Kate Parker of The Online Watercooler and her 8 year old daughter saw Bambert’s Book of Lost Stories at the Sydney Opera House, and let us know why they feel it fills a void in the children’s theatre landscape.
I’m always on the lookout for shows to see with my youngest child; she has a thirst for drama, music and all things creative and at almost eight years of age, she’s an in-betweener theatre wise. Not quite ready for grown up shows and musicals, and yet far too discerning for many local children’s productions, it can be tricky to find a theatrical experience that delves into themes a little more complex than the usual fare of fairy tales and pantomimes without being unnecessarily complex.
The production of Bambert’s Book of Lost Stories performed by the Barking Gecko Theatre Company at the Sydney Opera House fits the bill. Aimed at children between 8 and 12 (or grades 4 to 8), the show does what many of its kind don’t; it treats tweens as intelligent and curious creatures capable of enjoying great theatre without the cookie cutter character references and neatly tied happy endings.
The tale of tiny storyteller Bambert, presented through a mix of puppetry and live action theatre, begins with the title character struggling for his art and unable to breath life into his literary personifications. With the characters from his pages giving him counsel in his own imagination, Bambert sets a plan in motion to set his stories free in the hope that they will find a home.
The fast paced adventure snakes its way through story after story set in different eras and lands, with each stop along the way offering a different conundrum to the audience – from a too clever princess that outsmarts all her suitors, to writers imprisoned for their brave ideas, and children that can imagine up reality through their art in the midst of war, Bambert’s stories never shy away from tough subject matters at age appropriate levels. Married with an intricate set and a more sophisticated take on panto style theatrics, the plot line elegantly weaves profound ideas and ethical conundrums through stories within stories without resorting to condescension in an effort to make its ends meet.
The stories work on many levels and some kids may enjoy the trip through imaginary worlds more than the philosophical ideas. However, some younger viewers may find parts of the show frightening so it is best to stick closely to the suggested age range. Additionally there are some flashes of lightening and thunder claps, so parents with kids that have sensory idiosyncrasies may need to exercise judgement when planning to see this show. For most tweens, Bambert hits the nail on the head, offering whimsey with an edge and a chance to explore themes they ordinarily wouldn’t. For a theatre experience that is more than just a fairy tale, Bambert’s Book of Lost Stories is a memorable day out.
Don’t forget to stop at the puppet station on the way on to create your own clothes peg puppet!
And the 8 year old’s verdict? “The ending was brilliant! I loved this journey with Bambert.”
Bambert’s Book of Lost Stories runs through October 6 at the Sydney Opera House.
Find this and more family arts activities in the Artsplorers School Holidays guide.
Our Artsplorer’s reviewers attended as guests of the Sydney Opera House.
Kate is a writer, science communicator and literary enthusiast who loves exploring different texts. She has vast experience in communicating with children and is passionate about kids’ education. Kate is an accredited ethics teacher, and always encourages animated discussion and debate. She is excited about connecting with children through incredible literature and higher-order thinking.
Kate blogs at The Online Watercooler.