The Bugalugs Bum Thief

★★★★ ½ “Totally cheeky, totally funny, and totally bonkers!”

ABOUT THE SHOW

A bum-tastic adventure awaits!

Skeeta Anderson and the whole town of Bugalugs wake up one morning to find that their bums are gone.

They can’t sit, they can’t keep their pants up, and they can barely stand! 

There’s just a big hollow where a bum should be. And not only Skeeta's bum, but the bum of every person in the town of Bugalugs. All 496 of them!

Skeeta Anderson, Mick Misery and Billy Marbles begin their adventure to catch the thief and get their bums back!

Who is the Bugalugs bum thief?

The Bugalugs Bum Thief  brings Tim Winton's hilarious and much-loved children's book to the stage, in this new production, adapted by Tim McGarry, Eva Di Cesare & Sandra Eldridge.  Directed by Jessica Arthur and produced by Red Line Productions who brought you JUST (tricking, annoying, stupid, crazy, disgusting, shocking, doomed) LIVE ON STAGE! in an acclaimed 2023 national tour.

This production promises a hilarious and entertaining investigative experience as the live musician and cast vividly portray 12 of Winton’s characters from the book, in their quest to find the missing bums of Bugalugs. The play's silly and comedic elements make it appealing for all ages and families, particularly children aged 4-10.

“A must-see production that perfectly blends humour, heart, and creativity. It’s a bum-ping good time that leaves the audience laughing, cheering, and maybe even dancing in their seats."

The Bugalugs Bum Thief takes audiences on a whimsical journey through the imaginative world created by Australian author Tim Winton. This literacy-based production vividly brings to life the colourful characters and quirky adventures found within Winton's beloved book.

Set in a charming Australian town of Bugalugs, the story follows the misadventures of Skeeta Anderson and his friends as they attempt to unravel the mystery of the Bugalugs bum thief. As the townsfolk band together to catch the culprit, hilarity ensues, and valuable lessons about friendship, community, and understanding are learned along the way.

Enhancing the theatrical experience is a live musician who provides a musical backdrop to the story. With original songs that capture the essence of Winton's world, the audience is invited to sing along and immerse themselves fully in the magical atmosphere of the play. Additionally, the musician lends their talents to creating live foley and sound effects, further enhancing the sensory experience for the audience.

With its blend of humour, inclusivity, and educational value, The Bugalugs Bum Thief appeals to audiences of all ages, particularly families with young children. Through its engaging storytelling and vibrant characters, the production sparks imagination, fosters a love for reading, and promotes important values such as empathy and teamwork.

Prepare to laugh, sing, and be thoroughly entertained as you embark on an investigative journey through the town of Bugalugs to find the missing bums, where every twist and turn is met with laughter, joy, and a sense of wonder. The Bugalugs Bum Thief is a delightful celebration of friendship and adventure that promises to leave audiences of all ages with smiles on their faces and hearts full of joy.

KEY SELLING POINTS

• Produced by Red Line Productions, the team that brought you the acclaimed 2023 national tour of JUST (tricking, annoying, stupid, crazy, disgusting, shocking, doomed) LIVE ON STAGE!, a stage adaptation of Andy Griffith's and Terry Denton's legendary JUST book series.
• Directed by Jessica Arthur, Sydney Theatre Company's Richard Wherrett Fellow in 2017, Directing Associate in 2018 and Resident Director from 2019-2022. Credits include CHALKFACE, THE TENANT OF WILDFELL HALL, WONNANGATTA, BANGING DENMARK, MOSQUITOS and HOME I’M DARLING for Sydney Theatre Company.  THE DICTIONARY OF LOST WORDS for State Theatre Company South Australia and Sydney Theatre Company. THE WOLVES  and LOSE TO WIN for Red Line Productions.
• Musical Direction by Glenn Moorhouse who has an extensive career as a Musical Director, Composer and professional Musician.
• An adaptation of Tim Winton's much-loved and award-winning 1991 children's book of the same name. 
• Adapted by Tim McGarry, Eva Di Cesare & Sandra Eldridge, the founders of Monkey Baa Theatre Company. The original production by Monkey Baa toured extensively with great success.
• This is an entirely new production of this adaptation, which will premiere at Riverside Theatres in Parramatta in July 2024.
• The show will feature a live musician on stage, playing new original music for the performance as well as live foley and sound effects. Having a live musician brings with it the possibility of further engagement opportunities , e.g. more enriching post-show Q&As, and possible workshops (depending on scheduling possibilities).

REVIEWS

“A wonderful comedic goldmine of humour and wordplay… a lesson in surrendering to the ridiculous. With its lighthearted and playful wit, this show is bottomless fun… reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously.”
What’s The Show, Faith Jessel 

“A delightful and hilarious adaptation... The musician’s musical talents add a lively, interactive element to the show, making her feel like an extra character in the story. Her seamless integration into the performance helps drive the narrative and provides a bum-ping soundtrack that keeps the energy high.”
What’s On Sydney, Zuzi Fort

“A delightful and charming production that celebrates the magic of storytelling and the power of imagination. It's a fun theatrical song and dance mystery full of adventure in Bugalugs. Plus, it's about bums. The kids will love it.”
Stage Whispers, Nicole Smith

ABOUT RED LINE PRODUCTIONS

Since their inception in 2014, Red Line Productions has been a beacon of award-winning, industry-leading theatre, committed to showcasing and celebrating Australian talent and diversity. As previous custodians of Sydney's iconic Old Fitz Theatre for the past decade, Red Line Productions has produced hundreds of acclaimed shows, including Australian premieres of timely local and international works, as well as landmark revivals and National Tours.