Bunk Puppets are back in Ipswich these school holidays with their hilarious brand of shadow puppet brilliance. Watch as puppet master Jeff Achtem brings the Studio188 stage to life in BUNKTOPIA – an hour long show which contains everything from a cute teddy bear to popcorn, ping pong balls and pool noodles.
What To Expect at BUNKTOPIA
BUNKTOPIA, from the award-winning Bunk Puppets, turns typically mundane household items into a spellbinding performance where nothing is really as it seems.
Held in the intimate Studio188 theatre (previously the Baptist Church), the show begins with members of the audience being asked to hold up varying lengths of masking tape. This instantly sparks a sense of curiosity and intrigue which carries throughout the performance as clever audience participation keeps young viewers engaged until the end. Shortly after these pieces are then collected, rearranged and chopped up to form the show’s first of many shadow puppet creations.
Without revealing too much, you’ll meet a bunch of amusing characters who take shape behind the white screens and explore themes of competition, love and human connection. Everyday items like cardboard and tinsel are used to build every aspect of the show from dancing snails to treacherous fairytale lands.
The grand finale is a glorious mix of light and reflections which dance throughout the entire space bringing home a powerful message to “never stop playing”.
What We Thought of BUNKTOPIA
We have never experienced a show quite like BUNKTOPIA in what can only be described as weird in all the right ways!
Although the shadow puppet concept might seem simple (and is probably something you’ve tried on the walls at home), it is the innovative use of objects and mainly non-verbal narration that really takes this show to the next level. Its classic, slapstick style humour makes it almost impossible keep those little giggles at bay.
While BUNKTOPIA is big on the laughs, it also emphasizes the importance of play and highlights the sustainable use of what would ordinarily be considered as rubbish. This family friendly, low-cost activity is a great addition to your school holiday calendar this Easter.
Make a Day of It at Ipswich Art Gallery
While visiting Ipswich, be sure to pop into the Ipswich Art Gallery (IAG) and enjoy the free activities on offer as part of the IAG Kids program. Running at the same time as BUNKTOPIA, is the hands-on Dazzle and Create: Inside the Artist Studio exhibition.
Be inspired by the bold, black and white lines of the dazzle camouflage technique and explore a space designed specifically for kids. Up until the 18th of May, mini artists can enjoy painting, cubby house building and a range of other fun craft stations.
Getting There and Parking
BUNKTOPIA is showing at Studio188 which is located at 188 Brisbane Street in Ipswich, approximately a 7 minute walk from the Ipswich Art Gallery.
There is limited on street parking which is metred from Monday to Friday and free on weekends. Nearby underground parking is located at the Nicholas Street Precinct which offers up to 3 hours free parking during the week and is also free on the weekends. Alternatively, the Ipswich train station stop is situated about 700 metres from Studio188.
Ticketing Information
BUNKTOPIA runs at Studio188 from Monday 7th April to Thursday 17th April 2025 with two shows daily between the 7th – 11th and the 14th – 17th of April. There is a 10:30am and 1:00pm session, each running for 1 hour with no intermission.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
The show is recommended for children 5 years and up due to very mild, scary themes.
Find out more about showtimes here
Join the conversation