WORDS: Claire Curry
Do you have a buddying Bindi Irwin in the family? Or do you know a kid who just loves facts and stats? Or just keen for a show that combines entertainment with education?! Well DunnART productions deliver on all three fronts with the sweet, animal-centric show, Bettongs & Buddies.
Two actors, a violinist, and a myriad of clever headdresses bring to life a variety of Australian wildlife as we join Rufus on a quest to find a mythical violin. Rufus, an adventurous Bettong, must traverse different habitats from bushland to dessert in search of the musical instrument. Along the way, he meets the likes of a karate-chopping mouse, a hungry Numbat, and a slippery carpet python. These humorous interactions are laced with facts about the creatures and their mannerisms or habitats. The actors embody each animal with minimal costume changes but carefully choreographed mannerisms, while a delightful soundscape builds out the richness of the natural world.
The show is paced well and encourages some audience participation. The more serious facts and figures are broken up with humour and just the right waft of fart jokes to keep a young audience engaged. The happy ending is delightful and is capped off with a rousing violin jig! The bonus of question time and the opportunity to get up close and personal with some real live versions of the characters rounded out a great hour of entertainment.
Outside was an interactive display and the chance to wear some of the character headdresses. Good wholesome fun for the whole family.
Bettongs & Buddies
Until Monday 11th of March
Le Cascadeur, The Garden of Unearthly Delights
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