Blinky Bill is on the Loose is fun for all ages.
The world premiere of a new children’s musical was held in the beautiful setting of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. Based on the original Blinky Bill stories by Dorothy Wall, playwright Robert Kimber, with music and lyrics by Michael Mills and Robert Kimber, has created a little gem. Blinky Bill is on the Loose is performed by four very talented and experienced actors with excellent voices and harmonies.
David Salter has the lead role of Blinky Bill, and the other three performers cover a whole menagerie of Australian wildlife and two legged villains- Claire McEvoy (Mrs Koala and others), Jamie Hornsby (Go-Go Goanna and others), and Chloe Bremmer (Angelina Wallaby and others). This small cast fills the space in a flurry of ever-changing ears and tails to introduce baby koala Blinky Bill to the world around him and the ever present dangers to the bush. The voice of George the Galah interrupts from time to time and is unexpectedly performed by Ali Clarke of ABC radio. The songs and choreography are a delight.
Adults outnumbered children at this opening night but we all appreciated the humour and talent on display. There are moments of audience participation and singalong to engage the little ones and those that were there enjoyed it.
With a background of lovely gardens and the calm water of First Creek it was a perfect place to watch this. A little cormorant also took up position at the creek to see what was going on.
This production is a collaboration with Koala Life and its serious message behind all the fun and nonsense is to build the love for our koalas and strive to save their habitat. Blinky Bill is very lovable and this production is an excellent vehicle to get that message across.
Congratulations to Director Michael Eustice and his team on a very enjoyable performance.
Some performances are also available online this week.
Lesley Grady
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