Review: The Cubby

**Picture (L to R):** Ellie Grow, Luke Whitfield, and Sam Giles. *Picture credit: Creative Futures Photography*

The Cubby is an excellent new production by the talented Flipside team; a funny, skilful, and creative exploration of the importance of play and imagination. The Directors (Amy Stuart and Robert Kronk) and Performers (Sam Giles, Ellie Grow, and Luke Whitfield) have created a must-see show that celebrates play as a creative way in which to learn, socialise, exercise, imagine, take risks, and grow.

The Cubby was developed by the Flipside team in residency and workshop programs held in outback Queensland, which explains why the piece sounds so authentic. I love the upbeat soundtrack (Guy Webster, Sound Design & Composition), which includes extracts of children speaking… starting with ‘What are you doin’?’ ‘Nuthin’ ‘Do you want to build a Cubby?’ The realistic ‘No one’s allowed in my Cubby… Our Cubby…’ ‘Except us,’ and the fun ‘Marco Polo’ pool riff, certainly made me smile.

The high-energy opening number sets the scene, with playful tussles, tumbles, twists and playfighting that has a sheet variously transformed into a skipping line, tug-of-war rope and superhero cape—including the glorious moment when superhero Sam ‘flies’ on Luke’s shoulders. During the 35-minute piece, the three performers demonstrate a marvellous range of skills that include hand balance, tumbling, juggling, trampoline, jumps, strength, leaps, dance, aerial and acrobatics. The show includes impressive two-high and three-high moves, and even a moment when both Ellie and Sam are standing on Luke’s shoulders (don’t try this one at home without a few years of Flipside training). And be prepared to be wowed by Luke’s signature tumbles, leaps, and jumps… to be impressed by Sam’s aerials and strength…and to enjoy Ellie’s hand balance.

But this is no mere ‘ta-dah’ demonstration of circus skills. There is a clear story woven throughout the piece—starting with the playful building of the cubby, before various ‘chapters’ that create different play ‘rooms’ (Lara Croydon, Dramaturg, and Bridget Boyle, Deviser). The Cubby set design is deceptively simple (Josh McIntosh, set & costume design), with the performers effortlessly climbing, balancing, and jumping from and around the different levels as they create places to hide, play games, and even ‘swim.’

This is a show that is literally ‘going on the road’—initially to 11 Queensland towns in a road trip of less than 3 weeks (Gabriela Gallardo, Production Manager). I strongly recommend The Cubby as a treat for primary and kindy grandkids, as a school trip, or as a fun family event. Make sure that you get tickets for the adults as well as for the kids. The Cubby is designed for preschool and primary age kids, but it is a show that different generations can enjoy together.

There are no content warnings but be aware that audience members may wish to join the circus after the show... so, if there are any Flipside workshops taking place during the run, I suggest booking early. Having heard the preview audience squeals of delight, gasps of amazement, and rapturous applause, I am certain that The Cubby will fire up the imagination of the bush communities they visit. And I hope that the future programs allows for Brisbane audiences to enjoy The Cubby.

Catherine Lawrence

**Pictured**: The cast of *The Cubby*, pictured with inspired students from Hamilton State School. *Picture credit: Creative Futures Photography*

Audience information: The Cubby is on tour from 11 April 2024 (initially in eleven Queensland towns, from Barcaldine through to Thallon). 35 minutes, all ages (recommend prep-year 7). No content warnings, but be aware that audience members may wish to join the circus after the show!

The reviewer enjoyed the 28 March 2024 ‘test run’ of this new show, alongside the lucky students at the Hamilton State School, Brisbane.

Geoff Lawrence