Barking Gecko Theatre presents an 80s inspired, intergalactic adventure - The Great Un-Wondering of Wilbur Whittaker
Updated: 17 Jan 2022
Elise Anthony
Barking Gecko Theatre, WA’s locally cherished theatre company for children and their families, is bringing a brand new Australian Play to Perth stages in April. Centred around creativity, growing up and living outside of the box, The Great Un-Wondering of Wilbur Whittaker, tells the tale of a reluctant hero who must journey across the universe in search of his lost wonder. The play is written by playwright Dan Giovannoni and directed by Barking Gecko’s Artistic Director Luke Kerridge, the duo responsible for HOUSE, a hugely successful production that was showcased in 2021, as well as Helpmann Award-winning Bambert’s Book of Lost Stories.
The play revisits a time, long ago, when Wilbur Whittaker’s mind would wander and wonder. These days, however, he cares more about sensible things like neck-ties and…fences. As a boy, Wilbur kept his wonderings in a special shoebox, but as he grew up and followed the path of ‘What Was Best’ and ‘Doesn’t That Sound More Sensible’, he forgot all about his wonderings and his plans for one day. That is until Wilbur is visited by a collections officer from ‘The Bureau’ – a recycling agency for long-forgotten wonderings. Wilbur surrenders his special shoebox only to discover that without it, he begins to disappear. With time running out before he is un-wondered forever, Wilbur is drawn into an epic adventure that takes him to the furthest reaches of the galaxy.
Barking Gecko has created 72 new Australian works throughout its 30+year history never failing to leave a legacy of both wonder and imagination in the hearts and minds of children. The Great Un-Wondering of Wilbur Whittaker will offer an equally inspiring experience. This play is an intergalactic adventure for intergenerational audiences. An 80s inspired electric dream that will make both a heartfelt and irreverent escapade for the whole family.
The Great Un-Wondering of Wilbur Whittaker will be performed at the Heath Ledger Theatre from April 9 – 16. The play will also be toured regionally in Karratha (April 29 - May 4), Bunbury (May 10 - 11) and Albany (May 18 - 19). Suitable for ages 8+. Tickets can be purchased here.
The play revisits a time, long ago, when Wilbur Whittaker’s mind would wander and wonder. These days, however, he cares more about sensible things like neck-ties and…fences. As a boy, Wilbur kept his wonderings in a special shoebox, but as he grew up and followed the path of ‘What Was Best’ and ‘Doesn’t That Sound More Sensible’, he forgot all about his wonderings and his plans for one day. That is until Wilbur is visited by a collections officer from ‘The Bureau’ – a recycling agency for long-forgotten wonderings. Wilbur surrenders his special shoebox only to discover that without it, he begins to disappear. With time running out before he is un-wondered forever, Wilbur is drawn into an epic adventure that takes him to the furthest reaches of the galaxy.
Barking Gecko has created 72 new Australian works throughout its 30+year history never failing to leave a legacy of both wonder and imagination in the hearts and minds of children. The Great Un-Wondering of Wilbur Whittaker will offer an equally inspiring experience. This play is an intergalactic adventure for intergenerational audiences. An 80s inspired electric dream that will make both a heartfelt and irreverent escapade for the whole family.
The Great Un-Wondering of Wilbur Whittaker will be performed at the Heath Ledger Theatre from April 9 – 16. The play will also be toured regionally in Karratha (April 29 - May 4), Bunbury (May 10 - 11) and Albany (May 18 - 19). Suitable for ages 8+. Tickets can be purchased here.
