The Bilbies

What the critics say . . .

The whole event is full of fun and interaction with the audience... The story has many positive outcomes and encourages children to share and to work towards their dreams and goals. "Hills News"

Heaps of audience participation, catchy original songs and comedy performed in panto style. "Sydney Morning Herald"

The upbeat show offers great family entertainment and aims to make the plight of the fading bilby more widely known. "Northern District Times"

Overview
The Bilbies is an exciting new children's musical written by Maria Cauchi especially for children 0 to 8 years old. The production features totally original music that is very catchy. The whole event is uniquely Australian, and the children are involved in the story helping the main characters as well as participating in singing and dancing.

The story has many positive 'outcomes' and the children are encouraged to share with others and pursue their individual dreams through persistence and teamwork.

Setting
The action takes place in Bilbyville a happy environment where the characters live and play as friends.

The Bilbies Characters
  • Silby Bilby
    A girl Bilby who loves to dance, and dreams of becoming a 'Bilberina Star'.

  • Wilby Bilby
    A cheeky boy Bilby (Silby's older brother), Wilby wants to be a pop star and have his own band called 'Wilby and the Rockers'.

    Bettina Bunny

  • Bettina Bunny
    A naughty but lovable young bunny who plays tricks on the Bilbies.

The Fairy Princess
  • Gazza Galah
    A funny and wise old bird from the bush who is full of helpful advice and fun.
    Gazza is a large puppet
Gazza Galah

  • The Fairy Princess of the Bush Land
    A Fairy who magically appears to help people and make them happy. She also initiates the audience, turning them into 'honorary guardians of the Bush Land.'

  • Amber
    A young girl who lives down the road in Currajingalong who welcomes the audience and provides a link from our world to Bilbyville

  • The Easter Bilby - Easter presentations only
    A colourful, eccentric Bilby who delivers Easter Eggs in Australia.

Duration
The Bilbies is a one act musical, running 55 minutes.

Music
Fully orchestrated original melodies and sound effects on CD. The songs range in style from Gentle Rock to Country.

Song titles include: Jelly Jam Jive, The Bilby Bop, Giggle and Smile, The Wilby Silby Bilby Song, Happy Little Fairy and many others.

All songs are bright and uplifting with tempos set for children.

 

The Bilbies Costumes
Bright and very colourful. The Bilbies wear half masks with balaclavas that have large bilby ears and noses. Bettina Bunny has a painted face with very effective bunny ears. All masks are made from latex and are designed specifically for the individual performer. The performers eyes and mouth can be seen, allowing for maximum expression and live interaction.

Cast
The show is performed by five professional singers, actors and dancers (and four puppets).

Design
The set design is bold and colourful in a cartoon style. The props are larger than life adding to the cartoon effect.

Bump In
Approximately 2 hours.

Production History
The Bilbies has enjoyed successful seasons at:

The Pilgrim Theatre - Sydney Festival
Laycock Street Theatre - Gosford
Parramatta Riverside Theatre - Parramatta
Sutherland Entertainment Centre
The Illawarra Performing Arts Centre - Wollongong
The Alexander Theatre - Melbourne

Bilbyville
For more information contact John at
Bilby Theatrical Productions