It has been publicised as direct from sold-out seasons at the Sydney Opera House so we were expecting great things from George’s Marvellous Medicine at Illawarra Performing Arts Centre in Wollongong.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
I took my five-year-old, Archie, seven-year-old, Findlay, and their six-year-old friend, Esme, to test it out.
Here is what we thought.
What is George’s Marvellous Medicine?
I’ll be surprised if you don’t already know but it’s one of Roald Dahl’s most famous books and its the favourite in our house – so far. In the story George, a young boy, concocts a portion for his nagging Grandma and it works in wonderous ways.
The live show in Wollongong is by the award-winning Shake & Stir Theatre Co and there is no expense spared with a fantastic set, brilliant costumes and plenty of strobe effects.
How much does it cost – and are there any seats left?
The show costs $32 for all seats. It isn’t cheap if you want to take little ones but the theatre is well laid out to make sure everyone gets a good view.
There are plenty tickets still available for the Saturday morning performance at 10am and a few still available for the 12.30pm show on the same day.
Is it scary?
The show is publicised for ages six and up and I agree that those under six may find some of the scenes challenging. There is a lot of loud noise, smoke and strobe effects and well that Grandma is just disgusting.
Will they get bored?
The show is 55 minutes with no interval and there are enough laughs, dances, songs and bangs and flashes to keep everyone entertained throughout.
The two eldest giggled their way through the entire hour and didn’t want it to end.
Tell me about the merchandise
You know the drill. You go to these performances and get charged $20 for a piece of plastic that you know will end up gathering dust under the bed, but the selection of merchandise for this performance was pretty good and for once I was almost willing to part with my hard earned cash.
Of course they were selling copies of the book ‘George’s Marvellous Medicine’ but they were also selling a looking stationary set and a drinks bottle, both looked solid, practical and actually like my boys would use them.
The prices weren’t too bad at $5 for the stationary set and $10 for the water bottle. The book was $15, which is a bit over the odds but we’ll forgive them for attempting to get our children to read.
Is it suitable for preschoolers?
No, not this one. Sorry folks, you’ll have to find a sitter.
My kids will love it, but will I?
It’s a great show with plenty of jokes for the adults. I think at times my husband was giggling louder than the kids. Even if you don’t like the humour you can at least feel smug about introducing your kids to the best children’s author ever.
What phrases will my kids be repeating for the next four weeks?
Oh there was a lot to go at, but the one that is going to be a lasting phrase in your home is: “You little Shnit”. And yes that does sound like what you think it sounds like.
Our rating
Findlay and Esme gave the show a 10 out of 10. Archie gave it a zero. He said it was too scary, but he was laughing more than he was hiding.
Tickets are still available for George’s Marvellous Medicine is on at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre in Wollongong on Saturday, April 28 for performances at 10am and 12.30pm. Tickets are $32 each and can be booked online.
Gayle Tomlinson
Editor of the Illawarra Mercury. Scottish but fell in love with Dharawal Land. Send us your feedback and questions. Subscribe so we can continue to speak up for the Illawarra.
Editor of the Illawarra Mercury. Scottish but fell in love with Dharawal Land. Send us your feedback and questions. Subscribe so we can continue to speak up for the Illawarra.
