A compelling story of yearning and optimism.

Adam Kelly is, in his words, an autistic gentleman. His friend Finbar is a fish. Adam thinks that asking someone what it feels like to live with autism is pretty much like asking a fish (i.e. Finbar) if it knows it’s in water, which is pretty funny if you think about it.

ARCO is Adam Kelly’s award-wining show about living with autism, or, in Finbar the fish’s case, living in water. The show takes a heartfelt look at the life and struggles of a young man trying to make connections with the people and world around him. Along the way Adam asks gently of his audience to consider life from his perspective.

ARCO Jnr, a supercharged version of the original for children and families, incorporates exciting animation from Perth-based neurodiverse artist Ben Hollingsworth. Join us as Adam and Finbar dance, draw, fly and joke their way into our hearts.

Available for Education Bookings only

Fourth Wall Media

"An unexpected gem of a show. Adam Kelly is perhaps one of the most optimistic people you'll ever come across"

Seesaw

"Highly engaging and unflichingly honest"

Malti Media

"Extremely illuminating"

Education Bookings & Resources

EDUCATION PERFORMANCE DATES

Tuesday 25 August 2026 at 10:15am – RELAXED PERFORMANCE
Tuesday 25 August 2026 at 1pm – RELAXED PERFORMANCE
Wednesday 26 August 2026 at 10:30am – RELAXED PERFORMANCE

EDUCATION TICKETS & PRICING

$25 ea
1 teacher free for every 20 students booked.

SUITABLE FOR YEAR 3-6 (Stages 2-3)

Online Education Bookings
1 teacher free for every 20 students booked.

To reserve/pay for your booking, select the ‘Education Bookings‘ button and confirm the number of tickets, prices and contact details.

For more details about How to Book, Excursion & Accessibility For Education

 

Accessibility

In English

Wheelchair accessible

Companion Card accepted

Assistive Hearing system available (FM)

Relaxed performance available

Relaxed performance

Tuesday 25 August 2026 at 10:15am
Tuesday 25 August 2026 at 1pm
Wednesday 26 August 2026 at 10:30am

Relaxed performances (RP) are open to everyone, but with modifications to sound and lighting to be more suited to patrons with autism, individuals with other disabilities that create sensory sensitivities and anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment.

Content and Sensory Warnings
  • Some sudden noises including traffic sounds, crashing, and some roars.
  • Some slight lighting changes, including a couple of minutes of a red light and a minute of near darkness.
  • Music will play during the show and the performer, Adam, will invite you to dance with him if you want (no pressure).
  • Some moments will involve audience participation. Feel free to just sit back and watch if you don’t feel like joining in.
  • Adam offers the audience high fives at one point, but he understands if you don’t feel like high-fiving.
  • This production discusses autism in a gentle and humorous way, suitable for younger audiences.
  • Sometimes Adam talks about difficult or upsetting experiences he’s had, such as times of sensory overload or feeling lonely and rejected, but he reflects on these with a positive point of view.

Find out more about accessibility at Riverside Theatres

 

Additional Ticketing Information

$7.95 Transaction Fee applies.

The authorised ticket agency for this event is Riverside Theatres.

Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered reliable. If you purchase tickets from a non-authorised agency, you risk that these tickets are fake, void, or have previously been cancelled. Resale restriction applies.

Prices are correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection. Children aged 0-18 months at the time of a performance may be seated on an adult’s lap free of charge. A valid ticket is required for all children over 18 months.

For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions.