Get ready for an exciting new year of Gecko adventures!
In 2026, we’re presenting three amazing shows to schools and venues across WA, from elephants reaching for the stars to whales walking on land, and reviving one of Barking Gecko’s acclaimed past productions from 2003, revived for a new generation.
Plus, the AWESOME International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things returns in the first week of the September school holidays (29 September - 3 October), offering another magical week full of creativity and fun.
Stay tuned for more details and school bookings.
STELLARPHANT by James Foley
Primary Years 3-6
Stella the elephant has one big dream: to become an astronaut.
The only problem is that Space Command says elephants can’t go to space.
Every time Stella applies, she’s told “no” for a different reason, but she won’t give up. With courage, creativity and the help of some unexpected friends, she sets out to build her own spaceship and prove that anyone can reach for the stars.
Full of laughter, heart and imagination, Stellarphant takes audiences on a cosmic adventure about determination, equality and following your dreams. Based on the award-winning picture book by James Foley and adapted for the stage by Clare Testoni, this uplifting production reminds us that heroes come in all shapes, sizes and species.
Dates: 21 April – 29 May 2026
Presenting Venues
- Subiaco Arts Centre
- Koorliny Arts Centre
- Don Russell Performing Arts Centre
- Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre
- Red Earth Arts Precinct, Karratha
- Matt Dann Theatre and Cinema, Port Hedland
- Esperance Civic Centre
THE STONES by Tom Lycos and Stefo Nantsou
Secondary Years 9-12
THE STONES is a powerful dramatisation of a true story about two boys, aged 13 and 15, who faced manslaughter charges after kicking rocks from a freeway overpass, killing a motorist. Created by writer-directors and performers Tom Lycos and Stefo Nantsou, the play was developed with guidance from Victorian Police officers involved in the case. It fictionalises the characters and incorporates similar real-life incidents from around the world.
Dates: 25 May – 5 June 2026
Venues
- Subiaco Arts Centre
- Koorliny Arts Centre
- Don Russell Performing Arts Centre
- Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre
WALK OF THE WHALES by Nick Bland
Primary Years 3-6
When the whales walk out of the ocean and into the streets, the people of Seaside do not quite know what to think. At first, the whales are a wonder, swimming in pools, catching trains and dancing in the ballet. But soon the town begins to flood, the shops run out of fish, and patience runs thin.
Amid the chaos, a curious girl named Frida decides to ask the whales the question no one else will: Why did you leave the sea?
Based on the award-winning picture book by Nick Bland and adapted for stage by Gita Bezard, Walk of the Whales is a funny, moving and imaginative play about friendship, understanding and the small changes that can make a big difference.
Dates: 22 September – 27 October 2026
Venues
- Subiaco Arts Centre
- State Theatre Centre of WA (Presented in the AWESOME International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things 2026 program)
- Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre
- Koorliny Arts Centre
- Red Earth Arts Precinct
