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We're an American family living in Australia, where everything seems a little bit turned-upside-down.


Wednesday, September 24, 2014

A Review of The Spare Parts Puppet Theatre Production: Farm

The Spare Parts Puppet Theatre productions have become a bit of a tradition that me and my kids look forward to.

The productions are artsy, in depth, stir up emotions, and make us wonder.

Farm is playing at the Spare Parts Puppet Theatre 27 September through 11 October.



Suitable for ages 5 and up, the story portrays a young girl living on a farm in rural Western Australia with her mom and dad.  The story runs through many emotions including anticipation, excitement, heartache, love, disappointment, sorrow, hope and determination.

There is very little dialogue in this production, but the story comes to life with the help of music, creative use of lighting, shadows, smoke, and even bursts of "fire".

As always, the amazing way the cast manipulated the props on stage kept us wondering what would happen next.  The creative use of dance to portray the animals and the elements such as a big red kangaroo, wind, fire, and rain were amazing.  Our favorite scene was one in which the big red kangaroo came to the farm in the middle of the night and destroyed the crops.  The kangaroo's costume and the way it bounced around the stage had us mesmerized and on the edge of our seats.

There was a lot of research involved in the making of  Farm, including the cast and crew living and breathing real life on a rural farm in Western Australia.  They went on research missions and lived on a location, fully immersed in life in the Wheatbelt farming community of Merriden.  The small community and The Spare Parts Puppet Theatre developed lasting friendships as a result of bringing Farm to life on stage.

Come and see all of the "people" scattered across the lawn outside the theatre created by the children of Merriden. 



Farm is a cultural experience not to be missed these School Holidays!

Book tickets online here 
or call 9335 5044

The Spare Part a Puppet Theatre is located at 1 Short Street, Fremantle, across from the train station.

Monday, September 15, 2014

10 Tips for Experiencing The Perth Royal Show on a Budget 2014



Our Favorite time of the year is nearly here!  The Perth Royal Show is happening Saturday 27 September through Saturday 4 October, and we are getting excited!  If you want to experience The Perth Royal Show on a budget, here's 10 Tips to help you out:

10 Tips to Experiencing The Perth Royal Show on a Budget

1.  Purchase Discount Tickets before the show- 

The good news is Kids 12 and Under Go FREE when accompanied by an adult (thanks to the State Government of Western Australia)!  To save on tickets for those over 12, be sure to buy your discount tickets ahead of time either on the Perth Royal Show website, or from your local IGA supermarket (while supplies last).


2.  Catch the Train-

Save on fuel and parking costs by taking the train to Claremont Showgrounds.  It's hastle free and the kids love it!  A family rider pass is $12.10 and lasts all day.  Visit the Transperth website to plan your journey.


3.  Take Advantage of Food & Drink Samples/Specials and BYO Picnic-
We tend to pack our own food to The Perth Royal Show, and enjoy setting up a spot on the grass near the Main Arena to watch the goings on there while we eat.  This year, you can take advantage of some Food & Drink Samples at the Brownes Dairy Pavillion and the IGA Fresh from WA Pavillion. There's always something on for Food Lovers at the Royal Show!  Check out the Food Lovers schedule here.
 


4.  Follow the Yellow Brick Road-
Every year, we buy the Yellow Brick Road Showbag that leads us around to all sorts of Free Activities and discounts at The Perth Royal Show.  This year the Yellow Brick Road Showbag includes free activities, competitions, and 2 for 1 offers and discounts including an offer for banana smoothies and cheese toasties!  The Yellow Brick Road route runs daily from 9am - 5pm and should take about 2 hours to complete.  Buy more than one, and save!
  • 1 bag for $10
  • 2 bags for $18
  • 3 bags for $25
  • 4 bags for $30

5.  Titan the Robot-

Like Rocketman last year, Titan the Robot is the thing we are most excited to see at The Perth Royal Show besides the animals.  Titan is an enormous 2.4 meter tall robot weighing about 350 kg with a sense of humor.  He appears to appeal to all audiences, and has been around the world making people laugh and wonder... and now it's our turn to see him right here in Perth!  

You can see Titan the Robot Daily 12.45pm, 2.45pm, 4.45pm (F2 on the Map)


6.  Catch a Free Show-



Anywhere you see this symbol on your Perth Royal Show Map, you will find Free Entertainment! Our favourite picks for the kids this year are:

Bananas in Pyjamas- Daily 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm (J2 on Map)
See what Australia's favourite Banana Twins, B1 & B2, are up to in this live show featuring some of their famous songs and dances!
 


Miss Pink- Daily 12.00pm, 2.00pm, 4.00pm (F2 on Map)

A blast from the past 1960s retro pantomime performer, all decked out in Pink!

Mr. Bubble Man- Daily 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm (F2 on Map)
Everyone loves Bubbles!  Especially this mischievous Bubble Man who creates bubbles and belly laughs using his mini Bubble Factory on Wheels!


But there are loads more FREE ENTERTAINMENT to choose from including various musical performances.  Click here to see the complete list of Entertainment at The Perth Royal Show.

7.  Build Lego at the Lego Brick Zone - Daily 10 am - 6pm (H2 on Map)

Get creative in the hands-on Lego Zone! Plan, create, and build at the custom made LEGO play tables.  I can imagine we will be spending some time in this area as we all LOVE LEGO!




8.  View the 10,000 Animals on Display-  
We love viewing, patting, and interacting with the animals at The Perth Royal Show.  Here's two Animal Shows on the top of our list this year:

Racing & Diving Pigs- Daily 11.00am, 12.30pm, 2.00pm, 3.30pm, 5.00pm
Take a pick at which color coat is going to win, then watch the piggies race around the track!
Also, watch as the little piggies dive off a diving board into a tank of water.  I cannot wait for this one!

 


The Snakes Alive Demonstration- Daily 10am - 3pm.
Get up close and personal with the native snakes of Australia, including the rarest in our country!




Click here for more things for Animal Lovers at The Perth Royal Show.

9.  Buy a Budget Showbag-

The Blinky Bill Showbag is back again this year, and will only put you out $1!  Here are the 12 least expensive Showbags ranging from $1 to $4.  Hopefully at these prices, everyone will go home with at least one! 

Check out all the 2014 Showbags here.

10.  Free Nighttime Entertainment after dark-


The Horsepower Show looks like it will be fantastic!  Nightly at 7:30 pm in the Main Arena, watch as the stockmen herd running cattle with fireworks attached to their horses in a burst of blazing technicolour!




The Fireworks Spectacular is a must see!  Watch as the Fireworks light up the sky nightly at 8pm. Our family finds this the perfect finale for our time at The Perth Royal Show!