A STORY ABOUT DETERMINATION, FRIENDSHIP AND THE POWER OF FOLLOWING YOUR OWN PATH!
Benny, the plucky puppet protagonist in The Paper Escaper, knows they are destined for greater things than a simple pop-up book. But in a world that’s trying to squash Benny between its pages – from a wily dancing fire to a disillusioned illustrator – Benny will need the help of a new friend to achieve their dreams.
Written by Gita Bezard of The Last Great Hunt, this delightful, funny and inspiring production features inventive puppetry, deft physical performance and an intricate and engaging soundtrack.
Benny doesn’t want to tell the story ‘The Maker’ has written for them. As their parents get nervous about the consequences of defying the ‘The Maker’, Benny rips themself from his story. Alone and in an unknown land, Benny comes across a mysterious tentacle and friendship blooms. But ‘The Maker’ is determined and his fire is hungry – and Benny and their friend must work together to survive.
★★★★ ½ stars
ArtsHub, Lesley Graham, 2023
‘A beautifully crafted work written for the young and to be enjoyed by all ages.’
Cast – Noah Casey, Genevieve Butler, Bella Young
Writer – Gita Bezard
Director – Sam Routledge
Remount & Assistant Director – Davina Wright
Assistant Director – Emma Skalicky
Set & Costume Design – Charlotte Lane
Puppet Design & Construction – Bryony Anderson
Lighting Design – Nick Higgins
Additional Puppet Construction – Greta Jean
Scenic Painting – Edith Perrenot, Freya Piscioneri-Young, Mads Hillam
Sound Design – Jacky Collyer
Set Construction – Andrew Macdonald, Karl Sanger, Phil Wren
Costume Making – Roz Wren
Stage Manager – Ellen Roe
The Events Centre presents a Terrapin production.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body.