Snugglepot and Cuddlepie at Arts Centre Melbourne
MELBOURNE, TUESDAY 2 AUGUST 2016 — May Gibbs’ classic Australian tale of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie will be brought to life on Arts Centre Melbourne’s Playhouse stage from 17 – 25 September as part of a national tour. The colourful and action-packed stage adaptation is perfect for children aged 5 – 10 years and their families.
This year is the 100th anniversary of Gibbs’ first book Gumnut Babies, published in 1916, which started her series of imaginative bush fairy tales. But it was Snugglepot and Cuddlepie which became the book she is best remembered for. The story and characters reflected her deep love and understanding of the Australian bush that has inspired a passion for Australian flora and fauna among her readers. The book has never been out of print since its first publication in 1918, selling around 20,000 copies a year, and has made a lasting contribution to Australian folklore.
In the new play for families, the loveable gumnuts are on a mission to see a human – but only from afar. On their journey to the big city they meet friends and foes including Professor Kookaburra, Mrs Fantail, Mr Lizard, Mr Frog, Mrs Snake, Mr Possum and, of course, Little Ragged Blossom. Can Snugglepot lead the way? Can Cuddlepie hold his nerve? Can they avoid falling victim to the Big Bad Banksia Man? These much-loved characters come to life on stage in a funny and charming production that will introduce a new generation of children to Gibbs’ magical world.
Adapted by Monkey Baa Theatre Company’s Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge and Tim McGarry, the show features colourful costumes designed by Matthew Aberline.
Producer Suzie Franke said it was “truly amazing that the stories and adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie have been mesmerising children for almost 100 years”.
“We have updated the language in the play so kids today can understand, but we were determined to maintain the spirit of the original book so the stories and characters are all the same,” Franke said.
“It is very exciting to see kids around the country as captivated by the stories as their parents and grandparents were at the same age.”
“This charming new stage adaptation of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie looks set to be a hit…stylish, inventive and cleverly designed…it exudes charm” Sunday Telegraph
“an engaging romp, bringing the magical bush tale to life for another generation…skilfully done…imaginative” Sydney Morning Herald
Arts Centre Melbourne and Bank of Melbourne present a CDP Production
Snugglepot and Cuddlepie
Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse
Saturday 17 – Sunday 25 September
Saturday 17 and Saturday 24 September -10am, 12pm and 3.30pm
Sunday 18, Monday 19, Wednesday 21, Thursday 22, Friday 23, Sunday 25 September – 11am and 2pm
AUSLAN interpreted performance: Saturday 24 September – 12pm
artscentremelbourne.com.au
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