CAUTIONARY Tales for Children is a new comedy musical for ages 8 plus, based on Hilaire Belloc’s much-loved early 20th century satirical poems about wayward children who receive their comeuppance in outrageous and humorous ways, not least of which includes a young boy eaten by a lion.

Performed by a comedic troupe of four travelling the world in their vintage time machine, is playing at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Wollongong during the April school holidays on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 April.

In the same tradition as Roald Dahl and Andy Griffiths’ stories, Cautionary Tales for Children questions the age-old belief that adults know best all of the time.

Director Naomi Edwards said Hilaire Belloc’s poems have underscored childhoods for many generations and are beloved for their idiosyncratic and charming impropriety.

“In bringing them to life with music, we have amplified the satire, wit and joyful irreverence of each tale,” Edwards said.

Belloc’s wonderful wordplay was adapted by acclaimed comedienne Claudia O’Doherty. Bringing the words to life is some of Australia’s best musical theatre talent: composer Mark Jones and performers Jolyon James (most recently the title role in the Cat Stevens’ musical Moonshadow), Sarah Ward (former Ring Mistress of Circus Oz) and Natalie O’Donnell (TV’s Lowdown).

Arena Theatre Company’s
CAUTIONARY TALES FOR CHILDREN
Based on the verse by Hilaire Belloc

Adapted by Claudia O’Doherty
Director Naomi Edwards
Composer Mark Jones
Designer Jonathon Oxlade
Cast Jolyon James, Natalie O’Donnell, Sarah Ward

Venue:
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre (IPAC)
32 Burelli St, Wollongong NSW 2500

Performance times:
APRIL SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: Tues 23 Apr 2pm, Wed 24 Apr 10am & 1pm

Prices:
All tickets: $22; Vacation Care Groups: $12  (Transaction fees apply to phone and internet bookings)

Tickets:
Call the box office on (02) 4224 5999 or visit www.merrigong.com.au