An immersive puppet show in Sydney’s Paddington Reservoir Gardens is tackling environmental issues with a playful performance. Best of all, this spellbinding all-ages production is free to see.
Meet Fauna, a four-metre-tall gentle monster who speaks on behalf of the trees. She’ll appear this month in Sydney’s Paddington Reservoir Gardens as part of Soft Forest, an immersive, free puppetry performance exploring the fragility of nature and the urgency of conservation. The show is the latest creation from Erth Visual & Physical Inc, a trailblazing theatre company that has been captivating audiences since 1990 with their artistic approach to puppetry and theatre.
“Puppetry is a very broad spectrum, from very small things to very, very big things," says Erth Visual’s Artistic Director, Scott Wright. Erth Visual has become known for its unique, inventive creatures, which are often super-sized. Their productions embody deeper concepts, communicating complex ideas in a way that appeals not just to children, but parents too. “Children appreciate being spoken to on an equallevel, because children love to learn. I think we live in a world where so much work for children can be quite patronising – we’re not those people," says Wright.
Fauna is the newest invention to come out of Erth Visual, standing four metres tall and requiring multiple puppeteers to bring her to life. For Soft Forest, she’ll wander around amid a moody soundscape while a swarm of fireflies dance in her wake.
It takes multiple puppeteers to bring this immersive performance to life. (Image: Abril Felman)
Meet Fauna, a four-metre-tall puppet who is sharing a message about conservation as part of Soft Forest. (Image: Abril Felman)
“The [concept behind] Fauna is that she is a creature that is born from the trees, so she speaks for the trees," Wright says. “The reason we chose a monster is because monsters are quite ambiguous. We have good monsters like the Cookie Monster or Totoro from Studio Ghibli. Children can relate to them on a very differentlevel because they’re not a human…they come with this sort of other world, which is magical and mysterious and compelling."
Ultimately, Soft Forest uses storytelling and performance to communicate that nature is not something that is separate from humans. The production will run through the month of September in Sydney’s historic Paddington Reservoir Garden, a whimsical setting for this spellbinding show.
“This is only the beginning," Wright says. “This [performance] in Paddington Reservoir Gardensis just one part of Fauna’s bigger story. She’ll come with more stories and more messages; she’ll appear not just in Australia, but all over the world."
Find out more about Soft Forest on the City of Sydney website. The performance is free and all-ages, but best suited for kids aged four to 12 years old.
Session dates:
4, 5 & 6 September
11, 12 & 13 September
18, 19 & 20 September
Session times:
5:30pm, 6:30pm & 7:30pm
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.
When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.
Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)
Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.
1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle
Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)
Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.
Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.
Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.
Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.
One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.
Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.
3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks
Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)
What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?
Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.
Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.
You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.
Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.
4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle
Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)
In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.
Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.
Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.
5. Newcastle nightlife
Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)
As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.
