Blueback

One of Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s most loved shows returns to the stage these school holidays – playing at the Ellie Eaton Theatre, at Claremont Showground. This generously sized theatre allows for bigger audiences – and Spare Parts use the adjoining pavilion for activities before and after each show.

Beautifully told, against the gentle composition of Don Hopkins, Blueback tells of young boy Abel, and his mother as he grows up, depicting their love of the environment and their efforts to protect the habitats of the area they live. The Blueback of the title is a large, mature blue groper – one of Spare Parts’ most iconic puppets.

The striking oceanic design of Hanna Parssinnen, and gorgeous puppets, constructed by Greg Methe, transfer well to this bigger, wider venue, although I would recommend sitting close to the stage for maximum impact.

Two new performers assume the puppeteering for this season, with Anna Lindstedt and Shaun Johnston performing with lovely teamwork and obvious focus and commitment to the story. The young crowd were involved, and a question time afterwards produced intelligent and thoughtful questions.

Best for primary and high-school aged young people (some of the pre-schoolers were a little lost), this fifty-minute story of life cycles, environmental concerns and relationships offers much food for thought and its gentle performance style is a visual treat. A wonderful experience for families. 

Kimberley Shaw