CDP Theatre Producers, The Smeds and The Smoos

CDP presents Tall Stories’ production of

THE SMEDS AND THE SMOOS

Adapted from the picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

Soar into space with this exciting adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler - (also seen in the TV animation on ABC Kids)

On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back?

Music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for everyone aged 3 and up, from the team that brought you The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom live on stage.

The Smeds and The Smoos © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 2019, published by Scholastic

Tom Dawson - Bill/Jeffrey Smed

Tom graduated from the NIDA BFA in 2020. He has worked on screen in the ABCs Total Control alongside Deborah Mailman as Henry Whittaker, directed by Wayne Blair. He has also starred on Home and Away as Connor. In 2023, he appeared as Evan Gerber in NCIS Sydney on Paramount Plus.

Tom has performed at Belvoir 25A in 2021, playing James Bates in Horses, directed by Tait de Lorenzo and adapted by Ian Sinclair. Tom also played Riley in This Genuine Moment, written by Jacob Parker and directed by Hayden Tonazzi, which debuted at the Old 505 in 2019 and then toured to La Mama in Melbourne in 2020.

In 2023, Tom played Fish in Cherry Smoke at KXT on Broadway, directed by Charlie Vaux. He also played Freder in Metropolis at the Hayes Theatre, a Little Eggs Collective production directed by Julia Robertson and composed by Zara Stanton.

Emma Kew - Grandmother Smoo

Emma (she/they) is an actor, producer and voiceover artist with a versatile background in both stage and screen. Graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) from NIDA, Emma's was recognized with the Hazel Treweek Shakespeare Award for excellence in Classical Theatre.

Emma has consistently collaborated with award-winning production companies such as Studio Antics (notable productions include Dykes on Bikes – An Origin Story, Single, and Winona) and Stage Mum (Dough!, Truly Madly Britney, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Cooking For). Their screen credits include Home and Away (Seven Network) and Doctor Doctor (Easy Tiger), and stage credits include The Midnight Gang (CDP - National Tours), LIARBIRD (Crack Theatre Festival), Håmlet (Ban Shakespeare), Blood on the Cats Neck (Montague Basement) and Leopardskin (JackRabbit Theatre).

Additionally, Emma's achievements include a Diploma of Live Performance and Technical Services (Stage Management) from the Adelaide College of the Arts and a Bachelor of Psychological Science from the University of Adelaide. As a queer person, Emma is a vocal and passionate advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and is a proud member of the MEAA.

Currently residing and working on the ancestral lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, Emma acknowledges and pays heartfelt respect to Elders past and present.

Tom Matthews - Grandfather Smed

Tom originally trained in physical theatre and circus in Bathurst, performing with companies such as Stalker Physical Theatre Company, Patch Theatre Company, Lingus Franca and a local circus troupe called The Straight Up Acrobats.

Since moving to Sydney Tom has trained with renowned acting coaches such as Kevin Jackson, Scott Witt, Kim Farrant and Les Chantery.

Tom’s most recent theatre credits include From Morning to Midnight (The Other Theatre Co), The Wonderful World of Will, Shakespeare is Dead & The Human Experience (Bell Shakespeare), Words of War, Fact vs Fiction & Power of Poetry (Poetry In Action) and Slaughterhouse by Anchuli Felicia King (Belvoir St Theatre).

Tom’s screen credits include multiple short films and commercials for brands such as TAL, Woolworths & Colgate.

Tom also works as a drama tutor for kids in both primary and high school with Bell Shakespeare, ATYP and the NSW government Arts Unit.

Chaya Ocampo - Janet/Betty Smoo

Chaya is a Filipina-Australian actor, singer, theatre-maker and storyteller proudly born and raised on Darug Land. Chaya is a graduate of NIDA (Diploma of Musical Theatre - 2017) and WAAPA (Bachelor of Acting - 2021).

Her notable theatre credits include playing the title role of Lovia in Ate Lovia (dir. Kenneth Moraleda), Kendra in Gloria (dir. Kylie Bracknell), performing in Godspell at Hayes Theatre Co. (dir. Richard Carroll) and in Sydney Theatre Company’s Chimerica (dir. Kip Williams). She most recently originated the role of Jade in the world premiere of Girl Band (dir. Lucy Clements). Her screen credits include Honey (dir. Justine Hinz), Stan series Year Of (dir. Taylor Ferguson) and Linger (dir. Aaryn Bath). Linger won Best LGBTQ Film and Best Produced Script at the LA Independent Women Film Awards.

Through her artistic endeavours, Chaya strives to use her voice and humanity to tell more authentically diverse stories on the Australian stage and screen.

We believe in making our shows accessible for children with additional sensory and learning needs.

A visual story for The Smeds and the Smoos will be available soon. Please check back for updates, or email us at info@cdp.com.au for more details.

Accessible performances may be available at some venues. Please check with your local venue for details.