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The Pied Piper (NSW)

Marian Street Theatre for Young People presents ‘The Pied Piper’The pied piper

The Pied Piper has been adapted by puppeteer Terry Ryan and will be on at The Lighthouse Theatre during the July school holidays from 13 – 25 July.

Now set in an Australian wheat town, rain breaks the drought and brings prosperity at last – but then come the rats! The Mayor offers a reward of $50,000 to rid the town of rats and this attracts some hilarious characters.

After the show children can meet the actors, have a look at the set, the puppets and costumes, and learn a little bit more about the enchanting world of theatre.

The Pied Piper is suitable for children aged 3 -10 years, and uses storytelling, original songs, music and puppetry.

Where: The Lighthouse Theatre, North Ryde

When:             13 – 25 July 2009, Monday to Saturday at 10.30am & 1.00pm
Prices:        Children $16, Adults $20, Families of four $60, Group discounts avail

Bookings:   1300 306 776 or www.mca-tix.com.au (booking fees apply)

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Byron Bay Writers Festival: kids’ events

Join Australia’s best children’s writers at the Byron Bay Writers Festival (NSW) on Saturday 8 August from 9.00am – 2.30pm.

In the kids’ marquee, kids aged 6 to 16 will find authors, book signings, storytelling and fun activities!

For more information about events and purchasing tickets, visit the Byron Bay Writers Festival website. (The festival runs from 7 – 9 August 2009.)

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Attention all NSW superheroes under 9!

Gleebooks Children’s is holding an event for children under 9 years. Put on your favourite superhero outfit (or create a new one!). Here are the details:

You are invited to join the exclusive Baxter branch of Superheroes.

Apply between 3 and 4 pm on Saturday, 4th April 2009 at the little church hall, opposite St Johns Church, St Johns Rd Glebe.

Extraordinary Ernie and his marvellous sidekick Maud the sheep, along with Fearless Frances Watts, will encourage you to take up your crimefighter cloak and meet Housecat Woman, the Amazing Desmond, Valiant Vera and Super Whiz.

Expect:
Cape swirling
Zooming
Easter egg hunt
Book launch
Special superhero bargain of 2 books for the price of 1
Story reading

Don’t forget to wear your superhero costume. Come as your favourite, or create a character of your own!

Admittance $5
RSVP Essential: events@gleebooks.com.au

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Help create a book sculpture at the State Library of WA!

Have you heard that the State Library of WA has been building a children’s library on their mezzanine level? It’s true! And over the school holidays, children can help create a book sculpture for this new area with artist-in-residence, Graham Hay. For more information, go to www.slwa.wa.gov.au/schoolhols.html where they also advertise other family activities over the summer break.

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Perth Writers’ Festival 2009 – kids’ events!

Did you know that the Perth Writers’ Festival has kids’ events? As part of the Festival, look out for Perth Writers Festival Family Day – a free day of activities for children and their parents on Sunday 1 March at the University of Western Australia for ages 1 to 12! You can register to receive the full program of events by going to the Perth Writers’ Festival website. The program is due out at the end of January.

In the line-up of events, there’s even a children’s stand-up comedian – James Campbell – visiting from the UK! This is what the Perth Writers’ Festival has to say about him:

Warm up your funny bones for the world’s only stand-up comedian for children. Think there is no such thing?  Think again.  James’ unique style covers everything from parents to Playstations, why we have hair and what he had for breakfast.  Top quality stuff for children over the age of 6, their parents and anyone
who likes comedy without the rude words.  And there might even be an otter – but probably not.

He belongs on stage  THE NEW YORK TIMES

The best sort of absurdist comedy there is  THE GUARDIAN

I should have given him six stars – just too brilliant  SUNDAY HERALD

My seven-year-old was howling with laughter and so was I  DAILY MAIL

His stand-up has achieved almost holy status – don’t miss   SUNDAY TIMES

James Campbell is a stand-up comedian for children who talks about topics relevant to kids or anyone who has ever been a kid – everything from parents, Playstations and breakfast foods to deeply philosophical questions like ‘why we have hair?’ His show is aimed at children aged six and above, their parents and anyone who enjoys top-quality comedy without the swearing.

James has made numerous appearances at the Edinburgh Festival, including shows in the Ballroom of the prestigious Assembly Rooms (2004) and at the Spiegeltent (from 2005 to 2007) He has performed his Comedy 4 Kids show at the Just For Laughs comedy festival in Montreal, Hay-on-Wye literary festival, Adelaide Fringe, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, The Comedy Store (London) and many UK comedy festivals. His largest audience to date is 4000 children at the Royal Albert Hall. James regularly hosts special events for charities and frequently works as MC for the Ulster Symphony Orchestra narrating such works as  Peter and the Wolf.  He completed a highly acclaimed Broadway season at The New Victory Theatre in New York in 2006 and began an extensive tour of Canada in 2007, which will continue in Spring 2008.

James also writes plays, poems, articles and songs.

For more info about James Campbell, you can visit his website: www.jamescampbell.info.