Adopt a Puppet

A fun and rewarding way to donate!

Help us continue to create theatre that expands the way you see, feel and experience the world!

The Adopt a Puppet program is a fun and rewarding way to assist us to continue to develop these stories that celebrate what it is to be human, and to share them with audience members for years to come.

Adopt a Puppet parents will be acknowledged in the following ways:

Adoption pack with certificate and photo of your puppet
Invitations to special puppet parent events
As a donor on our foyer screens and website
A receipt for a tax deduction

How to Adopt

Select the puppet you would like to adopt from our adoption gallery below. When you’ve selected your puppet you can donate:

Phone 9335 5044 and donate using your credit/debit card

Every dollar counts! If you would like to make a donation independently from the Adopt a Puppet program, you can donate HERE. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

Adopt on behalf of others
Adopting a puppet on behalf of a friend or family member makes a unique and long lasting gift. You can donate and have the certificate and invitations made out in someone else’s name, and they will enjoy the perks of being a puppet parent for twelve months. You may also choose to adopt on behalf of your business to show that your company is philanthropic and community minded. Benefits can then be passed on to clients, staff and their families.

Puppet Gallery

“My kids loved their connection to a puppet and the chance to see behind the scenes” – Puppet Parent

First Performance:
Spellbound, 2003

A magical show inspired by Stravinsky’s ballet Petrushka. Zeno, the evil magician torments his three puppets by casting a terrible spell on them. Mirrors, swords and flowers come to life as the magic takes its effect. This puppet has been hand carved by Jiri Zmitko and combines marionette, bunraku and black theatre styles of operation. Directed by Philip Mitchell and designed by Zoe Atkinson, Spellbound is a magical adventure of love, friendship, and how the power of imagination can transform an individual.

ADOPT Andromeda the Ballerina

First Performance:
'Wood be Good' exhibition, 2008

Ballerina Anna and Nijinsky, belong to a set of puppets made exclusively for an exhibition titled ‘Wood be Good’ that puppet maker and designer Jiri Zmitko presented as part of the UNIMA 2008 International Puppetry Festival, Conference and Congress, held in Perth 2008.

ADOPT Ballerina Anna & Nijinsky

First Performance:
The One Who Planted Trees, 2021

Written by Amberly Cull and Nick Pages-Oliver and Directed by Philip Mitchell

ADOPT Bandicoot

First Performance:
Nobody Owns the Moon, 2016

Bear is the marionette featured in Spare Parts Puppet Theatre's work, Nobody Owns the Moon, adapted from the book by Tohby Riddle. Bear is manipulated by Yvan Karlsson, the Street Performer from the show and was designed by Leon Hendroff. Nobody Owns the Moon makes you think twice about the place you live, and encourages you to stop and say hello to your neighbour. Directed by Michael Barlow, Designed by Leon Hendroff.

ADOPT Bear

First Performance:
Spellbound, 2003

ADOPT Benjamin

First Performance:
Beanstalk, 2021

Written by Sam Longley Directed by Philip Mitchell

ADOPT Betty the Goose

First Performance:
Blueback, 1997

Blueback, adapted by Peta Murray from the book by Tim Winton was first performed with Terrapin Puppet Theatre in Tasmania. Since 1995, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre have been performing this award winning production. Blueback is an underwater menagerie of exquisite puppetry and an extraordinary celebration of the Western Australian coastline from one of WA’s most beloved authors. Blueback was designed by Hanna Parssinen, constructed by Greg Methe and the show was directed by Philip Mitchell.

ADOPT Blueback

First Performance:
Rules of Summer, 2017

Rules of Summer is an immersive, interactive, and multi-sensory puppetry work following the journey of two boys who experience the emotional journey of life, the unwritten rules of friendship, and a list of mysterious rules…

Adapted from the award-winning book by Shaun Tan.

ADOPT Boy (Blue Hat)

First Performance:
Rules of Summer, 2017

ADOPT Boy (Red Hat)

First Performance:
Cat Balloon, 1996

Based on the book by Paul Morgan, Cat Balloon is the story of a cat and his furry friends who live in the Land of Dreams. In this Dream Land, cats simply lazy under the trees, drink moonbeam milk and sweet honey tea. Cat Balloon thought it possible to fly like the moon. After many unsuccessful attempts, Cat Balloon is forced to take to the sea in a large silver spoon to continue his search for the secret of the moon. This show was directed by Noriko Nishimoto and designed by Jane Davies.

ADOPT Cat Balloon

First Performance:
Hachiko, 2012

Creamy the Cat stars in the moving story Hachiko about loyalty and resilience. Hachiko celebrates the remarkable joy an animal can bring to our lives. Directed Philip Mitchell and designed by Matt McVeigh.

ADOPT Creamy the Cat

First Performance:

Cuddle Pie, was made by two members of the Shanghai Puppet Theatre whilst on an artist exchange program, in 1990. He was made for a show that was to be about the life of writer and illustrator May Gibbs, who grew up in Western Australia. The script for the play was started by Mary Hutchinson but never completed because of copyright restrictions with the main characters, Snuggle Pot and Cuddle Pie. What a shame because the puppets are just gorgeous!

ADOPT Cuddle Pie

First Performance:
The One Who Planted Trees, 2021

Written by Amberly Cull and Nick Pages-Oliver and Directed by Philip Mitchell

ADOPT Dog

First Performance:
Granny Is An Alien, 2003

This is the story of a young girl called Alex who is spending a day at her Granny’s house. Granny is plotting a big surprise for her Granddaughter but it won’t be ready until the sun goes down and the stars come out. As night draws near strange voices, crazy chickens and a magic book of clues all point to one thing... Is granny an alien? Enid the Chook is one of Granny’s favourite friends. The show was directed by Michael Barlow and designed by Tish Oldham.

ADOPT Enid The Chook

First Performance:
The Velveteen Rabbit, 2005

Based on the classic children’s story by Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit is the story of a young boy’s much-cherished toy. To his family, it is just a soft toy amongst many, but to the boy, the rabbit is much more. With a wise horse, bossy bulldozers, a flying fairy and a toy box full of crazy, colourful, walking, talking toys, is it just imagination or can the bond of love make something real? Directed by Philip Mitchell and designed by Zoe Atkinson. The Velveteen Rabbit has been one of Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s most successful shows, touring nationally and selling out at the Sydney Opera House.

ADOPT Fairy

First Performance:
On Our Beach, 2019

Written by award-winning playwright, Peta Murray and directed by Philip Mitchell, On Our Beach uses puppetry, interactivity and immersion to explore ideas of identity, belonging, and our connection to others and to the land we all live on. In the show, the audience is taken on a journey through the world of a fantastical beach to discover what it is that unites us, and brings us together, that transcends flags and clothes or the colour of our skin. Designed by Cecile Williams with music by Lee Buddle, On Our Beach showcased the performing talents of Rebecca Bradley, Shona Mae, and singer-songwriter, Tani Walker.

ADOPT FOMO

First Performance:
The Little Prince, 2007

The Little Prince leaves his tiny planet and begins an adventure that reveals there are things that can only be discovered with the heart. For more than 70 years this timeless story has brought joy to adults and children alike with its beautiful insights and humour. Designed and constructed by Jiri Zmitko and directed by Michael Barlow.

ADOPT Fox

First Performance:
The One Who Planted Trees, 2021

Written by Amberly Cull and Nick Pages-Oliver and Directed by Philip Mitchell

ADOPT Frilly

First Performance:
Hachiko, 2012

A moving story about loyalty and resilience, Hachiko celebrates the remarkable joy an animal can bring to our lives. Directed by Philip Mitchell and designed by Matt McVeigh.

ADOPT Hachiko

First Performance:
Hare Brain, 2002

The show tackles the age-old dilemma – does fast and furious or slow and steady win the race? Updated to a fantasy world of toy invention with a crazy gurgling think tank that brings vacuum cleaners, mops and brushes to life, Hare Brain tells the tale of Harry and Tolouse who are in a slapstick race against time to find a perfect story to fit the perfect toy. Directed by Philip Mitchell and puppets designed by Cecile Williams.

ADOPT Harry

First Performance:
The Night Zoo, 2009

From her window high above the city, Jami dreamt of making friends with animals, but Mum and Dad wouldn't let her have a pet in the apartment. While the rest of the city sleeps, Jamie gets a visit from The Night Zoo. Meerkat and Elephant, Orangutan and Penguin, Thorny Devil and Giraffe... It's going to be a jungle up there! Written and directed by Michael Barlow and Designed by Iona McAuley

ADOPT Jamie

First Performance:
The One Who Planted Trees, 2021

Written by Amberly Cull and Nick Pages-Oliver and Directed by Philip Mitchell

ADOPT Koala

First Performance:
Miss Lily’s Fabulous Feather Boa, 2012

Miss Lily’s Fabulous Feather Boa is a joyous celebration of courage, honesty and pride. Designed by Iona McAuley and directed by Michael Barlow.

ADOPT Miss Lily

First Performance:
Spellbound, 2003

ADOPT Petrushka the Clown

First Performance:
Miss Lily’s Fabulous Feather Boa, 2012

Miss Lily’s Fabulous Feather Boa is a joyous celebration of courage, honesty and pride. Designed by Iona McAuley and directed by Michael Barlow.

ADOPT Potoroo

First Performance:
Rules of Summer, 2017

Adapted from the award-winning book by Shaun Tan

ADOPT Rabbit

First Performance:
The Pied Piper, 1986

Created in 1986 by Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s founding Artistic Director, Peter L. Wilson, The Pied Piper was based on the classic poem by Robert Browning. The audience was delighted as the Piper mesmerized 1000 rats and the successful production toured nationally and internationally. Since then, these cheeky rats designed by Beverley Campbell-Jackson have entertained many children in puppetry workshops.

ADOPT Rats

First Performance:
The Deep, 2001

Based on Tim Winton’s book, The Deep is about a little girl called Alice whose fear of the ocean is conquered through an out of the blue swim with a friendly dolphin. Sharing her adventure is her belly flopping mum and dad, bombie obsessed brothers and a puppet cast of beautiful fish, fabulous octopus, wacky crabs and an over excitable Ruffy the Dog. Directed by Noriko Nishimoto and designed by Cecile Williams. The Deep is all about forgetting to be scared.

ADOPT Ruffy

First Performance:
The Night Zoo, 2009

Rufus has travelled all around Australia performing in The Night Zoo with Jamie and all the other animals. Directed by Michael Barlow and designed by Iona McAuley.

ADOPT Rufus

First Performance:
The One Who Planted Trees, 2021

Written by Amberly Cull and Nick Pages-Oliver and Directed by Philip Mitchell

ADOPT Sheep

First Performance:
Rules of Summer, 2017

Adapted from the award-winning book by Shaun Tan

ADOPT Snail

First Performance:

Snuggle Pot, was made by two members of the Shanghai Puppet Theatre whilst on an artist exchange program, in 1990. He was made for a show that was to be about the life of writer and illustrator May Gibbs, who grew up in Western Australia. The script for the play was started by Mary Hutchinson but never completed because of copyright restrictions with the main characters, Snuggle Pot and Cuddle Pie. What a shame because the puppets are just gorgeous!

ADOPT Snuggle Pot

First Performance:
The Little Prince, 2007

ADOPT The Little Prince

First Performance:
Hare Brain, 2002

The show tackles the age-old dilemma – does fast and furious or slow and steady win the race? Updated to a fantasy world of toy invention with a crazy gurgling think tank that brings vacuum cleaners, mops and brushes to life, Hare Brain tells the tale of Harry and Toulouse who are in a slapstick race against time to find a perfect story to fit the perfect toy. Directed by Philip Mitchell and puppets designed by Cecile Williams.

ADOPT Toulouse

First Performance:
The Velveteen Rabbit, 2005

ADOPT Velveteen Rabbit

A fun and rewarding way to donate!

Help us continue to create theatre that expands the way you see, feel and experience the world!

How to Adopt

Puppet Gallery

“My kids loved their connection to a puppet and the chance to see behind the scenes” – Puppet Parent

First Performance: Spellbound, 2003

First Performance: 'Wood be Good' exhibition, 2008

First Performance: The One Who Planted Trees, 2021

First Performance: Nobody Owns the Moon, 2016

First Performance: Spellbound, 2003

First Performance: Beanstalk, 2021

First Performance: Blueback, 1997

First Performance: Rules of Summer, 2017

First Performance: Rules of Summer, 2017

First Performance: Cat Balloon, 1996

First Performance: Hachiko, 2012

First Performance:

First Performance: The One Who Planted Trees, 2021

First Performance: Granny Is An Alien, 2003

First Performance: The Velveteen Rabbit, 2005

First Performance: On Our Beach, 2019

First Performance: The Little Prince, 2007

First Performance: The One Who Planted Trees, 2021

First Performance: Hachiko, 2012

First Performance: Hare Brain, 2002

First Performance: The Night Zoo, 2009

First Performance: The One Who Planted Trees, 2021

First Performance: Miss Lily’s Fabulous Feather Boa, 2012

First Performance: Spellbound, 2003

First Performance: Miss Lily’s Fabulous Feather Boa, 2012

First Performance: Rules of Summer, 2017

First Performance: The Pied Piper, 1986

First Performance: The Deep, 2001

First Performance: The Night Zoo, 2009

First Performance: The One Who Planted Trees, 2021

First Performance: Rules of Summer, 2017

First Performance:

First Performance: The Little Prince, 2007

First Performance: Hare Brain, 2002

First Performance: The Velveteen Rabbit, 2005

First Performance:
Spellbound, 2003

First Performance:
'Wood be Good' exhibition, 2008

First Performance:
The One Who Planted Trees, 2021

First Performance:
Nobody Owns the Moon, 2016

First Performance:
Spellbound, 2003

First Performance:
Beanstalk, 2021

First Performance:
Blueback, 1997

First Performance:
Rules of Summer, 2017

First Performance:
Rules of Summer, 2017

First Performance:
Cat Balloon, 1996

First Performance:
Hachiko, 2012

First Performance:
The One Who Planted Trees, 2021

First Performance:
Granny Is An Alien, 2003

First Performance:
The Velveteen Rabbit, 2005

First Performance:
On Our Beach, 2019

First Performance:
The Little Prince, 2007

First Performance:
The One Who Planted Trees, 2021

First Performance:
Hachiko, 2012

First Performance:
Hare Brain, 2002

First Performance:
The Night Zoo, 2009

First Performance:
The One Who Planted Trees, 2021

First Performance:
Miss Lily’s Fabulous Feather Boa, 2012

First Performance:
Spellbound, 2003

First Performance:
Miss Lily’s Fabulous Feather Boa, 2012

First Performance:
Rules of Summer, 2017

First Performance:
The Pied Piper, 1986

First Performance:
The Deep, 2001

First Performance:
The Night Zoo, 2009

First Performance:
The One Who Planted Trees, 2021

First Performance:
Rules of Summer, 2017

First Performance:
The Little Prince, 2007

First Performance:
Hare Brain, 2002

First Performance:
The Velveteen Rabbit, 2005