Gurril Storm Bird

Stepping into Gurril Storm Bird feels like walking into a dream woven from gum leaves, laughter, and ancient stories that still shimmer with relevance. The moment you cross the threshold into the warmly glowing Cremorne Theatre, it’s clear you’re in for more than just a play—you’re being welcomed into a living, breathing story circle. This world premiere production, adapted from Trevor Fourmile’s award-winning children’s book, is a generous, spirited piece of First Nations storytelling that envelops its audience in both tenderness and truth.

Guided by the ever-charismatic Aunty, played with magnetic warmth by Alicia Jones, we follow young Gurril—a curious boy with a bit too much cheek and not quite enough caution—as he ventures into a world of natural wonders and ancient powers. The tale plays out as a gentle but gripping fable, teaching timeless lessons about respect, responsibility, and the indelible link between people and country. There are thrills, giggles, gasps, and even a touch of awe as Gurril finds himself face to face with the mighty Gudju-Gudju, the Rainbow Serpent.

The production design is a feast for the senses. Josh McIntosh’s set evokes the bushland in soft, shimmering detail—delicate fabric leaves sway from above, fairy lights coil upward like vines reaching for the stars, and the stage itself cuts a winding path through the space toward a large tree as a focal point. It looks like a dry creek bed come to life. This clever use of the room draws the audience into the story and makes the space feel both intimate and expansive, as though we’ve all gathered around a real campfire under a wide sky.

Lighting design by Geoff Squires deserves a standing ovation of its own. From the storm’s crackling tension to the magical arrival of Gudju-Gudju, each shift in light helps sculpt the emotional landscape. The illuminated serpent’s head is a particular delight—mysterious, commanding, and just the right amount of eerie for little ones and grown-ups alike. Cormac Finn’s sound design enhances the immersion, layering natural sounds with traditional song and rhythmic movement in a way that feels respectful, powerful, and wholly alive.

Another visual highlight that flutters straight into the hearts of the audience is the cockatoo puppet—a charming creation that adds a whimsical touch and a moment of pure theatrical delight. Its playful movement and clever puppetry breathe life into the bushland, enhancing the sense of place and sparking the imaginations of children and adults alike.

Director and dramaturg Nadine McDonald-Dowd has crafted a production that sings with sincerity. Her direction balances the sacred and the playful, allowing moments of suspense and wonder to sit alongside cheeky banter and joyful audience interaction. She also harnesses the real strength of the cast—their connection with the crowd. The ensemble includes students from Hymba Yumba Independent School, and their presence onstage is more than symbolic. It’s a statement of cultural continuity, of young voices being empowered to share their own stories. Their involvement invites the younger audience members to see themselves reflected and included in the narrative.

As Gurril, Jiritju Fourmile (son of the playwright) brings a sparkly-eyed charm and an easy sense of comedy. He paces his performance well, never rushing the story’s heartbeat, and proves especially strong in physical storytelling. Tjilala Brown-Roberts is beautifully cast as his sister—emotionally grounded, expressive, and a steady counterpoint to Gurril’s boundless curiosity. Together, they share a believable sibling dynamic that’s full of warmth and realism.

And then there’s Aunty—Jones’s performance is the kind that stays with you. She has the audience in the palm of her hand from the get-go, deftly responding to the vitality in the room and holding space for both playfulness and reverence. She’s the soul of the piece, and it’s no exaggeration to say she radiates beautiful energy.

At its core, Gurril Storm Bird is about truly listening to those who came before, to the land beneath our feet, and to the stories that hold communities together. It’s a show that reminds us why live storytelling matters. It’s not just entertainment. It’s a bridge between generations, between cultures, and between the past and the future.

Whether you’re bringing kids, grandkids, or simply your own curious spirit, this show is a gift. It’s gentle but impactful, educational without ever being preachy, and filled with that rare kind of magic that leaves you walking out of the theatre feeling a little more connected to the world. A luminous celebration of Indigenous culture, nature, and the power of story, Gurril Storm Bird is a must-see.

Kitty Goodall

Photography by Pete Wallis