through the rainy months for the past 38 years. Running from 2nd May to 5th September, this year's program is a wonderful selection of music and theatre content aimed at 2 to 10 year olds.
For under 5's, Look by Imaginary Theatre is the brainchild of the company's "Play Project", which saw the performers spend over 100-hours in childcare centres playing with the preschoolers and understanding how they learn. The 35-minute show is set in the world of the child; it is largely non-verbal and is designed as an ideal first-time theatre experience. The performance runs for 35 minutes, followed by an interactive play session with the performers.
For 4 to 10-year olds, The Owl's Apprentice by Little Wing Puppets is the story of a young owl learning to be wise. A young owl named Poot Poot is sent to study at Owl school. On his journey he meets an Echidna, a Wombat, a Kookaburra, a Lyrebird, a Kangaroo and a Platypus who each share with him their own special kind of wisdom. This unique show, created by Jenny Ellis, features shadow puppetry, hand puppetry and story-telling and is designed to engage and extend the questioning minds of children.
For 3 to 7-year olds, The Wonky Donkey Man with Craig Smith features the author himself performing his books with hilarious results. Very popular in previous showings, be quick to get tickets for this one.
For 7 to 13-year olds, Argus by Dead Puppet Society is a touching piece performed with just household objects and four pairs of hands. When Argus's friends are taken away by the rubbish truck he determines to find them, no matter what. What follows is an epic and dangerous quest and Argus travels across the desert, snow, space and the ocean to find his friends and rescue them. On his adventure he encounters seals, space people, sharks, cars, trains, giants, birds and other creatures, and becomes a hero.
Dead Puppet Society creates Argus's fantastical world in a low-tech style that has its roots in puppetry and its heart in old-fashioned storytelling. It promises to expand the imaginations of adults and children alike.
Ticket pricing for Something On Saturday shows is very reasonable, starting from just $14.50, but you can save further by subscribing. Simply purchase tickets to four or more shows in one transaction to qualify. Most sessions have free workshops before or after the performance with fun craft and activities.
Nicole Russo
When: 2 Mar to 5 Sept
Where: Various Venues
Bookings: bass.net.au
