Taught them some wonderful life lessons.Manning Valley Anglican College, NSW
We are able to link the messages from the book into our well-being program… the students were able to be a part of it and participate in different parts. [Students] were able to delve into the messages in the book better.St Patrick’s School, Nhill VIC
SYNOPSIS
Dear Broccoli is a lively and laugh-out-loud stage adaptation of Jo Dabrowski’s much-loved picture book, brought to life through fast-paced storytelling, sharp humour, and playful physical theatre. Told through a series of letters between a determined broccoli-hating boy, Frank, and one unexpectedly eloquent piece of broccoli, the story escalates into a joyful battle of wit, imagination, and persuasion. As Frank tries every possible excuse to avoid eating his greens, Broccoli responds with charm, logic, and a growing determination to be heard.
On stage, this witty exchange transforms into an energetic, highly theatrical experience that celebrates language, rhythm, and audience engagement. The adaptation explores themes of perspective, resilience, and open-mindedness, inviting young audiences to laugh, question, and see everyday “battles” in a new light. With its clever structure, dynamic character work, and heartwarming twist, Dear Broccoli is a fresh, funny, and highly accessible theatre experience designed especially for primary school audiences.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
"Entertaining story… skilfully written and humorous.” Read Plus
“Highly recommended… Lively and playful banter includes clever puns and amusing wordplay.” Reading Time
“Utterly brilliant… there isn’t a parent or child who won’t relate.” Can You Tell Me A Story
Based on the book entitled DEAR BROCCOLI. Text copyright © Jo Dabrowski 2025. Illustrations copyright © Cate James 2025. Adapted for the stage by permission from Affirm Press, a Simon & Schuster (Australia) Pty Limited company. All rights reserved.
ABOUT THE SHOW
Each year, in celebration of Book Week, we adapt two books shortlisted by the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) for the Book of The Year Awards.
We choose one book from the Picture Book category & one book from the Younger Readers Chapter Book category and create two 40-minute musical productions including original songs and puppetry.
As far as we’re aware, we’re the only company adapting both a picture book and a younger readers chapter book each year; therefore, ensuring age appropriate performances for all students.
We also support Australian authors by paying royalties for every child that attends a performance of one of our adaptations.
Includes a teacher resource pack and a targeted, structured question time with the performers which explores the themes of the books and performances and also supports Inquiry learning as we discuss how the shows were produced and how the puppets and props were made.
ABOUT OUR SHOWS
All of our shows are fully staged musicals lasting 40 - 45 minutes (plus Q&A). The music is written by Tim Smith (The Lion King, Billy Elliot) & Luke Hunter (Come From Away, The Sound of Music) and the productions are designed by Elizabeth Millington (founder of Dead Puppets Society), Jemima Eva (Trash Puppets) and Astrid Mendez (internationally touring Puppeteer)
We encourage audience participation and active engagement in all of our performances and we use puppetry to fully engage the students and to broaden the possibilities of the way we stage our shows.
Our post-performance Q&A is structured and focused on the themes raised in the show and a behind the scenes insight into how our set, props, puppets, etc. work and how they were made.
We also provide a teachers resource pack to support our incursion both before and after we've been to the school and host a targeted, structured and informative Q&A session with the performers which which supports the school's delivery of the Critical and Creative Thinking curriculum and explores the themes of the book and performance and also supports Inquiry learning as we discuss how the shows were produced and how the puppets and props were made.
"Was great how it was run by you and not just the kids asking random questions. (10/10)" - Bargara State School, Bargara QLD
We provide all of the staging and sound requirements, all we need from you is a performance space 5m by 3m, plus enough room for the students to sit and watch the show.
Produced by Meerkat Productions
The movement throughout the room was incredible. Every student had their attention fixed the entire time. The Q&A session where the kids got to ask questions was excellent.St Michaels PS, North Melbourne, VIC
A very good show with strong messages that really stick with students.Our Lady Queen of Peace, NSW
You made it exciting and engaging, lots of singing and movement and actions.Balaklava PS, SA
I teach stage 3 and they got a lot out of the Q&A after the show.St Joseph’s PS, Glen Innes NSW
BOOKINGS
To make a booking or enquiry, simply press the GREEN Enquiry/Booking Request Button above right to directly contact the booking team. They will answer you promptly to discuss your booking including when payment will be required.
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