CDP Kids presents
Created by Jonathan Rockefeller
Based on Eric Carle's Books
One of the most-read and famous children's books of all time, The Very Hungry Caterpillar emerges off the page in a masterful theatrical experience for children 18 months+ and their adults.
Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, the production features a menagerie of over 75 magical puppets, including the star of the show – The Very Hungry Caterpillar – and an Australian cast who bring these beloved books to life on stage.
Alongside The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the show features three other Eric Carle stories, including Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
The team behind the Australian tours of The Gruffalo, Spot, and The 13, 26, 52, 78 & 91-Storey Treehouses will excite, educate and entertain new readers and first-time theatre-goers, while those who grew up with these books will delight in experiencing one of the most popular children's books ever written. Don't miss out!
Age Recommendation: 18 months+
Duration: Approximately 50 minutes, no interval
Tina is a proud graduate of NIDA's Diploma of Music Theatre. She has worked as a performer and puppeteer in Australia, the UK, the US, Canada, New Zealand and Qatar. Tina recently worked with Monkey Baa Theatre Company on the creative development of their new show Edward the Emu.
In 2018-19, Tina toured the USA and Canada as the host of Erth's Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure. In Australia, she has performed in The Gruffalo (CDP), The Very Hungry Caterpillar (CDP), Prehistoric Aquarium (Erth), Dinosaur Zoo (Erth), The Events (Belvoir St Theatre) and Trevor Ashley's Little Orphan TrAshley (Showqueen Productions).
Tina spent two years living in London where she was lucky enough to perform on the West End, tour the UK and take part in both the Brighton and Camden Fringe festivals. Shows whilst in the UK included From Up Here (Jill), Dinosaur Zoo (Puppeteer/Understudy Host), The Night Before Christmas (Emily/Lizzie) and Hello Again (ensemble).
Mathew is a Newcastle-born, Sydney-based creative and a graduate of Actors Centre Australia.
His acting credits include: Edward the Emu (Monkey Baa, national tour), The 13-Storey Treehouse (CDP, tour), The Midnight Gang (CDP, national tour), The Campaign (White Box Theatre, Seymour Centre), Table (White Box, Seymour Centre), The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (Little Eggs, KXT), Pinocchio (Little Eggs, Sydney Fringe), Are We Awake? (Sotto, KXT) and A Period Piece (Glitterbomb, Old 505).
Mathew directed Little Eggs’ Symphonie Fantastique (KXT) which was nominated for seven 2021 Sydney Theatre Awards including Best Independent Director, and won four including Best Independent Production. It was also awarded the "Made in Sydney" grant and headlined the Sydney Fringe "Essence of Fringe" Festival, with additional streaming at Riverside Parramatta.
Mathew is the co-founder of Legit Theatre Co, and most recently directed their sell-out production of Misery Loves Company by Isabella Reid at KXT on Broadway.
Hannah is a graduate of NIDA’s Diploma of Musical Theatre. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Australian National University, majoring in Drama and Japanese.
Hannah has toured both nationally and internationally with multiple theatre companies, including Brainstorm Productions, Echelon Productions and Poetry in Action in 2019 - the latter of which saw her perform to over 40,000 children in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates. She has also enjoyed stepping into the director’s chair, directing the NSW tours for Echelon productions in 2021 and 2022.
Most recently, Hannah has joined CDP Theatre Producers on the national tour of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, as well as being a “super swing” for their national tours of Snail and the Whale, Mr Stink, The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, Ratburger, The 78 Storey Treehouse and The Smeds and the Smoos.
Hannah is also Captain Starlight for the Starlight Children’s Foundation, brightening the lives of seriously ill children in hospital, and is a proud member of MEAA.
Created by Jonathan Rockefeller
Based on Eric Carle's Books
Associate Director: Liesel Badorrek
Music and Sound: Nate Edmondson
Scenic Design: David Goldstein
Puppets by: Rockefeller Productions
Builders and Fabricators: Arlee Chadwick, Jessica Lorence and AchesonWalsh
Company Stage Manager: Jesse Hilford
Deputy Stage Manager: Emily Tighe
We believe in making our shows accessible for children with additional sensory and learning needs.
A visual story is available for The Very Hungry Caterpillar to help you prepare for your visit to the theatre.
Accessible performances may be available at some venues. Please check with your local venue for details.
For additional online resources to extend the theatre experience, visit CDP Digital.
Teachers and registered homeschoolers can also access education activities and resources at CDP Education.
9 – 12 January 2025
QUT Gardens Theatre
Bookings: www.humanitix.com
19 – 20 February 2025
Empire Theatre
Bookings: www.empiretheatre.com.au or phone 1300 655 299
26 February 2025
Pilbeam Theatre
Bookings: www.seeitlive.com.au or phone (07) 4927 4111
1 March 2025
Proserpine Entertainment Centre
Bookings: www.proserpineentertainmentcentre.com.au or phone (07) 4945 0405
4 – 5 March 2025 *
Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre
Bookings: www.themecc.com.au or phone (07) 4961 9777
* 5 March 11:30am
Relaxed Performance
7 March 2025 [CANCELLED]
The Events Centre
More info: www.theeventscentre.com.au
8 March 2025 [CANCELLED]
Logan Entertainment Centre
More info: www.loganarts.com.au
18 – 20 January 2025 *
State Theatre Centre of WA
Bookings: www.artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au or phone (08) 6212 9292
* 19 January 3pm
Relaxed Performance