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Be spellbound as the Australian bush springs to life on stage in Beetle by Legs On The Wall. Playing for a limited season of three performances only 8 & 9 August at The Joan, Penrith during National Science Week, this enchanting production will spark wonder in ages 6 – 14 and their families.
A nostalgic and heartwarming tale of wonder and hope, this striking show reminds children and adults of the delicate balance of the natural world and the power of small voices.
Join Sally and her backyard friend as they encounter larger than life beetles, stick insects and bush critters on their quest to discover the now elusive Christmas Beetle.
A must-see feast for the senses, Beetle showcases the signature physical storytelling of internationally acclaimed Australian company, Legs On The Wall, and enriched by narration by Wiradjuri women and award-winning artist Vicki van Hout, captivating giant puppets and stunning visual effects.
Throughout the show, audiences will be treated to stunning animations of original artworks by beloved Australian children’s author and illustrator, Freya Blackwood, who was recently shortlisted for the 2025 Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards for her picture books Afloat and The Garden of Broken Things.
Fans of Erth Visual & Physical Inc. (ARC, Dinosaur Petting Zoo and Prehistoric Aquarium) and Legs On The Wall (Endling, Vivid Sydney 2025) will delight in the incredible scenic art created by these two companies.
Plus, at the end of the show, audience members will get the unique opportunity to engage with the cast and take home some seeds to plant and make a positive impact on our environment.
Get up close with the tiny wonders of nature – Join Penrith City Council’s Sustainability team in The Joan’s Foyer before or after the show on Saturday to discover the fascinating world of bugs through real microscopes!
Don’t miss Beetle by Legs On The Wall at The Joan, 8 & 9 August.
Key Details
Dates & Times
Friday 8 August at 11am & 6pm
Saturday 9 August at 11am
Age Suitability
General Public: Ages 6 – 14 and their families.
Schools: Kindergarten – Year 8.
Location
Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street, Penrith.
Reviews
"An imaginative fusion of puppetry and physical theatre…an immersive children’s show that will inspire wonder in grown-ups too."
The Scotsman
"Legs On The Wall, the Australian theatre company behind Beetle, superbly blends a touching storyline with visual splendour…This is definitely the show of the Fringe that changed my perspective of the natural world."
Playbill
About Legs On The Wall
For over 40 years, Legs On The Wall – a Sydney-based physical theatre and aerial performance company of international acclaim – has captivated audiences around the world with its exhilarating blend of wonder, humour, and breathtaking spectacle.
Legs On The Wall are renowned for making environmentally themed work, including the acclaimed installation and metaphor for climate change, Thaw.
Creative Team
Concept: Joshua Thomson
Creators and Directors: Joshua Thomson and Kate Walder
Illustrations: Freya Blackwood
Video Designer: Susie Henderson
Sound Designer: Luke Smiles
Composition: Jessica Dunn
Lighting Designer: Gareth Simmonds
Costume Designer and Creator: Melanie Gillbank
Cast: Christy Tran, Lloyd Allison-Young and Olivia Hadley
Voice of the Tree: Vicki Van Hout
Scenic Art: Erth Visual & Physical Inc. and Legs On The Wall
BEETLE is commissioned by the North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) and The Art House — Wyong and was supported by Inner West Council. The 2025 tour has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, and the NSW Government through Create NSW.
Image Credits:
Production Stills: Luke McLeod
Illustration: Freya Blackwood