Scottish theatre-maker Shona Reppe brings the mud-loving Potato and friends to the 2017 AWESOME Festival.
Imagine a filthy potato sitting in a loaf tin being scrubbed with a toothbrush. It’s an interesting visual, which for most would imply that more sleep was needed, but for Scottish theatre-maker Shona Reppe it was the inspiration for a new work for children. And now Shona, producer of award-winning theatre productions that have toured across the world, is headed to Perth! Reppe’s delightful puppetry show, Potato Needs A Bath will tickle the funny bones of Perth audiences at the 2017 AWESOME Festival this October school holidays. Potato Needs A Bath is a unique puppetry performance involving a cast of fruits and vegetables. There’s going to be a party, and everyone is ready – except potato. Onion is practicing his guitar, Aubergine is wearing her new necklace and Peach is bouncing on the bed with excitement. Potato needs a bath – but he has other ideas, because Potato loves mud! A show that will resonate with many parents who have struggled to get their children bathed, this light-hearted show is full of silly songs that will delight Perth toddlers and pre-schoolers aged 3 to 5. Created over a two-month period when Shona’s youngest child was only six months old, Potato Needs A Bath is a solid addition to her extensive repertoire of work for children. Shona’s creations are fuelled by a belief that live theatre is essential for children, 'A screen cannot respond with you, is not alive and you are not part of the world,' she says. 'In theatre you are part of the energy that makes a show. Young children can see a story unfold in front of them and share it with their parents, which is gold.' 'I make children’s work exactly the same as I would for adults – with the same amount of care and attention to detail. Yes, the subject matter may not be the same as adult theatre, and the pace is different, but I believe that children deserve the best and there is no dumbing down on my planet.' Potato Needs A Bath is at the 2017 AWESOME Festival from 3 to 7 October in the Art Gallery of Western Australia Theatre. Find out more. Get tickets.
