Melbourne arts programs announce puppetry festivals and summer family lineups

Melbourne is hosting various puppetry and theatrical programs catering to different age groups. The Melbourne Festival of Puppetry has introduced a night-time program for adults and teenagers this September at The Motley Wherehaus. This lineup includes works such as ‘Please Remain’, which explores themes of obsession and decay, ‘Pilgrim II’, a participatory co-production between Chile and Australia, and ‘Dr Pathicus’ Unnatural Adventures’, a production inspired by queer ecology.

Additionally, Arts Centre Melbourne has announced its summer family program for early 2027. The schedule features the musical ‘The Very Cranky Bear’ at the Playhouse, life-sized dinosaur puppets by Erth at the Fairfax Studio, and a free interactive outdoor experience titled ‘Bees’ by Polyglot Theatre at the Forecourt.