Sydney-siders will more than appreciate the whimsical characterisation of their city, as taken from page to stage in Critical Stages Touring’s Alphabetical Sydney: All Aboard!
Inspired by Hilary Bell and Antonia Pesenti’s best-selling picture book, this theatrical venture, which played out at Paramatta’s Riverside Theatres last week was full of fun, music and laughter.
Labelled as an “instant classic” by the Sydney Morning Herald, the book was hailed for its playful and vibrant illustrations that celebrated Sydney in all its diversity. Hilary Bell says: “Antonia and I began thinking about a theatrical adaptation of our book seven years ago, when we were approached by an experimental theatre company with an activist bent. Together we explored the book’s potential to engage children in making and owning theatre. After they moved on, we brought in composer Greta Gertler Gold and continued to develop ideas, themes, and space for creative play, while always keeping front-and-centre the aim of giving children a sense of empowerment and belonging”.
Hopping aboard Nanna’s bus (played by Deborah Galanos of Home & Away and Neighbours fame), the audience was taken on a tour of Sydney’s most beloved and iconic locales. What was so wonderful, though, was it’s ability to weave the commonplace in with the extraordinary, as we witnessed the “friend” all Sydney natives are well-acquainted with take centre stage alongside Nanna.
Nat Jobe’s ‘Ibis’ was a comical, and in fact, endearing, addition to the cast. The production plays on the Ibis’ ‘bin chicken’ alter-ego with a colourful number, involving puppets composed of rubbish, invoking much laughter from the audience.
Ibis and Nanna journey through Sydney, taking in a swim at the Harbour, visiting the animals at Taronga Zoo, stopping for a bite of Yum Cha in Marrickville, whizzing through Zetland and becoming water-bound at Circular Quay. All the while, they are tracking down the letters in Nanna’s Alphabet, providing a clever educational segue for the younger members of the audience to associate letters with words.
G is for the goggles Nanna wears for her swim, B is for the bus Nanna is driving about town, and of course I is for Ibis as he grows from being merely a hindrance to Nanna’s loyal companion.
An immersive musical experience that takes audiences on a wild adventure from A to Z, with many fun stops along the way, Alphabetical Sydney: All Aboard! is one for all ages to enjoy. This is more than your average city bus tour, this is a love letter to Sydney, underpinned by a sweet sense of nostalgia that only those who have personally experienced this magical city will truly appreciate. While those who are yet to visit will be drawn to discover its sights, sounds and secrets for themselves.
Here's hoping this magical bus ride returns for another tour soon!
Suitable for ages 4+ and their families.