Squisher and Squasher and the Great Bug Hunt

Squisher and Squasher and the Great Bug Hunt is a school holiday show written and directed by Emma Davis and produced by Emma and Ben Davis.

A beautifully conceived show, it has audience participation every few minutes, simple likeable songs, a happy story and a healthy dose of education as we meet Princess Charlotte who has lost her golden butterfly hair-clip and her friends Squisher and Squasher who work with the audience to find a golden butterfly for her.

Princess Charlotte was sweetly portrayed by Jemma Armstrong who managed to charm her young audience, despite suffering some vocal strain.

Maya Hanna and Owen Measday energetically played Squisher and Squasher, a likeable pair with curls and glasses who may or may not be twins.

The young audiences, especially those under 8, really enjoyed the show and responded loudly and with enthusiasm. This crowd made Barking Gecko and Spare Parts' audiences look like WASO or WA Opera patrons.

Perhaps the most telling response to Squisher and Squasher and the Great Bug Hunt came from a little girl of about two who danced, sang and sat enthralled through the 50 minute show. When the play ended she burst into tears. "I don't want it to be over!" she sobbed.

Kimberley Shaw

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