Bambert’s Book of Lost Stories

ACM Bambert’s Book of Lost Stories - photo by Jon GreenReinhardt Jung’s internationally lauded novel will be brought to life in the inventive and enchanting production Bambert’s Book of Lost Stories in the Fairfax Studio – Arts Centre Melbourne on 27 and 28 October 2017.

Writer Dan Giovannoni and co-adapter and director Luke Kerridge have lifted the story off the page, transforming the beautiful tale into an enchanting Helpmann award-winning work. In this whimsical production, Barking Gecko Theatre Company presents the story of Bambert – an impossibly small man with an enormous love for writing. Tucked away in his quiet attic, his only companions are the characters he has created in his stories.

One day, Bambert decides to set his stories free, to send them out into the world on little balloons, in the hope that they will find a home. The stories contain instructions: whoever finds them is to return them to Bambert with a stamp from wherever they landed, so he knows where his stories have gone. But as each day passes, and no stories return, Bambert’s hope begins to fade. Will his stories ever find a home?

Winner of the 2016 Helpmann Award for Best Children’s Presentation and nominated for Best New Australian work, Bambert’s Book of Lost Stories brings together Australia’s most extraordinary creative minds to realise this exquisite production. At times amusing, other times melancholy, this new production reminds audiences how stories connect us to the world and ultimately, the power of kindness.

“Bambert’s belief in the power of his stories is a beautiful reminder of the potential that stories hold for all of us, to help us make sense of the world and to set our imaginations free. He is a magical example of how even the smallest of people can do big things,’’ says adapter and director Luke Kerridge.

Featuring a superbly crafted two-tier set by Jonathon Oxlade’s and exquisite puppetry this award-winning production is children’s theatre at its best. Before and after the show children are given the opportunity to colour in and add their wishes to balloons, just like Bambert – the wishes are then placed in a magic box that animates their picture and projects in onto a screen for the world to see.

“It wends its charming little way into your heart, and takes you on a bittersweet little journey to an enchanting place.” – Perth Arts Live

Adapter & Director: Luke Kerridge Featuring: Nick Maclaine, Amanda McGregor, Jo Morris, Igor Sas, Tim Watts Production Designer: Jonathon Oxlade Lighting Designer: Chris Donnelly Composer/Sound Designer: Ian Moorhead Dramaturg: Matt Edgerton Adapter: Dan Giovannoni

Bambert’s Book of Lost Stories
Fairfax Studio – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne
Performances: 27 & 28 October 2017
Information and Bookings: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au

Image: Bambert’s Book of Lost Stories – photo by Jon Green