Beetle

ABOUT THE SHOW

A new Australian classic, Beetle tells the story of a child who finds a friend in her backyard; together they embark on an adventure to search for his Family, the now elusive Christmas Beetle. The magic of the bush habitat is brought to life through Legs On The Wall’s trademark physical storytelling, and animation created from original artworks by beloved children’s author and illustrator Freya Blackwood. A tale of resilience and hope, Beetle reminds young audiences that there’s an important place in the world for all of us. Reminding us of the delicate balance of the natural world and that all things are connected.

FROM THE CREATOR

One of my most loved childhood memories always happened in late November or early December, when a very special sharing happened with my family. It didn't matter who saw it first but when we did we would bring our whole family together to look at this incredible seasonal event: the first Christmas beetle. Knowing more would come in the following weeks, I remember it stood as a symbol of Christmas, summer, water, heat, fun, family and friends.

Even though my family are living all over Australia now, we all still tell each other if we see one. Unfortunately, we’re seeing them less and less.

Beetle is a story of hope, it reminds us of the importance of the smallest things, and our responsibility to let hope live on through different stories, every new summer.

GREEN PROGRAMMING

Beetle shines a spotlight on the Christmas beetle, threatened by habitat loss, and tells a beautiful story about balance and our connection to nature and animals. Beetle is one of five productions in our 2025 Touring Program under AOT’s Green Programming banner. AOT seeks out productions that have been made according to sustainability principles; utilise a low emissions touring model; and/or communicate environmental themes to audiences. Legs on the Wall are known for making environmentally-themed work, including the award-winning production and metaphor for climate change, Thaw.

ABOUT LEGS ON THE WALL

In 1984 a small collective of Sydney street performers took on the name of a warm up exercise and created a new physical theatre company. From these origins on Gadigal country, Legs On The Wall has grown to become the internationally renowned powerhouse it is today, with a reputation built on sharing vital contemporary stories through spectacularly daring public art. Inspired by this trailblazing legacy and led by Artistic Director Joshua Thomson and Associate Artist Vicki Van Hout, Legs remain a forward-facing company propelled by our mission: to make meaning in a rapidly changing world through transformative physical theatre.

Touring 2025

Glen Street Theatre, Belrose NSW | Land of the Garigal People
26 July | BOOK 

Darwin Entertainment Centre, NT | Land of the Larrakia People
30 July | BOOK

Performance Arts Culture Cessnock, NSW | Land of the Wonnarua People
5 August | BOOK

Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith NSW | Land of the Dharug People
8-9 August | COMING SOON

Art House, Wyong NSW | Land of the Darkinjung People
12 August | BOOK

Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre, NSW | Land of the Tubba-Gah & Wiradjuri People
15 August | BOOK

Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre, VIC | Land of the Gulidjan and Gadubanud People
19 August | BOOK

Frankston Arts Centre, VIC | Land of the Bunurong People
22 August | BOOK

Capitol Theatre, Tamworth NSW | Land of the Gamilaraay People
26 August | BOOK