• Spare Parts to redevelop a purpose-built venue at the Claremont Showground
• Supported by the WA Government, Lotterywest, Royal Agricultural Society of WA, KHA Studio and HWL Ebsworth Lawyers
• Venue to include an enhanced theatre, creative learning space, rehearsal studio, workshop, and office and operational areas
• Programs continue throughout construction, with some venue changes
• Reach for the Sky premieres in January 2026 at Fremantle Town Hall, presented with City of Fremantle

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre and the Royal Agricultural Society of WA are thrilled to announce a bold new step into the future with the redevelopment of the Ellie Eaton Theatre and adjacent pavilion at the Claremont Showground as a new home for puppetry in Australia.

With support from the Western Australian Government, Lotterywest and the Royal Agricultural Society of WA the $5.3 million redevelopment represents a transformative investment in the growth and sustainability of Western Australia’s creative industries, and the next generation of audiences and artists. The new facilities will provide revitalised spaces for puppetry performance, creative development, community engagement, creative learning and imaginative exploration for all Western Australians.

Chair of Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, David Mofflin, said the new venue will unlock powerful new opportunities for artists and audiences alike.

“This is a pivotal moment in the life of Spare Parts,” he said. “It’s not just a building. It’s ultimately about creating a place we can all call home. A place where we can create bolder and more ambitious work, support the careers of local artists and expand the impact of puppetry as an artform across Western Australia and beyond. It’s about creating a place where we can welcome our audience. Whether you are a first-time visitor or one of our most devoted audience members, we can’t wait to share our new space made for joy and imagination.”

The venue redevelopment builds on the company’s existing presence in Claremont, where it has presented puppetry performances since 2023. The new home is being developed in partnership with the Royal Agricultural Society of WA and with generous design support from internationally renowned architectural firm KHA Studio.

Dr Mofflin said the project will deliver expanded capacity for programming, enable better creative outcomes through flexible and purpose-designed spaces, and support a growing demand from schools, families, and the wider arts sector for access to high-quality puppetry experiences.

Robyn Sermon, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Agricultural Society of WA, said the partnership with Spare Parts Puppet Theatre offered exciting new opportunities to bring community to the Showgrounds outside of the Perth Royal Show:

“We are delighted to be partnering with Spare Parts Puppet Theatre to refurbish the Ellie Eaton Theatre and Pavilion. By welcoming Spare Parts to the Showgrounds, we’re marrying two cherished cultural and community treasures. We are excited to collaborate in welcoming community members to the grounds throughout the entire year.”

While redevelopment works are underway, Spare Parts will continue delivering its performances and programs without interruption. Audiences can expect the same high-quality puppetry experiences, with some venue changes along the way. In January 2026, the company will premiere its next theatre season, Reach for the SkyReach for the Sky, at Fremantle Town Hall, presented in partnership with the City of Fremantle. Created for early years audiences, the show blends puppetry, music, movement and clowning with interactive elements to spark imagination and emotional discovery.

After the redevelopment is complete, Spare Parts’ theatre seasons will recommence in the newly constructed venue, where the company’s main operations will also be headquartered. The company will maintain its strong presence in Fremantle through its early years program, Puppet Playtime, as well as its creative learning and artist training initiatives.

A public fundraising campaign will launch later this year, inviting audiences and supporters to be part of this new chapter in the company’s story and help shape the future of puppetry in Western Australia.

All media enquiries to
John Michael Swinbank   0414 743 418   media@sppt.com.au

Images supplied by KHA.