Theatre: Jasper Jones

The novel by Craig Silvey, adapted by Kate Mulvany
Barking Gecko Theatre Company
Directed by John Sheedy
Designed by Michael Scott-Mitchell
Lighting design by Trent Suidgeest
Sound design by Ben Collins
Performed by Shaka Cook, James Beck, Hoa Xuande, Elizabeth Blackmore, Alexandra Jones and Humphrey Bower
State Theatre Centre Studio
Until August 9

Elizabeth Blackmore, Shaka Cook and James Beck (pic Jon Green)

I wish this review was able inspire you to rush out for tickets to Barking Gecko’s Jasper Jones. Sadly, despite its relatively long season (until August 9 in the State Theatre Centre Studio), it’s already all but sold out (extra performances on July 29 and August 4 have been announced).
There’s an obvious reason for this. The novel upon which it is based, by the young West Australian writer Craig Silvey, has been widely admired and wildly popular in the five years since its publication.
Barking Gecko have built a fine reputation – greatly enhanced during John Sheedy’s tenure as its artistic director since 2010 – as it made the ambitious transition from a children’s theatre company to one for young people of all ages.
This wonderful production is the apogee of their achievement so far.

Link here to the complete review in The West Australian

(Jasper Jones contains some language and themes that might concern parents of children under 14.)