Snugglepot and Cuddlepie come alive for new generation of fans

Review: The CDP/Monkey Baa stage version of May Gibbs’s stories featuring Snugglepot And Cuddlepie is a delight for all ages

IT’S testament to the strength of a good story when you don’t need very much to tell it.

The CDP production of May Gibbs’ charming bush tale of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, in association with Monkey Baa Theatre whose writers Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge and Tim McGarry adapted Gibbs’s work for the stage, is a perfect example.

The relatively small Playhouse Theatre stage at the Sydney Opera House was cleverly but simply dressed with a single prop — an oversized seesaw — which doubled as a tree and a theatre. And just a handful of actors decked out in beautiful costumes bought the famous bush characters to life.

Snugglepot and Cuddlepie meet all kinds of friends and foes on their journey Picture: Branco Gaica

The young audience, it seems, did not miss the glitz and extravagance of a bigger production, rather they delighted in the timeless and well-loved story of the Gumnut friends, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. The hour-long story aimed at five to 10-years-olds was introduced by a recording of May Gibbs’s voice, as she tells of the creation of her famous and enduring bush tale before the characters take to the stage.

Snugglepot and Cuddlepie with Ragged Blossom and Mr Frog Picture: Branco Gaica

The production is based on a series of books by the Sydney children’s author and centres on the tale of the Gumnut friends, who dream of seeing a real-life human (only from a distance) and embark on a journey to the Botanic Gardens in the city. Along the way, they meet many friends — Mr Lizard, Mr Frog, little Ragged Blossom — and a few foes, namely the sneaky Mrs Snake and the Big Bad Banksia Man.

It’s also testament to a great tale when it is made for young audiences, but enjoyed alike by older viewers.

Playhouse, Sydney Opera House; 10am and 12pm daily, until July 12, $24-$44, 9250 7777, sydneyoperahouse.com