Three magical stories in one epic show
The show brings together three brand-new fairytales:
- The Childhood of the World
- The Giant’s Garden
- The Tree of Light
Each story takes you on an adventure through time and space, exploring how people and nature are connected — and how young heroes can help protect the planet!
“These stories are about young people fighting for nature – and winning,” says Andy Packer, Slingsby’s Artistic Director and CEO.
These stories were written by awesome Australian authors Jennifer Mills, Ursula Dubosarsky, and Ceridwen Dovey, and they’re all about hope, courage, and caring for the Earth.
A magical theatre in the Garden
Get ready to step inside The Wandering Hall of Possibility — Slingsby’s brand-new wooden theatre built right in the Botanic Garden!
It’s like a storybook come to life — the theatre transforms with each story, creating three different worlds full of colour, light, and wonder.
“Ultimately, this is about creating a space that brings generations together to experience stories that are beautiful, truthful and challenging,” says Packer.
Theatre that cares for the planet
Slingsby has worked for years to make their shows eco-friendlier. A Concise Compendium of Wonder uses one clever set and one amazing cast to help reduce waste and travel, making it a greener way to bring stories to life.
This special show also celebrates Slingsby’s nearly 20 years of creating theatre that inspires young people all over the world.
“In many ways, it’s the ultimate expression of what we tried to do with our first production,” says Packer. “Our first show, The Tragical Life of Cheeseboy, invited people into a tent. And now that tent is a wooden building, and it’s got all the bells and whistles.”
A Concise Compendium of Wonder is at The Wandering Hall of Possibility, Plane Tree Lawn, Adelaide Botanic Garden from 18 February to 15 March 2026. Tickets at adelaidefestival.com.au