SHOW DAY TO PREMIERE AT THE ALBANY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

12 December, 2022

Inspired by local stories and memories of the Albany Agricultural Show

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre and the Albany Entertainment Centre Presents: Show Day

January 23 to 26, 2023

Australia’s most respected and adored puppetry company, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre will give the world premiere of their latest original production on January 23 at the Albany Entertainment Centre. Show Day is a riotously funny celebration of the biggest event of the year – a rip-roaring day out at a regional agricultural show!

Featuring one of the most dazzling casts of puppets in Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s 41-year history, Show Day captures the joy of the carnival atmosphere as it follows competitors in wood chopping, sheep dog trials, show jumping and much more, as they come together for one day to do their best at the things they love.

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre Associate Director Michael Barlow said, “the wonderful thing about an Ag Show is there’s something to enjoy for people of every age. Everyone is welcome at Show Day and we can’t wait to welcome audiences to sit around our miniature showground and join in the fun.

Two years in the making, Show Day was initiated by Spare Parts Puppet Theatre to create a high-quality puppet show that is both immersive and tells the special stories of the local Albany community. Barlow said he was particularly interested in telling stories which reflect the lives of regional audiences:

We have spent the last two years collecting stories from community members and from the inspirational volunteers who make the Albany Ag Show a successThe show celebrates the joy of taking part and the tremendous value of shared community experiences. We hope Show Day will resonate with Albany audiences of all ages and backgrounds.”

The creative team of extraordinary local artists include Cecile Williams, Co-Creator/Designer/Puppet Maker, Ellis Pearson, Co-Creator and Performer, both from Denmark, and acclaimed Albany artists David Rastrick, Composer, and Erik Loew, Lighting Designer. Jane Davies (Albany), Umberto Margio (Torbay), Sanjiva Margio and Jackson Harrison (Perth) round out the Puppet Making team.

The highly talented cast of puppeteers sees Michael Barlow return to the stage, as well as adored Spare Parts regular performers Ellis Pearson (The Arrival) and Bec Bradley (The One Who Planted Trees). Nadia Martich, recently seen in Yirra Yaakin’s Perth Festival smash hit Panawathi Girl, will make her debut with the company.

The show is a rip roaring 50 minutes and is perfect for age five and above. Premiering at the Albany Entertainment Centre, the season runs from January 23 to 26, Monday to Thursday with two shows daily at 10am and 1pm.

Show Day has been co-commissioned by the Albany Entertainment Centre and is supported by the State Government of Western Australia through its Made in WA initiative. The premier season in Albany is supported locally by sponsors the City of Albany, Hilton Garden Inn and Milne Feeds.

 

Show Day
Production Credits

Performers – Ellis Pearson, Nadia Martich, Bec Bradley, Michael Barlow

Directo – Michael Barlow

Co-Creators – Ellis Pearson, Cecile Williams, Michael Barlow

Designer – Puppets, Set & Costume – Cecile Williams

Puppet Makers – Jane Davies, Sanjiva Margio, Cecile Williams, Umberto Margio, Jackson Harrison

Costume Maker – Kylie Bywaters

Lighting Designer – Erik Loew

Composer – David Rastrick

Stage Manager – Jackson Harrison

Acknowledgement of Country

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre respectfully acknowledges the Whadjuk Noongar people as the traditional owners and custodians of the unceded land on which we work. As we tour our work across these vast lands, we pay our respect to all First Nations elders, past and present. We celebrate their continuing connection and contribution to culture, country and community, and thank all First Nations peoples for their wisdom in caring for the land, the sky, the rivers and the sea.

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