The colourful world of May Gibbs’ Snugglepot and Cuddlepie “will spring to life” in a new play visiting Geelong this school holidays.
The play’s producer, Suzie Franke, had been delighted to adapt one of her childhood favourites to stage earlier this year.
“It’s really fascinating seeing the next generation watching it with their parents and their grandparents,” she said.
“The older generations are coming back to see the stories they grew up with and taking their grandkids, which is really lovely.”
The 1918 book’s sense of adventure resonated with modern audiences and its themes were still relevant, Ms Franke said.
“It deals with the bush and looking after the environment. It’s amazing all these stories have such a connection still to people today.”
Ms Franke encouraged Geelong children to join her favourite gumnuts as they set out on their mission to the big city.
On their journey, the gumnuts meet friends and foes fans of the century-old book have come to love, like Professor Kookaburra and Little Ragged Blossom.
The much-loved characters of this “funny and charming” production would introduce today’s children to the wonderful world of May Gibbs, Ms Franke said.
However, adapting the century-old book was not without its challenges, she said.
“Given the story is 100 years old, the language has changed dramatically.”
The experienced cast of Lucy Goleby, Thomas Pidd, Jake Lyall and Nicholas Hiatt had brought play to life during its national tour, Ms Franke said.
Snugglepot and Cuddlepie comes to Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) for two performances on 29 September for its Love Central Geelong Family Magic Program.
For more info, visit at www.gpac.org.au or phone 5225 1200.
