Rules of Summer

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre bringing award winning story by Shaun Tan to life these July
school holidays
Based on Shaun Tan’s award-winning book, Rules of Summer is set to thrill audience members from July
03-17 at Spare Parts Puppet Theatre in Fremantle. This story of adventure has been beautifully directed
by Spare Parts Artistic Director Philip Mitchell who has created a unique and immersive theatre
experience for the whole family. Philip said that Rules of Summer is a playful and multi-sensory feast of
puppetry.
“Our production follows the adventures of two young boys and the unimaginable challenges that face
them ‘he said. “You will be part of a sensory world of sight, taste, smell, touch and sound. Bubbles float
around you, the wind blows through your hair as a storm erupts, and suddenly you’re faced with choices
like whether to accept a yummy treat or not. Rules of Summer is a total sensory experience for every
member of the family to share together and to talk about long after you leave the theatre.”
Premiering in 2017 with 5 stars reviews, Rules of Summer is a highly entertaining and engaging show
that will redefine how you look at puppetry. From the start you will be captivated as you follow the
journey of the boys as they explore the world around them. Through a series of mysterious rules such
as ‘Never step on a snail’, or ‘Never argue with an umpire’, the bond between the boys is tested. As
each rule is broken – not always by accident – surprising consequences ensue.
Shaun Tan said that though the story might seem at first to be a book for children and about childhood,
it has a universal connection to all ages. “Rules of Summer encompasses universal themes that govern
any intimate relationship regardless of age, gender or background, from siblings to best friends, coworkers
and partners,” he said. “The private universe of imagination and conflict that can exist here so
often defies explanation and is, I think, best represented as a kind of shared dream.”
The use of shadow puppetry is one of the many forms of puppetry in the show and audience members
will be invited to enjoy a shadow puppetry installation in the foyer and explore this form of puppetry
before and after the show. The experience of the show and puppetry can also be extended with one of
Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s take home Do-It-Yourself shadow puppet craft packs, empowering
creative play for all ages.
Rules of Summer will be presented daily at 10am and 1pm from July 03 – 17 with special 6.30pm
performances scheduled on Friday evenings throughout the season. For performance times and tickets
please visit www.sppt.asn.au or call 08 9335 5044.

Dates 

• Saturday 3 July, 10am & 1pm
• Monday 5 July, 10am & 1pm
• Tuesday 6 July, 10am & 1pm 
• Wednesday 7 July, 10am & 1pm
• Thursday 8 July, 10am & 1pm (Adopt A Puppet Parent Event 1pm)
• Friday 9 July, 10am, 1pm & 6.30pm
• Saturday 10 July, 10am & 1pm
• Monday 12 July, 10am & 1pm
• Tuesday 13 July, 10am & 1pm 
• Wednesday 14 July, 10am & 1pm
• Thursday 15 July, 10am & 1pm
• Friday 16 July, 10am, 1pm & 6.30pm
• Saturday 17 July, 10am & 1pm

Adopt a Puppet Parent Event:
Thursday 8 July, 1pm. Adopt a Puppet Parents are invited to special behind the scenes tour after the show

Venue

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, 1 Short Street Fremantle (opposite the Fremantle Train Station)

Tickets

• BOOK TICKETS > online or call 9335 5044
• FAQ’s

Perfect for ages 5+