The Owl's Apprentice

Next date: Wednesday, 02 July 2025 | 06:30 PM to 07:30 PM

Black silhouette picture of an owl flying above buildings

Owl’s aren’t born wise you know, they have to learn it from somewhere. A young owl named Poot Poot is sent to study at Owl school. He’s not like the other owls: he misses his family, he just wants to go home. He knows the only way he can go home is by gaining “wisdom,” but he doesn’t know what that is yet.

On his journey he meets animals who share with him their own special kind of wisdom. He meets a wombat who shows him about persistence. He meets a Lyrebird who teaches him about listening carefully. He meets a Kookaburra who shares with him the value of humour. He meets an echidna who shares about resilience and a platypus who shows him how to accept himself and his own differences.

Poot Poot finds out that wisdom isn’t just one thing, it’s a collection of many things you learn every day. But will he pass the final test and become wise enough to save the forest? The Owl’s Apprentice is a lively, funny, interactive solo show combining shadow puppetry and physical comedy.

As well as a gorgeous voyage into the realm of shadow puppetry, The Owl’s Apprentice is about our Australian animals and gaining wisdom. The show is a creative springboard to scaffold learning from the Drama, Visual Arts and Science curriculum as well as the Ethical and Critical & Creative thinking capabilities.

Performed by Jenny Ellis, a puppeteer of more than twenty years, who weaves the whole story together with a single set of hands, playing multiple characters at once. Shadow puppetry workshops are available, tailored for various ages.

"So Clever! For kids and adults!" - Anna, audience member from Warrnambool Lighthouse Theatre

"Students were fascinated by the puppets and enthralled by the story. Jenny was very professional and approachable. Her love of children and her craft was delightful." Carolyn Sismanes, Performance Coordinator, Thomastown Primary