Based on the book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley

Millions of young people around the world have adored the multi award-winning picture book, Diary of a Wombat. Now this iconic work written by 2014 – 2015 Australian Children’s Laureate, Jackie French and illustrated by Bruce Whatley comes to the stage.

Meet Mothball, the naughtiest wombat in Australia. Bored with her daily routine, Mothball goes in search of shelter and food, creating chaos in the lives of the humans around her.

Monkey Baa uses the magic of puppetry and live music to bring this delightful story for primary students to life.

Tactile Tour on Tuesday 21 March at 11:30am
A tactile tour of the set and costumes is available after the performance on Wednesday 22 March. The tour is scheduled to go for approximately 30 minutes. Please indicate if you would like to participate in this when filling out your Schools Booking Form, or contact our Education Booking Coordinator on 8839 3308 or education_riverside@parracity.nsw.gov.au 

*Audio Described Performance on Tuesday 21 March at 12:30pm
Please indicate if your group requires Audio Description on your Schools Booking Form, or contact our Education Booking Coordinator on 8839 3308 or education_riverside@parracity.nsw.gov.au 

**Relaxed Performance on Wednesday 22 March at 10:15am
A social story for this performance will be available soon. Please check back here regularly for updates. In the meantime, please check our ‘Schools Bookings and Resources’ tab for a social story on Riverside Theatre.

Dates & Times:
Tuesday 21 March at 10:15am & 12:30pm*
Wednesday 22 March at 10:15am** & 12:30pm

Director
Eva Di Cesare

Puppetry and Movement Director
Alice Osborne

Set and Costume Designer
Imogen Ross

Composer
Oonagh Sherrard

Lighting Designer
Matt Cox

Sound Designer
Kingsley Reeve

Puppet Design and Construction
Bryony Anderson

Conceptualised by
Sandra Eldridge
Tim McGarry
Eva Di Cesare

Cast
Michael Cullen
Shondelle Pratt
Julia Ohannessian
Mary Rapp (Cellist)

Suitable for Preschool and Years K – 4

From the Program Coordinator:
We can’t wait to meet Mothball! A match made in heaven – Jackie French, Bruce Whatley and the talented team from Monkey Baa have joined forces to create this gorgeous NEW AUSTRALIAN WORK, which is sure to leave you and your class grinning from ear to ear. With direction by Monkey Baa’s Eva Di Cesare and puppetry created by Alice Osborne (Australian production of War Horse) this new production is one of the highlights of our primary program.

Curriculum Links:
Download the full curriculum links for Diary of a Wombat here: Diary of a Wombat Curriculum Links

Teachers Resources:
Download the teachers resources for Diary of a Wombat here: Diary of a Wombat Teachers Resource Kit

About the Venue – Riverside Theatre:
761 seats with around 534 seats in the stalls (ground level). This is the biggest space with a high ceiling, balcony seating, lots of red chairs and a raised stage. Shows in this venue will be the biggest and busiest. There is level seating/ wheelchair access in row P (around the middle of the stalls).

Access Points:
Access points are indicators that let you know aspects of a production or event that may provide groups with a higher level of engagement related to their needs. There are 5 access points relating to aspects of the storytelling of the production that may assist access. The access points that apply to Diary of a Wombat are:

• Language: Easy (LE) The text or dialogue used in this production is limited or simple.
• Music (M) The production has a strong music focus (rather than a focus on language).
• Visual Cues (VC) This production has strong visual cues giving students a different reference point for comprehension of the narrative or subject matter other than just language.

Specific Access:
Find out about our accessibility options by clicking here

A social story for this performance will be available soon. Please check back here regularly for updates. In the meantime, please check download a social story on Riverside Theatre, below.

Download a social story about Riverside Theatre here: Riverside Social Story

Price: $20 per student & additional teachers

HOW TO BOOK

BOOK EARLY! We do our best to accommodate everyone, but shows fill fast. Additional performances are not always possible.

1. USE BOOKING FORM, DOWNLOAD IT OR COMPLETE IT ONLINE

All bookings require a completed Booking Form. Risk assessments and education support materials (where provided) are available online.

2. SEND YOUR BOOKING FORM TO US

Complete online (preferred), fax, email or post your booking form to Riverside Education Fax: 02 9683 3267 Scan and email: education_riverside@parracity.nsw.gov.au Mail: Riverside Education, PO Box 3636, Parramatta, NSW, 2124. N.B. Please do not send any payments with your booking form. Riverside will confirm your booking and then issue a tax invoice for your deposit. Bookings are made in strict order of receipt. Please ensure you have given a valid email address on your booking form as this is our main method of communication.

3. RIVERSIDE WILL CONFIRM YOUR BOOKING

Riverside will confirm your booking and invoice the school for a non-refundable 25% deposit. Teachers receive complimentary seating on a 20:1 ratio (unless otherwise stipulated). Once you have paid your deposit, your booking is secure and Riverside will issue an invoice for full payment.

4. FINAL PAYMENT

Full payment is required 4 weeks prior to the performance date. If we do not receive payment OR proof of your DoE purchase order, we have the right to cancel your booking and you will forfeit your deposit.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS – DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DoE) PAYMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The DoE takes 30 days from an invoice being submitted to payment being received by Riverside, therefore we MUST have full payment OR proof that the purchase order has been submitted to the DoE no later than four weeks prior to the performance date. This is a new system for many public schools so we strongly recommend receiving monies and permission slips at least 7 weeks before the payment is due. This will allow any final changes in numbers (subject to availability). We cannot reduce numbers after payment has been received.

ALL OTHER SCHOOLS (INCLUDING INDEPENDENT AND CATHOLIC)
Confirmation of final numbers and final balance is required four weeks prior to the performance date. A reduction of numbers is not permitted after this date.

An increase of numbers is possible after the final payment day but is subject to availability. Please note, all school bookings made within 4 school weeks of a performance date must be paid in full within 1 week of confirmation and are final. There are no refunds or changes to numbers or dates on these bookings.

5. FINAL INFORMATION SENT TO SCHOOLS

Prior to your visit, we will send you detailed information via email to ensure you have a hassle-free excursion. This will include updating you on any possible changes to running times or more detailed information as it emerges from the rehearsal process.

6. ATTEND AND ENJOY!

If you have concerns about meeting the terms and conditions, please email education_riverside@parracity.nsw.gov.au or call 02 8839 3308.

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