Toddlers & live theatre? Somehow that pair don’t seem to go together quite like salt & pepper or Bert & Ernie. Though the Sydney Opera House’s age guide for their production of There’s a Sea in My Bedroom says it’s suitable for ages 2 – 7, I did feel I could be pushing everyone’s luck bringing my just-turned 2 year old as my viewing companion. But, I figured, if it didn’t end in tears, it might be a lot of fun for my little livewire.
We were set up for success from the start, with the location of this performance in the Opera House’s Utzon Room. It’s smaller than the theatres, and children are invited to sit on the ground in front of the stage. An usher let me know that it was fine for me to sit on the floor, as well, as there was no way my little girl was going to be happy to sit there without me. A number of parents did the same. The adult seats are high enough that no one’s view is blocked.
Based on the picture book by Margaret Wild, There’s a Sea in My Bedroom is about a young boy who is afraid of the sea. His imagination takes off, however, when he hears the ocean in a seashell, and conjures a sea in his bedroom, which helps him to conquer his fear. This production sets the story to live music by the Australian Chamber Orchestra Collective. An actor portrays the boy, while the music, plus some lovely lighting effects, accent his feelings and the sounds of the ocean.
The story moves rapidly, never dipping in energy. At our performance, I did not see children getting restless at any point – even my 2 year old! It’s a brief 25 minute production, a good length for very little people.
At the end of the show, the cast stays on for about 10 minutes after so that the children can engage with instruments. The musicians are very welcoming to curious kids. The actor who played the boy charmed children with his bucket of seashells, which certainly proved the story’s theme that simple nature elements can provide a world of imagination.
Happily, the verdict on toddlers and theatre came out affirmative in this case. While the age recommendation is up to 7, I would suggest that this production caters best to the younger end of that range. Bring the little ones to There’s a Sea in My Bedroom – this one is for them.
We attended There’s a Sea in My Bedroom as guests of the Sydney Opera House. Opinions are our own.
There’s a Sea in My Bedroom runs through May 20 at the Sydney Opera House. Tickets begin at $25 plus booking fee.