Way back when Miss 5 was Miss 2, I was so excited to take her to her very first theatre experience, which was the Babies Proms at the Sydney Opera House. They were a gorgeous introduction to attending the theatre, where kids learned a little bit about music in a setting that was toddler/pre-schooler friendly. I really missed this program on the Opera House schedule last year, and was delighted to see something similar back, now as ABC Kids Classics.
The first in this series is Sounds Like Australia, on now through 21 May.
The performance takes place in the Utzon Room, rather than one of the theatres. A large carpet mat is laid out in the center of the room for the children to sit on, while adults have chairs lining the perimeter, and it is unreserved seating, so I was glad that we arrived a bit early (not that there’s really a bad spot in the room). The house lights are kept dimmed, but never off, and I liked how the stage lighting was always quite gentle.
Host Luke Carroll, who your kids will recognise if they watch Playschool, works together with a 5-member orchestra to tell of the adventures of Kirra, a quokka from Rottnest Island, in storytelling style. Kirra travels from her island, across the ocean, traversing Australia to make her way to the Sydney Opera House. Along the way, she is aided by some friendly Australian animals. It’s not an overly involved story, which suits the age group, and holds the attention thanks to Carroll’s charming performance and the instrumental accompaniment. The flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and percussion all have their moment to show their particular qualities, as they make the sounds of the animals Kirra meets, as well as providing the soundtrack to the journey. It’s a lovely 45-minute introduction to classical music and a new way to think about some of Australia’s unique animals.
After the show, the children have the chance to meet the orchestra, who showed off their instruments up close. We were able to grab a quick hello and photo with Luke, as well.
ABC Kids Classics: Sounds Like Australia is recommended for ages 2 – 5, and I think this is a good suggestion. The little ones do need to have enough attention span to (more or less) sit for the duration of the show, and Miss 5 did really enjoy and engage with the production, but I have the sense that she’ll probably be ageing out of this sort of show after this season.
If you’re looking for a introduction to live performance for a young child in your family, this is a great place to start them. Tiny theatregoers’ temperaments and tastes have been carefully considered in this sweet foray into story and music.
ABC Kids Classics: Sounds Like Australia runs through 21 May at the Sydney Opera House
Tickets start at $25, plus booking fee
Website with full schedule and details
Our attendance at this event was self-funded, and our review is independent.