There's a Sea in my Bedroom
© Jane Tanner
Margaret Wild’s classic picture book, There’s a Sea in my Bedroom, comes to life this month in a beautiful symmetry of performance and music at the Sydney Opera House.
David is afraid of the sea but during a particular visit to the beach with his parents he discovers a conch shell and takes it home in his bucket. We’ve all held a shell up to our ear to ‘hear the sea’ haven’t we, and David is no exception. However, his experience is a little more… magical, than most.
Enticing the sea to ‘Come out, sea, come out’, David allows his imagination to flow as free as the ocean waves. From page to performance, seated in the intimate Utzon Room venue, we watched the simple set manifest into a spectacular sea scene as David let go of his fears and embraced the wonder of the water and its many treasures.
Set against a stunning newly composed score of live music by the ACO Collective, Wild’s story (illustrated by Jane Tanner) is one that speaks to the magic of a child’s fantasy world in the greatest way possible. By inviting his fear into his bedroom, his safe space, and characterising it with his own belongings and personality, David overcomes the thing that scared him the most.
With moments of funny intermingled with the beauty of childish innocence, There’s a Sea in my Bedroom is captivating and enchanting and perfect for the littles in your life. With a runtime of 25 minutes it is the perfect length of time to retain the attention and enjoyment of young children who have the opportunity to meet the musicians following the performance.
There’s a Sea in my Bedroom is on until 20 May 2019 so make sure to book your tickets now.
What you need to know:
What: There’s a Sea in my Bedroom
When: Now until 20 May 2019
Time: Performances are at 10.30am and 12.30pm daily
Who: 2-7 year olds
Where: The Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House (Level One, next to the Concert Hall)
Tickets: $15pp (+$8.50 booking fee)
Duration: 25 minutes + 10 minute meet and greet with the musicians
Pram Parking: Available at the cloakroom just before the entrance to the Utzon Room. Don’t worry, there are lifts along the way.
Parking: You only need to book an hour’s parking at the Wilson Carpark beneath the Opera House and if you book in advance via Book a Bay it is $13 giving you 30 minutes leeway for arrival and departure.
Getting There: If you’re not coming by car there are plenty of public transport options servicing the Opera House whose closest port and station is Circular Quay. Bus, train, light rail and ferry all stop there.
*Note: Make sure to arrive early and leave time for bag checking and pram parking. The performance is a short one so you don’t want to miss any of it.