Experience the timeless tale of Pinocchio in a brand-new ACO Families production brought to life with live music and a touch of magic at the ACO On The Pier, The Neilson, and Riverside Live at PHIVE, this July.
Combining an actor and theatrics with original music played live on stage by string and percussion musicians, this reimagined tale is filled to the brim with joy, wonder and just a touch of real magic.
There once was a boy who was made. And although his papa (who is also his sculptor) sees him as more than enough, he sees himself as less. Because he isn’t a real live boy. But he does have a gift. In a world of half-truths and fake news, his nose… knows.
So when he sets off into the world, Pinocchio finds that he can smell a rat. And also ride in a whale. And act like an ass (when he gets turned into one). And outwit a cat and outfox a fox. And eventually… save his papa, Geppetto. And in doing all these things, he proves himself real and gets out alive. He becomes a real live boy… or does he?
Written by award-winning playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer (Magic Beach, Are We There Yet?), with an original score by Bryony Marks (Barracuda, Summer Heights High), and directed by Tim McGarry (There’s a Sea in My Bedroom, Boy Swallows Universe), Pinocchio is a celebration of courage, love and the spark that makes us human.
ACO Families: Pinocchio
ACO On The Pier, The Neilson, Pier 2/3, Hickson Road, Dawes Point
Season: 9 – 19 July 2026
Information and Bookings: www.aco.com.au
Riverside Live at PHIVE, 5 Parramatta Square, Parramatta
Performances: Saturday 25 July 2026 (10.30am & 12.00pm)
Information and Bookings: www.riversideparramatta.com.au
Image: Thom Blake stars as Pinocchio – photo by Daniel Boud