Be part of the exclusive Online Watch Party of this wonderful show on our Riverside Theatres Digital platform. You and the kids will be able to stream the show and take part in the live chat function. After the show, participate in a Q&A with members of the cast and creative team, hosted by Riverside Theatres Program Coordinator – Education, Youth and Families, Amy Matthews. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain behind-the-scenes insight into the show and a chance to have your kids questions answered. This is a one time only event, you will not have access to the show on demand afterwards.

Chat live after the show with:
Amy Matthews – Q&A Host and Riverside Theatres Program Coordinator (Education, Youth and Families)
Jenny Ellis – Co-writer, Performer of Spike the Echidna, and Artistic Director of Little Wing Puppets

Spike is the story of an echidna who is stolen from his nest by a greedy rat. He hatches from his egg far away from home. A young girl finds him. She is playing alone in the bush because she is being bullied by other children. He has no spikes yet and she doesn’t know what kind of creature he is. She tries to work out where he comes from, but accidently puts him in dangerous situations – in the nest of a crocodile, an emu and a turtle. He feels frightened, rejected, alone. As the story unfolds, she helps him to discover where he belongs, and he helps her to find her own “spikes” and stand up to the bullies.

Told through the artform of contemporary shadow theatre, Spike is an interactive experience for the audience, with lively original music by Mal Webb. It is entertaining and fun, as well as a catalyst for a discussion about difference and belonging. It also about the unique biology of Australian animals, especially the egg-laying echidna.

After the performance there is a demonstration of shadow puppetry techniques, introducing children to an expressive hands-on story-telling medium that is highly accessible to young people.

Recommended for ages 4 – 10 and their families
Workshop recommended age is 6+