During March, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre will take its smash hit show of 2009, The Night Zoo on the road as it continues to develop a regular circuit outside of its Fremantle home, providing opportunities for families to enjoy the work of this remarkable company.

Written and directed by Michael Barlow, The Night Zoo is a magical story about a little girl who dreams of befriending animals. However, Jamie can only dream because she lives in the middle of the city and her parents don't think there's room for a pet in their apartment.

One night, as Jamie falls asleep, something magical happens when one by one the animals of the city zoo come out to find her. Aided by a lovable orangutan, Jamie joins them for a night of dancing in the park. As the sun comes up and the dream is fading fast, there is one more surprise in store. A fabulous cast of animal characters including Elephant, Giraffe, Penguin, Orangutan, Cranes, Thorny Devils, and the wonderful Meerkats is brought to life by performers, Jacob Lehrer and Katya Shevtsov through puppetry, dance, animation, masks – and a light sprinkling of manure!

Designer Iona McAuley has created a beautifully expressive cast of puppet characters and lighting designer, Romi Poonoosamy deftly transports the action from the city at midnight to the dreamscape of the zoo. Remarkably, composer, Lee Buddle completed his 21st original score for the company with this production. Projection of ‘cut-out style’ animation, created by Michael Barlow, adds to the complexity of the staging.

Barlow said that The Night Zoo was created to express the joy that can come from making friends with animals.

“Now more than ever, we need to remember that we’re part of the natural world. Developing friendships with and understanding of animals is one of the most meaningful and enjoyable aspects of this connection,” he said. “And the benefits of interacting with animals through looking after a pet are immeasurable as children discover in themselves feelings of compassion, care, kinship and the pleasure of being alive.”

Spare Parts invites you to join Jamie for a night on which her dreams come true and to go wild with the wildlife of The Night Zoo. Keep in touch with the dream at www.sppt.asn.au. Early bookings to secure tickets are always advised as the company’s shows frequently sell out. 24/7 booking facilities are available online at www.sppt.asn.au or by phone on (08) 9335 5044.

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre is Australia’s leading puppetry company creating entertaining and inspirational theatre for young people and their families. In 2011, the company will begin its celebrations for 30 years of creating quality new Australian puppetry works that excite the way we view our world through image, illusion and entertainment.