The Whale by Spare Parts Puppet Theatre 2025EXPIRED

Wonderful, magical, magnificent. Whales have inspired cultures around the world, holding a special place in stories and legends. Be transported on a sonic journey of migration and myth, with a large-scale moving whale figure suspended in space and surrounded by other fantastical sea creatures.

An immersive and interactive experience for all ages, The Whale draws attention to these creatures’ vital role in our ecosystem and calls our community to protect them.  Audiences will have the opportunity to join puppeteers to bring the creatures to life, helping them swim through an underwater experience.

A not to be missed experience where everyone can join in!

• 4 January 1pm-4pm & 5pm-9pm

• 5 January 1pm-4pm & 5pm-9pm

• 8 January 1pm-4pm & 5pm-9pm

• 9 January 1pm-4pm & 5pm-9pm

• 10 January 1pm-4pm & 5pm-9pm

• 11 January 1pm-4pm & 5pm-9pm

• 12 January 1pm-4pm & 5pm-9pm

Creative team:

• Creator/designer: Leon Hendroff

• Composers: Iain Grandage and Melanie Robinson

• Dramaturg: Nadia Tavo

• Lighting designer: Lucy Birkinshaw

• Puppetry director: Philip Mitchell

• Creative producer: Megan Fitzgerald

• Lead soft fabricator: Ffion Nutter

• Build manager: Ben Nelson

About Spare Parts Puppet Theatre

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre is Australia's most respected puppetry company dedicated to the development of the artform and the artists they create with. Through puppetry they tell stories that resonate and reflect the rich diversity of Australian life and connect audiences across generations.

Creator Leon Hendroff is an award-winning designer, illustrator and puppet maker whose work spans 2D to 3D, with influences of graphic styles, paper and textile sculpture. He has been creating for theatre, festivals, events and retail for over twenty years.

Dramaturg Nadia Tavo is a proud Gamilaraay yinaar (woman) originally hailing from North-Western NSW. Nadia graduated from NAISDA Dance College in 2015 and has since been working in theatre, dance, puppetry and visual art, creating, devising, performing and mentoring.

Presented by Bondi Pavilion and Spare Part Puppets Theatre. A Sydney Festival Event.

The Whale has been co-commissioned by Waverley Council, City of Busselton and Curtin University.

This project is supported through the Australian Cultural Fund.