Pull on your work boots, artsplorers! We’re going to the sheep station.
Monkey Baa Theatre’s Pete the Sheep is a knee-slapping, Aussie-as musical with big laughs and great hair, all in a perfect 45-minute package. The show brings to life Jackie French and Bruce Whatley’s beloved 2004 picture book.
Four actors (Joe Dinn, Andrew James, Joe Kalou, and Oliver Lacey) g’day, woof, and baa their way through a host of outback characters, particularly a group of sheep shearers, their trusty dogs, and a whole squad of shaggy sheep.
Station boss Ratso runs a tight sheep-shearing ship, and his regular shearers know the drill. Be on time and use the trusty shearing technique. Newcomer to the team, Shaun, is a fresh-faced, enthusiastic shearer from out of town, who got his qualifications at TAFE and is looking for a WiFi signal. His style raises an eyebrow with Ratso and the team, but things really get strange when they ask about his sheep dog, and Shaun introduces his trusty Sheep-sheep – Pete the Sheep. Pete has an empathetic way with the other sheep, and Shaun tries to convince Ratso to let him try his kinder, gentler shearing method. Ratso, however, knows how he likes things done, and he sends Shaun and Pete packing.
It’s not long before Shaun gives Pete his ideal shearing – a fancy haircut (think “Lady Baa Baa”). The other sheep are skeptical, but quickly realize the beauty of a little Sheep self-care and finding a look all their own.
Pete and Shaun open up their sheep beauty salon, with every sheep in town lining up for cuts. They eventually even welcome in the reluctant, yet curious, sheep dogs. Turns out you can teach an old sheep dog new tricks, but the final question is whether an old shearer like Ratso can ever see the value in something new.
The quartet of actors move through the story with athleticism, making one quick change after another, and bringing about a whole chorus of distinct personalities. The set and costumes deserve a nod – both are beautifully simple, yet brilliantly effective: The parade of sheep hairdos is great comedic value. The shearing station set is cleverly appointed for fast exits and entrances, and there was a gasp of joy from the kids in our audience when it eventually made its own fast-change into the beauty salon. No good sheep pun is left un-shorn, which is a laugh for the adults as much as the kids. And, the country style original music is a energetic fun.
Pete the Sheep is a gem of a show – fast-paced and quick-witted, celebrating Australia and the joy of finding your own style.
We attended a Preview performance of Pete the Sheep by invitation for review. Opinions are entirely ours.
More Information
Shaun the Sheep runs 6-17 April at ARA Darling Harbour Theatre. It then goes on tour of Australia, including to Glen Street Theatre (Belrose) 21-24 April. Recommended for ages 4+.