Beetle
By Legs On The Wall
★★★★ “…a striking show which takes young viewers on an immersive journey into nature by fusing puppetry, physical theatre, circus, video projection, and set and costume design with seamless imagination.” – The Scotsman
An instant Australian classic, Beetle tells the story of a child who finds a new friend in her backyard; together they embark on an adventure to search for the now elusive Christmas Beetle.
The magic of the bush habitat is brought to life through Legs On The Wall’s trademark physical storytelling, and animation created from original artworks by beloved children’s author and illustrator Freya Blackwood.
A tale of resilience and hope, Beetle reminds young audiences that there’s an important place in the world for all of us and invites children, families and schools to join the adventure, encountering larger than life beetles, stick insects, and other bush critters while finding out about the uncanny nature and delicate balance of the bush environment.
Audience Information
Suitable for: Ages 6 – 14 and their families (General Public) and Kindergarten – Year 8.
Duration: 50 minutes (No interval plus a free Q&A with the cast following the Friday matinee performance).
Please Note: This production contains flashing lights and haze.
Schools Bookings
Getting Here | Risk Assessment | Education Pack
Curriculum Links: Drama, Dance, Music, Visual Arts, Literacy, Science
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Read the Reviews
“Legs On The Wall, the Australian theatre company behind Beetle, superbly blends a touching storyline with visual splendor… This is definitely the show of the Fringe that changed my perspective of the natural world.” – Playbill
Audience reviews:
“Hand’s down the best children’s show I’ve ever taken my daughter to! Funny, moving and beautifully done.”
“It was soooo brilliant!!! We LOVED it. Best thins I’ve taken the kids to hands down.”
“I learnt not to take seeds from the earth so more trees can grow and all the Christmas Beetle families can live there.” – Young Audience Member edeinburghfestivalsforkids
Meet the Cast and Creatives
Concept: Joshua Thomson
Creators and Directors: Joshua Thomson and Kate Walder
Illustrations: Freya Blackwood
Video Designer: Susie Henderson
Sound Designer: Luke Smiles
Composition: Jessica Dunn
Lighting Designer: Gareth Simmonds
Costume Designer and Creator: Melanie Gillbank
Cast: Christy Tran, Lloyd Allison-Young and Olivia Hadley
Voice of the Tree: Vicki Van Hout
Scenic Art: Erth Visual & Physical Inc. and Legs On The Wall












BEETLE is commissioned by the North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) and The Art House — Wyong and was supported by Inner West Council. The 2025 tour has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, and the NSW Government through Create NSW.