Info
The Art House Presents
A Terrapin Production
The Paper Escaper
By Gita Bezard
Benny, the plucky puppet protagonist in The Paper Escaper, knows they are destined for greater things than a simple pop-up book. But in a world that’s trying to squash them between its pages, Benny will need the help of a new friend to achieve their dreams.
Written by Gita Bezard of The Last Great Hunt, this delightful, funny and inspiring production features inventive puppetry, deft physical performance and an intricate and engaging soundtrack.
Benny doesn't want to tell the story 'The Maker' has written for them. As their parents get nervous about the consequences of defying the 'The Maker', Benny rips themself from his story. Alone and in an unknown land, Benny comes across a mysterious tentacle and friendship blooms. But 'The Maker' is determined and his fire is hungry – and Benny and their friend must work together to survive.
"A beautifully crafted work written for the young and to be enjoyed by all ages. ★★★★ ½ stars"
-ArtsHub
"An exemplar for how outrageously fun theatre can be."
- The Examiner
This performance will take place in our Studio which is general admission unassigned seating.
Note: The Paper Escaper is part of The Art House's 2025 Education Programming. Limited seating is available to the General Public in school group performances.
For School Group Bookings please email: Education@thearthousewyong.com.au
Terrapin is assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, and through Arts Tasmania by the Minister for the Arts. The Paper Escaper tour is supported by Arts on Tour.
Cast & Creatives
Creatives
Writer: Gita Bezard
Director: Sam Routledge
Director: Davina Wright
Assistant Director: Emma Skalicky
Set & Costume Design: Charlotte Lane
Puppet Design & Construction: Bryony Anderson
Lighting Design: Nick Higgins
Additional Puppet Construction: Greta Jean
Scenic Painting: Edith Perrenot, Freya Piscioneri-Young, Mads Hillam
Sound Design: Jacky Collyer
Set Construction: Andrew Macdonald, Karl Sanger, Phil Wren
Costume Making: Roz Wren
Cast
Noah Casey, Scout Macdonald, Bella Young
About The Company
Terrapin creates contemporary puppetry experiences for audiences of all ages, touring Tasmania, nationally and internationally. It creates work for theatres and interactive installations for public space.
The company’s work has been presented by The Royal Shakespeare Company, The Edinburgh International Children’s festival, The Vancouver International Children’s Festival, De Betovering Festival (The Netherlands), A.S.K Shanghai, Aichi Arts Centre (Japan), The Taipei Children's Art Festival, The Lincoln Center (New York), The John F. Kennedy Center, The Sydney Opera House, Sydney Festival and Mona Foma among many others.
Reviews
From Teachers
"Absolutely fantastic. So professional, with great organisation and clarity in story and performance."
- Teacher, 2022 school tour
"Once again, it was a brilliant Terrapin performance. I (and the kids) never tire of the shows Terrapin puts on."
- Teacher, 2022 school tour
"We loved that there was no dialogue, so we had to really tune in to non-verbal communication to interpret the story."
- Teacher, 2022 school tour
"Fantastic, engaging show. My whole class was really engaged."
- Teacher, 2022 school tour
From Media
"A beautifully crafted work written for the young and to be enjoyed by all ages. The adventure travels around the beautifully made set, which becomes the place of exploration, developing confidence, overcoming fears and finding friendship. In the unfolding paper world, there is danger, sacrifice and compassion." ★★★★ ½ stars
- ArtsHub, Lesley Graham, 2023
"An exemplar for how outrageously fun theatre can be. Children cheer and laugh and gasp, and they're forever enthralled by the marvelous design, adroit movement and stylish set. There is always something happening; there is always something beautiful to look at. And it is all contributory to the magic."
- The Examiner (Launceston), Declan Durrant, 2023
