Barking Gecko Theatre's HOUSE Returns: Experience the Magic with a New Picture Book from Fremantle Press
Barking Gecko Theatre and Fremantle Press are proud to announce the release of a new picture book to coincide with the return of HOUSE. This captivating work by playwright Dan Giovannoni and Barking Gecko Theatre’s former artistic director Luke Kerridge premiered in 2021 at the Perth Festival and has since delighted audiences across Western Australia. The picture book of the same name, co-created by Dan Giovannoni, Luke Kerridge, and the show’s original set designer, Charlotte Lane, serves as a prequel to the production and adds an exciting new dimension to this beloved tale.
Fremantle Press CEO Alex Allan said, "We are delighted to partner with Barking Gecko Theatre on the picture book release of House, bringing this magical story from stage to page. Through this collaboration we are giving children more pathways to develop a love for stories and engage with Western Australian culture – and that’s a powerful way to inspire the next generation.”
In the picture book, a lonely house flies untethered into the sky, where it saves a young girl in peril. As she explores her new shelter, she wanders from room to room, absorbing the amazing house she now inhabits – a calm haven in a raging storm.
Barking Gecko Theatre CEO & Executive Producer Ryan Taaffe said, "We are excited to bring HOUSE back to the stage in 2024. This production has touched the hearts of many, and we look forward to sharing its magic with new audiences. The picture book collaboration with Fremantle Press allows us to extend the story’s reach beyond the theatre. Charlotte Lane’s illustrations beautifully complement the enchanting narrative, offering readers a visual feast."
The theatre production of HOUSE is a unique and enchanting story of friendship and belonging, featuring three endearing characters and a magical flying home. Suitable for ages eight and above, the story follows Cathelijn, a lonely girl who discovers a whimsical house in a dark forest. Inside, she meets Piotr, a chatty boy, and Elka, an explorer who insists on keeping the curtains closed tight. As the house takes flight, Cathelijn embarks on a journey of self-realisation and self-determination, discovering that this extraordinary house can rescue the Loneliest Child in the World.
The 2024 production of HOUSE, a remount of the original, will run from November 1 to 9 at the Octagon Theatre at the University of Western Australia. It will feature the same cast from 2021. The enchanting world of HOUSE, with its intricate set and captivating costumes, is brought to life by Charlotte Lane, who also created the stunning artwork in the picture book.
For more details about the performance, click here. The picture book is available in all major bookstores and online.
