Snugglepot and Cuddlepie - Arts Centre Melbourne - Review
The exquisite new stage show adaption of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie at Arts Centre Melbourne will spark the imagination and sense of adventure in 5-10 year olds and their families, as they experience the timeless charm of May Gibbs’ much-loved characters.
The adorable gumnut babies are on a mission to see a human – but only from a distance.
Photo credit: CDP Kids
On their journey to the big city they meet friends – Professor Kookaburra, Mrs. Fantail, Mr. Lizard, Mr. Frog, Mr. Possum and Little Ragged Blossom – and foes, Mrs. Snake and Banksia Man. It’s hard to believe that all these characters are played by only two actors. There must have been some super quick costume changes happening off stage in this 55-minute production!
Snugglepot and Cuddlepie are energetic, playful characters who are instantly adored by the audience. Dressed in woollen beanies, brown leather shorts and green gum leaf sashes, they jump, slide, climb and swim around the versatile set which - with the help of a central sea-saw slippery-dip - transforms in front of our eyes from a bed, to a diving board and a possum trap.
Miss Ruby (8) absolutely loved the performance, especially the cute gumnut babies and sweet Little Ragged Blossom (I think this may have had something to do with her ‘original’ dance moves!). Even though many of the children may not have understood the connection, I found the vintage recordings of an elderly May Gibbs talking about her books and their characters to be a particularly magical and electrifying inclusion.
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