The Song Catchers

Director & Librettist Matt Reuben James Ward

Composer Jarred Wall

Conductor & Music Arranger Pia Harris

Set & Costume Design Fiona Bruce

Animation Design Sohan Ariel Hayes

Lighting Design Lucy Birkinshaw

Cultural Liaison Officer Rachael Colmer

Cultural Consultants Aunty Eliza Woods, Aunty Glenda Williams, Uncle Larry Blight and Jarrad Inman 

Contributors Breaksea Youth Writers’ Group and Jon Doust

Featuring Breaksea Youth Ensemble 

In the city of Hillside, foxes power their homes with songs gathered from the animals living beyond the fence. Young foxes are trained as the song catchers, tasked with collecting living songs and storing them underground to fuel the city.

Tipu, a young Song Catcher, harbors a secret: his friend Marri, an echidna holds a living song. One day Tipu betrays Marri when he hands Marri’s song over to the song catchers. Guilt drives Tipu to try and return the song, however in the attempt, hundreds of trapped songs are accidentally released, sparking fire and fear.

Forced to flee, Tipu and Marri journey through the Albany bush to the mythical Listening Tree, a place said to help lost voices grow again. Along the way, they confront their mistakes, rebuild trust, and discover the deeper purpose of listening.

At the Listening Tree, Marri’s voice is restored. Reunited, Tipu and Marri sing together- for friendship, for community, and for a better shared future.

WHEN IS IT?
11:00am, Friday 23 October 2026 - Schools Matinee

Other performances:

• 6:00pm, Friday 23 October
• 11:00am, Saturday 24 October
• 6:00pm, Saturday 24 October

WHAT TIME CAN I ARRIVE?
The theatre will open 90 minutes prior to the performance.

We recommend you arrive at the theatre at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the show, especially if you need to pick up your tickets from the Venue Box office. This will allow you sufficient time to find your seats before the performance starts.

WHERE IS IT?
Albany Entertainment Centre (AEC), Princess Royal Theatre.

HOW DO I PURCHASE TICKETS FOR MY STUDENTS?

• Call AEC Box Office (08) 9844 5005 or the ACT Groups Department (08) 6212 9291
• Alternatively email [email protected]

HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS?
$18.00 School Groups 9+ 
(one complimentary ticket per 9 purchased)

Pricing and Transaction Fee Information

• Transaction fees for Group bookings: $8.95.
• Add $2 for postage by Standard Mail or $4.40 for Registered Mail.
• All tickets/items prices include GST if applicable and are quoted in Australian dollars.

WHAT AGE IS IT FOR?
Designed for young audiences 8+, this dynamic production blends live music, storytelling, animation and evocative design into a rich, immersive theatrical experience that speaks directly to students.

GETTING THERE
The bus drop off point is located in Toll Place adjacent to the AEC.

Parking for 135 vehicles is available in the Centre’s car park which is accessed via Toll Place which runs off Princess Royal Drive.

Additional parking is available in the City CBD north of the railway line where people may utilise the footbridge to access the Centre.

MY SCHOOL REQUIRES AN EXCURSION MANAGEMENT PLAN
The AEC Excursion Management Plan can be found here

ARE THERE LEARNING RESOURCES AVAILABLE?
The Song Catchers is a brand-new Australian music theatre adventure exploring listening, courage, community and connection to Country. Teaching and Learning Resources will be available in due course.

PERFORMANCE RUNNING TIMES?
60 minutes, no interval

LOCKOUT POLICY?
Latecomers will not be admitted until a suitable break during the performance.

OTHER QUERIES

Can I use my phone in the theatre?
It is a requirement of entry into performances that you turn your mobile phone off completely. Switching your phone to silent may eliminate the sound, but the light may disrupt other audience members.

Can I use my mobile phone in the theatre and take photos of the performance?
Taking photos or video during performances is not permitted, unless explicitly stated by the performers. It is a violation of copyright laws and flash photography can cause a safety hazard to performers. You will be reminded of this prior to the performance.

Please remember that the light from a mobile phone switched to silent may still disrupt other audience members. It is a requirement of entry into performances that you do not use your mobile phone to make or receive calls or messages.

MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Helen Dwyer
Education Manager
[email protected]