This weekend, the hugely popular Wilbur the Optical Whale production hits the stage at the Wynnum Fringe Festival. And in a few weeks, on December 14th, they will also present at the Pip Theatre At Milton. Our team at Brisbane Kids were invited to check it out, and below is our review.
What is Wilbur the Optical Whale About?
Wilbur the Optical Whale is a theatre production based on a book by the same name, written by author (and performer) Karen Lee Roberts.
An insightful and heartwarming tale, the story is based in an underwater wonderland where our central character, Wilbur the glasses-wearing whale, lives and plays alongside his best friend Cecil the Shark. Inseparable and loyal until the end, Cecil and Wilbur feel like the odd fishes out in their home under the sea. Wilbur because he wears glasses and Cecil because she is a rather farty shark!
The Starfish Meanies constantly challenge their joyful existence, a mean-spirited group of bullies led by Big K, who are always out to try and hurt their feelings. Over games of Hide and Seaweed and Foam Ball, the story follows Wilbur and Cecil as they gradually learn to stand up to their bullies, discover they all have more in common than they realise, and even form a friendship with the group in the end.
With the themes of bullying and acceptance central to the tale, Wilbur the Optical Whale is about friendship, celebrating differences, treating people with kindness and learning how to say sorry.
About the production
Wilbur the Optical Whale is presented by Indelability arts ltd., an inclusive theatre company that provides professional artistic and training opportunities for artists and community members who identify as having a disability.
Through its inclusive practice the company aims to foster acceptance and understanding for those who usually feel marginalised, discriminated against, or excluded from arts practice – making them the perfect production company to perform this show.
The show uses alternative storytelling methods, including interactive media with integrated Auslan, circus, music, movement and spoken word, to deliver a strong anti-bullying message and promote acceptance.
All performances are extremely relaxed, allowing audiences to engage with the work on their own terms in a calm and inviting โunderwaterโ setting.
What audience is best suited to the show?
Wilbur the Optical Whale is an immersive, interactive and accessible performance for children aged 3-8 years.
On arrival, audience members are informed that they are welcome to make themselves comfortable in whatever way they want within the performance space. Cushions, soft flooring, beanbags and blankets are laid out for kids to relax and lay out on and chairs are set up along the back for those who prefer sitting up.
Small dome tents at the edge of the set create a quiet space for those who may need it. Complete with cushions, blankets and some small toys, these are perfect for those children who may find the production slightly overwhelming and need a little break mid-show.
The show is Auslan-interpreted throughout and headphones are available so audience members can engage on their own terms.
There is also space for children to stand and move around too, making this production perfect for any and all children, regardless of their ability or age.
Our Review of Wilbur the Whale
There is so much to love about this beautiful tale and performance. Not only does the story carry strong messages of anti-bullying, friendship and acceptance but the fact that it is performed by talented actors who identify as having a disability themselves in an environment that welcomes and caters for all abilities too was a wonderful detail that was not missed.
On top of all that, the performance itself was entertaining, engaging and extremely funny! The obvious toilet humour in Cecil the very farty shark’s character was a clear hit with the young audience. The constant interaction between the audience as Wilbur and other characters play games with them was a highlight. Watching as a young, insecure Wilbur found his strength against his bullies with the audience’s help and his best friend was inspiring too.
The staging, digital imagery and lighting all tied together beautifully to create a visual environment that helped the audience feel as though they were immersed underwater along with the characters throughout the production.
At just on a hour long it was the perfect length to entertain small children and I loved that the audience were all fully engaged, regardless if that was from within a tent with headphones, from the floor laying down or while dancing and exclaiming at the back throughout the show.
Overall, my entire family loved this show. My three kids loved playing Hide and Seeweed and also enjoyed the circus-style acrobats and movement. After the show, the cast took time to meet the kids, have photos with them and chat to them about the set, costumes and characters.
Although created with children aged 3 – 8 in mind, I would say that kids of all ages will love Wilbur the Optical Whale. It is created by a very special and talented group of people who are extremely passionate about the story and message they are hoping to get out there.
Other Information About the Show
DURATION: 60mins
RATING: All ages event โ but especially for children aged 3-8 years
PLEASE NOTE:
All of Indelability artsโ shows have integrated Auslan interpreting, and headphones are available so audience members can engage on their own terms. The set includes a quiet space as part of a relaxed performance mode, catering to those who may require it.
AWARDS:
Winner โ Best Childrenโs Show: Adelaide Fringe 2020
Winner โ Adelaide Fringe Weekly Award
Winner โ Best Independent Production: Matilda Awards 2021
How to see the show
If you miss seeing them at the Wynnum Fringe Festival, you can also catch a show at the Pip Theatre At Milton.
Where: Pip Theatre, 20 Park Road, Milton (10.30am and 1pm) (PIP theatre is fully accessible via foyer lift. We have dedicated wheelchair spaces in our front row and are equipped with wheelchair-accessible amenities.)
When: December 14, 2022
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