ARE WE THERE YET?

■ This delightful play presented by Arts Centre Melbourne and CBD KIDS at The Playhouse is written by Finegan Kruckemeyer and based on the book written by award-winning author and illustrator Alison Lester. Ms Lester based her story on an actual journey.

The familiar words “Are We There Yet?” have been heard countless times by parents on long car journeys.

Directed by Liesal Badorrek, this journey commenced in South Australia when the family of five embarked on a road trip around Australia. The story is told by the children as seen through their eyes. Grace is the main character and story teller, accompanied by her two brothers Luke and Billy.

The family drive across the Nullarbor, visit the quokkas on Rottnest Island, Perth, Broome, the Outback, the Top End, Kakadu, Cairns, Surfers Paradise, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Phillip Island before arriving home along the Great Ocean Road.

Somehow the question “Are We There Yet?” becomes irrelevant as the vastness and wonders of Australia unfolded.

Grace (Annie Stafford), Luke (Alex Packard) and Billy (Samuel Welsh) combine to give strong, excellent performances.

Mum and Dad’s part in this trip is cleverly told to the audience by the three children and is appropriately staged in a caravan.

This play is humorous, reflective, and an accurate portrayal of an Australian family holidaying for, as Grace says, “the whole winter (school) term”, giving them an insight into the stunning and magical wonders of Australia. Judging by the audience reaction, we all resonated with the family tales.

As this was a school holiday event, it is appropriate to add a comment made by a seven-year old: “Their trip was long. I really enjoyed the bit where they met the fuzzy animals called quokkas. It was funny and it inspires you to be brave, bold and go through anything.”

A “must see” school holiday entertainment for 5-12 year olds.

- Review by Jill Page