Robot Song

Best Presentation for Children and Young People 2019 Helpmann Awards

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If you sing, you will find your song

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When eleven-year-old Juniper May receives a petition signed by her entire class stating that she is ‘the most hated person in the school’ her life is thrown into complete meltdown. Juniper stops eating, she refuses to return to school and her parents become increasingly desperate. Finally, after exhausting all other avenues her parents resort to the only thing they have left, a giant singing robot.

Based on a true story, Robot Song illustrates the profound, transformative nature of creativity that, when combined with unconditional love, becomes an unstoppable force. For Juniper, creativity opens doors into places she never knew existed, allowing her to be defined on her own terms for the first time.

Robot Song is a deeply personal story. It shares an honest, intensely funny and often unconventional window into writer/director Jolyon James’ experience parenting a child on the Autism Spectrum. The show poses and attempts to answer the question, how do we support, foster and celebrate difference in our children in the face of an increasingly rigid and homogenised world?

Robot Song is a genuine family show. It is joyful and full of hope. It is for any child who has ever felt isolated, and any parent who is desperate for tools to help an isolated child. The show employs cutting edge digital technology, animatronics and a beautiful original musical score.
 
For ages 8+

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CREDITS

Writer/Director/Designer: JOLYON JAMES

Dramaturg: CHRISTIAN LEAVESLEY

Assistant Director: SARAH BRANTON

Lighting Designer: PAUL LIM (Additive)

Set Construction: TOM EELES at JT Custom Builds

Costume Design: BETH SAYER

Composer: NATE GILKES

Musical Director: ANIA REYNOLDS

CAST

Ashlea Pyke & Phil McInnes (Premiere & Melbourne Seasons 2018, Canada tour 2024)

Sophie Smythe & Chris Brown (National Tours 2019 - 2022)