Production Profile:
Company:
EMILY LOVES TO BOUNCE
PATCH THEATRE COMPANY
The performance is inspired by the works of Stephen Michael King and was collaboratively
devised by the artistic team:
Directors:
Set and Lighting Design:
Illusion:
Technical Design:
Music:
Provocateur:
Astrid Pill/Sarah Hunt, Nathan O’Keefe/Cameron
Goodall/Ninian Donald/Jon Bode
Zoe Barry/Karen DeNardi/ Biony Campbell, Belinda
Gelhert/Emma Lukker
Dave Brown and Ingrid Voorendt
Geoff Cobham
Greg Cousins
Jardine and Bob Weatherly
Belinda Gehlert and Zoë Barry
Lisa Phillip-Harbutt
Set Construction:
Production Manager:
Bob Weatherly, Greg Cousins and Jardine
Bob Weatherly
Performers:
Critical Acclaim
“‘Emily Loves to Bounce’ is a masterstroke of ingenuity - a beautiful blend of sound, mime
and illusion. It is intriguing, mystical, funny and irresistible. Thoroughly absorbing.”
Andy Ahrens - Adelaide Theatre Guide
“Emily Loves to Bounce is a most wonderful work, beautiful in its presentation, very carefully
created and a continuation of Patch Theatre’s commitment to sparking the imagination of
children and conjuring up wonderful images for young minds to enjoy.”
David Whitney – Director, Canberra Theatre Centre
Emily Loves to Bounce is a beautifully crafted piece with moments of sheer magic......a
wondrous, theatrical journey for young people..... the best yet from Patch's creative team.
Philip Norman, Education Manager, Performances, Victorian Arts Centre
This show is a joy from start to finish, from its cardboard cartons to its delicate puppet
vignette, glowing Chinese lanterns and gorgeous, whimsical, grin-inducing finale. Jo Vabolis
– Independent Weekl
“Patch has created a marvelous, visual and aural world to explore some of the thoughts and
feelings common to four to eight year olds. Friendship, difference, childhood and family are
among the subjects dealt with …and the image of a box, the idea of breaking out of boxes,
physically and mentally, is the central motif. A whimsical score of classical contemporary and
folk music played live on a variety of instruments is a delight. Geoff Cobham’s simple
meditative designs complement the gentle tone and unhurried pace that is so reminiscent of
Philippe Genty. With plenty of humour and a packed house of children, laughter and wonder
were entwined.”
Louise Nunn – Adelaide Advertiser
“Adelaide’s Patch Theatre Company pitches its work at four to eight year olds and its latest
production, Emily Loves to Bounce, is further evidence of the company’s invention, energy
and flair. The players – actors Astrid Pill and Jon Bode and musicians Zoe Barry and Belinda
Gehlert – sing, dance, joke and surprise, as boxes appear to move by themselves, whiter
paper lanterns dance and coloured balls invade the stage like oversized smarties. The Patch
team have artfully harmonized the productions many elements, including, as an
unexpectedly moving benediction, a hummed rendition of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy.”
Murray Bramwell – The Australian
Actors hop from box to box, singing, dancing, playing games, creating art and
communicating the child-like wonder of play, creativity and imagination. Children get totally
involved in the show as their compatriots on stage make the most of every moment. This is
quality, entertaining, involving children's theatre and will be a welcome addition to the Patch
repertoire. Matt Byrne – Messenger Press’
'Emily Loves to Bounce is a fabulous non-narrative performance exploring two entirely
different personality types - amazingly expressed through the metaphor of balls and boxes.
Our sell out 2.5 week season was filled with joyous responses. Children gasped with delight
as string musicians were revealed from underneath large white boxes. Everything about this
production is first rate - the live music, singing and wondrous lighting. Patch Theatre,
through years of detailed research and practice, know how to engage and entertain 4-8 year
olds and this production is amongst the companies best.'
Noel Jordan – Producer, Young Audiences Producers Unit, Sydney Opera House
“I’ve seen two of your productions – they are great in that they respect children’s integrity,
addressing them as fully- functioning human beings. The content is not dumbed down. The
shadow side of the human state is presented and given a compassionate hearing so that
there is an underlying encouragement to be who we are and that that’s okay. The content
and performance is just as entertaining and meaningful for adults as it is for children. Well
done! Viv Lewis (Parent) Scott Creek Primary School.
My daughter and I just returned from seeing Emily Loves to Bounce. I just wanted to tell you
how much we both enjoyed it. It's been a while since I found so much to like about a
children's production - it was funny, entertaining, unexpectedly emotional, thought-provoking
and the actors were fabulous. The show touched me on many levels and we walked home
la-la-la-ing 'Ode to Joy'. Thanks for a wonderful experience! Terella Rosen
I just wanted to write and say how much my kids and I enjoyed the production of Emily Loves to
Bounce. We were fortunate to catch the 6pm performance in Gladstone QLD, and although the
play nothing like we expected, we really, really enjoyed the show. It was whimsical, puzzling,
poignant and joyful, and the constant musical accompaniment was a great idea. I will make sure
that if your theatre company comes our way again, that we make the trip to catch whatever they
are performing. (and hopefully be able to organise our local school to make the trip as well).
Katrina Schwager, Agnes Waters QLD
I just wanted to pass on my congratulations to your team for the production of Emily Loves to
Bounce. I saw it the other day with my 5 year old, who has the attention span of a gnat, and he
was enthralled (as was I!). I loved that it was so abstract and magical, and my son thought that
it was really funny.
I think it’s a great introduction to theatre for young people, but more than that, it was a great
introduction to contemporary theatre. It showed them that theatre is capable of doing more than
telling a story – it can create a new world, and the audience is a part of it. Keep up the great
work – I’ll be sure to catch your next show. Andrea Huelin, Mum of Richard and Mimi
Dear Patch Theatre, I saw your production of Emily Loves to Bounce with my daughter today at
Ipswich, and LOVED IT SO MUCH!I wished there was another session so that I could take my
other kids to as well. Thank-you for a fantastic hour of inspirational magic, whimsy and laughter.
Kate Caley
National Helpmann Award - Nominee 2009
National Drovers Award – Best Tour 2009