Possum Magic

It is a magical first impression walking into the theatre, greeted by a set with gnarled trees, a giant moon and the soft sounds of the outback. The staff are all waving and smiling at children handing out booster seats, the smell of popcorn is in the air and families capture memories for the gram or to send to the gran with giant possum cut outs. Everyone is excited and with good reason, Monkey Baa Theatre Company are taking to the stage in the holidays to spread that magic in this adaption of the classic book Possum Magic by Mem Fox and Julie Viva, adapted by Eva Di Cesare and Sandie Eldridge. Books are one of my favourite things, and sharing this classic Australian story through theatre is a special treat. 

Grandma Possum is the kind we all love. She is warm, with a big smile and a voice full of wisdom, and big warm hugs. Plus she has magical books. Books that turn pages all by themselves, that rain glitter and create light shows. Things get smaller. Things get taller; she makes wombats blue and kookaburras pink. She makes dingoes smile, and it’s all a great deal of fun until poor Hush Possum is turned invisible. Hush is relatable to all the children, and there are many laughs at her antics. Everyone knows Hush. She is full of energy, full of fun. She cartwheels and burps. 

As the pair travel around Australia, the group incorporates projection and shadow screen magic and simple props that require a little imagination but are very clever. 

The costumes are simple but effective, with some cast-changing elements of costuming as they slipped into various characters while the possums were in full bodysuits with tails and, ears and fringe. 

Some fun oversized props and personalities gave everyone a life and some well-placed humour for adults and those CWA ladies; let’s say we’ve all met them in our lifetimes! 

The children laugh out loud, and point and cheer at various locations across the map as little Hush Possum discovers some Aussie favourite foods to restore her visibility. 

The whole thing is very clever and charming, with a cast of 4 who change characters (outside of the possums). There was original music, some singing, and lots of laughs, all bundled up into 45 minutes, complete with imagery and elements of the book that all tied into perfection. 

Plus, a trip to the Coliseum for a kid's show means ice cream on-site, and there was quite a queue post-show, but after a zoom around the country on a bicycle with a pair of Possums, why not? 

Nicole Smith