Kiwi kids show cleans up the battle against screentime

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February 20, 2025

Written and performed by Lizzie Tollemache and David Ladderman at this year's Adelaide Fringe, The Messy Magic Adventure features all the magic, circus and slapstick centre-ing around everyday objects.

In fact, there are no high tech, flashing lights, or superheroes to be found. But that, explains Tollemache, is exactly the point of The Messy Magic Adventure.

“We create a low-fi world of joy and possibility using everyday objects,” she says.

“Feather dusters, buckets, a ladder. Littlies LOVE understanding things that grownups are getting wrong.

“And the show is a direct line to imagination, inspiring adventures in their own homes.”

This cult classic kids show is a joyful explosion of clowning, slapstick, and silliness. After winning Production of the Year 2024 at PAYPA (NZ children’s entertainer awards) and sold-out seasons in Auckland, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch, the creators are finally bringing it across the ditch for its Australian debut.

The Messy Magic Adventure plays weekends at The Factory in The Garden of Unearthly Delights at 1:30pm, from 8 to 23 March. Recommended for kiddos aged 3 to 8.

Book tickets: The Messy Magic Adventure