Laugh, learn and be inspired with the Opera House’s April school holidays program

Sydney – Tuesday 2 February, 2021. The world premiere of the rampaging new Australian musical comedy Charlie and the War Against the Grannies leads a fun-packed family line-up at the Sydney Opera House this April and May. Together with new dinosaur adventure Prehistoric World by internationally-renowned puppeteers Erth, ARIA award-winners Teeny Tiny Stevies, a collaborative stage adaptation of beloved children’s story Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, and the return of the popular Kids Music Café, this school holidays program offers family fun for all generations.

Sydney Opera House Head of Children, Families and Creative Learning, Tamara Harrison says: “We are thrilled to champion these unmissable premiere seasons and productions from some of Australia’s most vibrant performers and artistic voices. These brand new shows are a wonderful opportunity for not just little ones, but the whole family across generations to laugh, learn and be inspired together.”

Based on the award-winning book by Spicks and Specks host Alan Brough, the world premiere of new Australian musical adventure for children and families Charlie and the War Against the Grannies (6 – 9 April) will be a hilarious school holiday romp. The story follows 12-year-old Charlie Ian Duncan (played by Brough) and his best friend Hills, as they battle an evil league of grannies plotting to take over the world, produced by award-winning Sydney based theatre production house CDP. Non-evil grannies welcome!

Prehistoric World (6 – 18 April) combines leading visual theatre company Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo and Prehistoric Aquarium into a new immersive experience, with ancient creatures from land and sea on stage in one enthralling show. The interactive journey will take audiences to the bottom of the ocean to discover ancient bio-luminescent creatures and marine reptiles, then back to dry land to witness some of the most amazing dinosaurs to have ever walked the Earth.

ARIA award-winning children’s band Teeny Tiny Stevies (10 – 11 April) make their Opera House debut, performing beloved songs including Boss of My Own Body, I Ate a Rainbow, and a selection of favourites from their latest album. With irresistible melodies and helpful tips for navigating life’s little challenges, sisters Sibylla ‘Byll’ and Beth Stephen perform fun music for the whole family, keeping kids aged 2+ entertained with irresistible melodies and helpful tips to navigate life’s little challenges.

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge (7 – 16 May) is a delightful production presented by the Australian Chamber Orchestra, based on the poignant picture book by Mem Fox and Julie Vivas. This immersive and intimate performance for little ones aged 2+ will weave together captivating storytelling with mesmerising new music by a string quartet. Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge follows the successful There’s a Sea in My Bedroom, another co-production between the ACO and the Opera House in 2019.

Kids Music Café is a wonderful introduction to live music and instruments for our youngest audience members. Little ones will love the child-friendly classics performed by musicians from Sydney Youth Orchestras, showcasing the woodwind, string and brass instrument families. Adult tickets include coffee and a slice of cake, so you can relax and meet other parents in a casual atmosphere.

For explorers big and small, the Junior Adventure Tour takes the whole family behind-the-scenes to discover how the magic of theatre, music and arts come to life. The one-hour adventure is jam-packed with interactive activities and games to inspire even the littlest imaginations.

Full details of the COVID Safe measures in place at the Sydney Opera House can be found here.