The Barking Gecko’s extraordinary kids’ theatre production HOUSE is playing at the Octagon Theatre at UWA, with five magical shows running over two weekends.
We saw HOUSE in the 2021 launch season and count it as one of the best live kid’s theatre productions to be created in Perth. A delightful blend of humour, entertainment and inspiration, it’s a great chance to get kids off their screens to discover the magical world of live storytelling.
Suited for ages 8+, HOUSE is a story about Cathelijn, who discovers a flying house that rescues the world’s loneliest child. Joined by a chatty boy and a mysterious explorer, Cathelijn’s adventure across the skies is a whimsical exploration of self-discovery and belonging. Shows include:
- Nov 1 (Fri): 6.30pm
- Nov 2 (Sat): 1pm
- Nov 8 (Fri): 6.30pm
- Nov 9 (Sat): 10am and 1pm
The Show
HOUSE is by award-winning playwright Dan Giovannoni and Barking Gecko Theatre’s former Artistic Director Luke Kerridge, the duo behind the Helpmann Award-winning stage hit Bambert’s Book of Lost Stories.
Featuring a cast of three loveable characters and a magical flying home, HOUSE is a heartfelt and hilarious tale of friendship and belonging and how resilience can lead us to a place of belonging. Ultimately HOUSE is a work of hope, that will offer children a unique way of interpreting our ever-changing world.
Suitable for ages eight and above, the story follows Cathelijn, who finds herself alone in the centre of a dark forest, with no friends or family to turn to. And that’s when she sees the house, a higgledy-piggledy mess of a place as tall as the trees. Inside, she finds Piotr, a small boy who never stops talking, and Elka, a grey-haired explorer who insists they keep the curtains closed tight.
When they suddenly launch into the air and set off across the sky, Cathelijn learns that this is no ordinary house: it’s a rescue house, and it rescues the Loneliest Child in the World. So begins an extraordinary adventure that takes Cathelijn across the world and deep inside herself, on a journey of self-realisation and self-determination.
Visually, HOUSE is captivating. Designer Charlotte Lane has created a world of exquisite detail and Contraptions Designer Philip Millar has come up with some truly magical surprises. Combined with an original score from Rachael Dease and lighting by Richard Vabre, it is a production that will capture the imaginations of children and adults alike, crafted by a team of extraordinary artists.
The book
Barking Gecko, in conjunction with Fremantle Press, have produced a delightful picture book for HOUSE, featuring whimsically beautiful illustrations by set and costume designer Charlotte Lane.
Releasing in conjunction with HOUSE’s 2024 return to stage, the book will be available for sale at the theatre, but also available online and at all major bookstores around Perth. Written with input from many children over several years, it’s a wonderful reminder for kids to move away from screens to healthier modes of storytelling.
Supporting Barking Gecko
Barking Gecko Theatre is a Perth based theatre company that has been making exquisitely crafted, adventurous quality theatre for children and families for over three decades. Renowned for their continued track record of artistic excellence, BGT has created over 100 new Australian works and performed in 12 countries, leaving a legacy of wonder and imagination in the hearts and minds of more than 1 million children.
We ask that you support them on their mission to create a world where all children are creative, courageous, and culturally engaged through theatre of the highest quality for young audiences and their families.
