We’re thrilled to announce our 2026 Annual Program, an ambitious season that follows our SOLD OUT January hit, Reach for the Sky at Fremantle Town Hall.
The 2026 lineup features a world premiere, the return of a sensory favourite, and a triumphant return to the international stage with a season in Hong Kong. The year also sees Spare Parts embrace new spaces, with mainstage performances moving to the Centenary Pavilion at the Claremont Showground while the Ellie Eaton Pavilion undergoes redevelopment.
Artistic Director Philip Mitchell, who recently announced his retirement, said the 2026 program represents a meaningful final season under his leadership.
“This program celebrates new voices and enduring stories,” he said. “It reflects a company that continues to grow, adapt and share work that connects generations. I am proud to present this final curated season as we look ahead to the next phase of Spare Parts’ future.”
Recruitment for a new Artistic Director is currently underway.
WHAT’S ON AT CENTENARY PAVILION, CLAREMONT SHOWGROUND
Level Up! (6 – 18 April)
The April school holidays will see the world premiere of Level Up!, written and directed by emerging Western Australian artist Yvan Karlsson.
The new work explores friendship, gaming culture and growing up in the digital age. It follows two children who team up inside a video game to conquer every level, only to discover that winning is not always what matters most.
The production will also tour regional schools across Western Australia as the company’s Go for 2&5 Regional Schools tour.
Rules of Summer (4 – 18 July)
In July, Spare Parts presents the return of its acclaimed adaptation of Shaun Tan’s award-winning book Rules of Summer.
The immersive and interactive production transforms the theatre into a multi-sensory world of sight, sound, taste and touch, as audiences navigate the emotional terrain of childhood friendship. Prior to its Perth season, the work will travel internationally to Hong Kong’s WestK FunFest in March, marking the company’s return to international touring.
WHAT’S ON AT THE SHORT STREET THEATRE, FREMANTLE
Puppet Playtime
The company’s ground-breaking program for 3 to 5 year olds returns in 2026, running five days a month from February to November.
Directed by Kylie Bywaters and supported by Principal Program Partner Minderoo Foundation, Puppet Playtime introduces young children to the world of puppetry through hands-on play. Developed in partnership with The Kids Research Institute Australia, the program supports language development, fine motor skills and social-emotional wellbeing.
TOURING
In 2026, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre continues its commitment to bringing world-class puppetry to every corner of the state and beyond.
In addition to the international season of Rules of Summer in Hong Kong and the Level Up! regional schools tour, the beloved Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge will travel to venues across Western Australia later in the year. Puppet Playtime will also reach metropolitan and regional presenters in March.
The company’s festival and event work The Whale has recently returned from Arts Centre Melbourne and will soon make waves at Joondalup Festival and in Rockingham.
Philip said the strong audience response to January’s sold out season shows how much live puppetry matters to families.
“Seeing those sold-out crowds in January reminded us why we do this,” he said. “2026 is going to be a big year for us. We’re moving into a new space at the Showgrounds, supporting new artists like Yvan, and taking our work overseas again. There’s a lot of energy in the company right now as we look toward this next chapter.”
Don’t miss out on our 2026 season. Click on the shows above to find out more and secure your seats today.
We can’t wait to see you back in the theatre!