Barking Gecko: W.A. children’s theatre company still delights the crowds

 For nearly 20 years, Barking Gecko’s productions have been delighting Western Australian audiences and stimulating young creative minds. Last night, at the premiere of Craig Silvey’s The Amber Amulet, Barking Gecko proved once again that they are “igniting the imaginations of young people through extraordinary theatre experiences”.

 For nearly 20 years, Barking Gecko’s productions have been delighting Western Australian audiences and stimulating young creative minds. Last night, at the premiere of Craig Silvey’s The Amber Amulet, Barking Gecko proved once again that they are “igniting the imaginations of young people through extraordinary theatre experiences”. (from the company’s mission statement)  Playing at the Subicao Arts Centre unti 15 October, 2011, The Amber Amulet is John Sheedy’s theatrical adaptation of Craig Silvey’s coming of age novel of the same name. The national best selling author addressed the opening night crowd last night:  “At Barking Gecko I have always felt in the safest of hands and I think this beautiful show speaks for itself. Perth is tremendously lucky to have John Sheedy”, said Silvey.  “The Amber Amulet is a coming of age story that doesn’t take itself too seriously,” says Artistic Director, John Sheedy, “It is the second West Australian work we have adapted this year and it’s such a privilege to be able to work creatively with Craig Silvey and Shaun Tan [Barking Gecko adapted Tan’s The Red Tree for the stage this year]. There is something about the way they tell stories, whether it be through illustration or words, that grabs the readers attention making it perfect to adapt for the stage.” Julie Dawson of Stirling who brought her three children said, “I liked how everyday problems were brought into the story so kids could relate to it. Given my kids are aged between 9 and 15, The Amber Amulet had a perfect mix of humour to entertain all of them and me as well!” Barking Gecko are an inclusive theatre company, and will present an Auslan interpreted performance of The Amber Amulet  on Wednesday 5 October at 1pm.  

THE AMBER AMULET – about the show

Meet Liam Mckenzie, a twelve-year-old boy aka The Masked Avenger, a superhero with powers so potent, so vast, not even he can fully comprehend their extent. Dressed in his superhero outfit and accompanied by his best friend, Richie the Powerbeagle, the Masked Avenger roams his neighbourhood late at night fixing sprinklers and putting away forgotten rubbish bins. But all is not well on the quiet street. The Masked Avenger is concerned about Joan, a woman who lives down the end of the street and weighed down by her troubles.The Masked Avenger believes the Amber Amulet can save Joan, and over a secret mission late one evening, they meet face-to-face, and an extraordinary friendship is formed. Suitable for 8+ and families
Subiaco Arts Centre | 4 Oct – 15 Oct | 10.30am & 1pm*Auslan performance Wed 5 October at 1PM Q & A Sessions run after the 1PM performances on the 5th & 12th OctoberBook through BOCS Ticketing – www.bocsticketing.com.au or 9484 1133