About the show:

 

The show will bring the book to life!!! It includes:

 

Drama: a variety of performance styles within the show: Melodrama, Pantomime, Musical Theatre, Physical Theatre, Mime, Puppetry, Game show, Improvisation, etc.

 

Dance: a variety of dance styles within the show: Jazz, contemporary, Hip Hop, etc.

 

Music: a variety of music styles in the show: Pop, Hip Hop, RnB, Rap, Rock, Music Theatre, Folk, etc;

Puppetry: a variety of puppetry styles in the show: Shadow puppetry, Hand puppetry, Marionette / String puppetry, Board puppetry.

Mask: Whole face masks, part face masks, noses, animals, commedia dell'arte, etc.

 

Painted sets:  Painted on fabric, plywood, cardboard & paper.

Digital projections: 2 x 16:9 digital projectors cast images of the book, digital images of sets, animations, explosions & lighting displays onto large freestanding 100" rear projection screens on either side of the stage creating an incredible viewing experience for the students. They are also used for shadow puppetry in the show.

Raised staging: 45cm high staging 2m wide x 1m deep ensure everyone, even in very large groups can see all of the action;

DMX coloured stage lighting: the very latest DMX coloured stage lighting is used throughout the show to create intense & dynamic atmosphere throughout the performance.

Professional sound system & headset microphones: powered EV pro speakers, the DPA D-fine radio headset microphone & the Shure GLX bodypack are used to ensure crystal clear sound for even the very largest halls;

Audience participation: Students are used throughout the show to both participate in the audience (responding, singing or dancing along, creating scenes in the audience) & also join in on stage to operate puppets, dress in costume to become characters, create sets & props during the show, be part of improvised scenes or be contestants in a game show;

Full Q&A session after the show: a full Question & Answer session takes place led by "Tony Bones" Appleby B.Ed, a qualified teacher with over 16 years of experience running these sessions. Tony discusses in depth why he made certain decisions when creating the show (e.g. adding scenes or slightly changing them from the book, sets used, etc), and shows students how the props, sets, puppets, costumes, projections & sound were created for the show, as well as discussing the writing of the script & composing of the songs & music. A 25-minute FAQ video is also available to all staff & students after the show if more questions arise;

Lesson plans for teachers: Custom-created follow-up activities, discussion points & lesson plans are provided for all year levels.

 

Public Liability Cover of $30,000,000 & Professional Indemnity Insurance of $10,000,000. Click here!!

 

 

Ticket Price (excl. GST) & minimum student numbers:

 

Live show:

 

• Within "Book Week" itself: $9.95+GST/student (1 show minimum 250 students, 2 show minimum 500 students, 3 show minimum 750 students then $9.95+GST/student thereafter)

 

• Any other week outside of Book Week: $8.95+GST/student (1 show minimum 125 students, 2 show minimum 400 students, 3 show minimum 600 students then $8.95+GST/student thereafter)

 

 

Payment Options:

 

How to pay: Direct deposit is our preferred payment method but we also accept credit card. Please note that a 3% surcharge applies for payments made by credit card.

 

When to pay: No payment is required when booking; it is just a signed contract. Full payment for the show is payable 2 weeks after the performance.

Year Levels: Foundation - Year 6. The show is designed as a whole school activity. It is both targeted & appropriate for all students from Pre-school right through to Year 6. Read more here.

 

Make an enquiry - Click here!!!

 

 

Reviews for 2024's "That Bird Has Arms" live show

 

"We watched it with our kids and all loved it... Loved the puppetry and it was such a clever adaption. Thank you for selecting it." Kate Temple, Author of the book "That Bird Has Arms".

 

"The show was nothing short of AMAZING. Production quality was out of this world. I was thoroughly impressed what one man could do to engage the audience! The kids obviously enjoyed your show. Some were especially thrilled that you included "Skibidi toilet"; this may be trivial to us but I'm sure it meant a lot to them and was something they could connect with. I loved how you engaged the students through puppetry and song and dance. Once again, a HUGE well done. Hope we see you again next year!" Kilberry Valley PS, Hampton Park, VIC.

 

"The staff and myself thought the performance was great. They were really happy with how you engaged the children... Ensuring they were moving after sitting for a while was excellent, and having them participate in the play was also a great idea. The use of the screens to keep the students engaged while you prepared for scenes worked really well. The actual show content was excellent and brought the book to life. The lighting and music really brought the performance to another level. Please send through shows for book week 2025 as we'd love to have a look." Glowrey Catholic PS, Woolert, VIC

 

"We definitely want to book next year!... It was just a wonderful show. So many people have commented on how it appealed to all the kids, got them involved, was easy to follow and (had) wonderful theatre devices." Redeemer Lutheran College, Rochedale, QLD

 

"Everyone really enjoyed the performance" Urana PS, NSW.

 

"Your Books to Life show was AMAZING!" Andersons Creek PS, VIC

 

"Thanks so much – I have heard great things about the show as always!" Corowa PS, NSW

 

"The show was immensely entertaining and original, and will be a real highlight of Book Week and beyond! Thanks for being part of our event" Nunawading Library, Whitehorse Libraries, VIC.

 

"Thank you for a wonderful performance on Friday. I loved seeing my students so involved with the show! The addition of movement breaks was a great idea and the timing was perfect for the K-6 children. We would love to book you again for 2025." Cathedral Catholic PS, Bathurst, NSW

 

"Thank you for your performance yesterday! The students loved it.” Narromine Christian School, NSW

 

“Once again you were beyond our expectations. Thank you! I just loved the show. Next year… please find a date for us.” Kinross Wolaroi School, Orange, NSW.

 

“The response to your performance was amazing and we will definitely look at having you back next year.” Cathedral Catholic PS, Bathurst, NSW

 

“Thanks again for a wonderful performance the other day. Can we please rebook for next year?” Nemingha PS, NSW

 

“Thank you again for your wonderful performance and engaging with our students here at St Therese.” St Therese PS, Mascot, NSW

 

“Thank you for the live performance. It was amazing. All the staff and kids enjoyed the show and were looking forward to next year's performance.” St Bishoy College, Mt Druitt, NSW

 

“Tony uses all aspects of the Creative Arts Syllabus such as music, dance, drama and visual arts when he creates and performs his amazing show. We thank him for bringing books to life at TPS!” Toronto PS, NSW

 

“Students were captivated by the engaging and humorous performance, and some even got involved with the performance.” Nambucca Valley Christian Community College, NSW

 

“Thank you so much for a wonderful performance. The children loved being part of the show… The staff… they all commented on how much they enjoyed the show... We would love to book again for next year.” Masada College, St Ives, NSW

 

“Thank you so much for yesterday. The students really enjoyed the performance and were talking about it yesterday afternoon as well as this morning. Our teachers loved it as well. You are very talented… Thank you again” St Nicholas of Myra PS, Penrith, NSW

 

“The feedback was amazing, we would love to book you again for next book week 2025.” Isabella Plains Early Childhood School, ACT

 

“It was great to have you at the school today.” Melrose Park PS, NSW

 

“Thanks again for today. Some teachers have already approached me with positive feedback and the carers at after-school care mentioned they heard lots of kids talking about it all afternoon 🙂”  Barnier PS, Quakers Hill, NSW

 

"Another great performance - the staff and students have been raving about it... Thank you so much for a wonderful performance. It was engaging for all ages and so much fun. You were inclusive and I wanted to personally thank you for including my student in the Q and A. He was sitting with me on the chair and was grateful that you recognised that he required some guidance and you dealt with it brilliantly. Loved the costumes and including the students in the performance. Congratulations!" Birralee PS, Doncaster, VIC

 

"Thank you for your fabulous performance today. We all thoroughly had a good laugh and enjoyed being entertained... Could you please add our school into a time slot(s) during the actual Book Week next year for another booking?" Thornhill Park PS, VIC

 

"It was definitely a success and enjoyed by all!... Tony, thank you so much for such an enjoyable show! You made it so engaging for both teachers and staff; your commitment, dedication and passion was truly evident throughout the performance. It was an absolute pleasure to have you at St Clares!" St Clare's PS, Truganina, VIC

 

"Thank you so much for the brilliant performance this morning. I would like to tentatively book you in for Friday of Book Week 2025 if possible... Thank you so much and thanks again!" Newport Gardens PS, VIC

 

"Thank you for once again, a very entertaining show... Thanks for an amazing show!" Woady Yaloak PS, VIC

 

"Thank you once again for visiting our school and putting on such a fantastic performance! The students had an amazing time and are still talking about the show... We'd love to have you back next year, potentially around Book Week time, if you’re available." Ascot Vale West PS, VIC.

 

"Thanks again for the show... the feedback has been great!" Phoenix P-12 Community College, Sebastopol, VIC

 

"Thank you so much for your performance today! We had a lot great feedback about how engaging it was for all the year levels, and they enjoyed the multimedia elements in your show, and the fact that it was interactive for the kids. Lots of positive feedback so well done! We are keen to book in for 2025 so if you could let me know of dates that are available, that would be great. Have a safe trip back home and we'll see you next year!" Prospect North PS, SA

 

"Thanks for your recent performance, another successful rendition of a book week book. It was so good, and kids had a great time. We would love to rebook for next year." Churchill PS, VIC

 

"It was great and thoroughly entertaining. He is very talented and can sing really well. Great jokes and suited for all age groups... It was a great way of experiencing a written text... Awesome - students fully engaged and the message is exactly what we are talking about in R.E at the moment. Must say the "duck" and "water bird" was an inspiration... Students loved it. It was fast paced so the students also didn't have time to think about being bored which added to the entertainment. The presenter was awesome. It was great to see different media used as well such as the screen, the stage, puppets... Fantastic! Such a fun way of reading a book and every child was entertained. What a fabulous way to learn!... Very entertaining and really was enjoyed by all (especially the teachers!!). Really loved the different ways that the presenter presented!!... Entertaining and great topics that can lead to further discussion. Great presenter and loved the variety of puppets. The children who were involved were well prepared." Catherine McAuley Catholic PS, Orange, NSW

 

"Thank you once again for coming to Bute yesterday. Only rave reviews from students and adults... We are keen to book you again for 2025. All the schools from yesterday are interested." Bute Early Learning & PS, SA

 

"Thank you for the live performance. It was amazing. All the staff and kids enjoyed the show and were looking forward to next year's performance." St Bishoy Coptic Orthodox College, Mt Druitt, NSW

 

"Our students at TC thoroughly enjoyed your performance once again." Terang College, VIC