Fancy Long Legs is an uplifting new children’s musical which explores neurodiversity, while celebrating individuality and creativity at La Boite Theatre from September 12-22.
The colourful and fantastical production follows sparkly spider Fancy and her three arachnid friends – Incy, Busy, and Charlotte – as they find their way in the world.
The production aims to deliver an accessible and relaxed performance, with considered approaches to costumes, colour palettes, sounds, lights and staging. There are spoiler sheets, sensory warnings, accessible seating and venue access, a low sensory space, and tactile tours on selected performances. Plus, there are four Auslan-interpreted, and audio-described performances.
The premiere is a colourful collaboration between La Boite Theatre, Brisbane Festival, and The Little Red Company.
Written by Brisbane author Rachel Burke, it is based on her upcoming children’s book of the same name. Burke has also designed the costumes and set.
The play was adapted for the stage by The Little Red Company Artistic Director and Co-Founder Naomi Price, directed by La Boite Artistic Director Courtney Stewart, and features an original soundtrack composed by songwriter, musician and Yuwi Burra woman Waveney Yasso.
Ms Stewart said the show would resonate with the young and young-at-heart.
“From the show’s design to the story told, Fancy Long Legs is an opportunity for adults and children alike to recognise and understand different ways to experience the world,” Ms Stewart said.
Ms Price said she drew on the real-life character traits of spiders to give the show’s eight-legged stars their unique personalities.
“In our research, we discovered that spiders can be solitary or collaborative; they either like to create webs by themselves or build on other webs,” Ms Price said.
“We also explored different web shapes, such as spiral orb or sheet webs, and these traits inspired the characters of Fancy’s friends.
“Even though the characters have misunderstandings or different opinions, each has the best intentions.
“This is a really kind show and I think it’s beautiful to model kindness to families and show children how to work through disagreements in a thoughtful way and manage their big feelings.”
Ms Price said early test audiences had embraced Fancy Long Legs, particularly Ms Yasso’s new songs.
“Music can do the heavy lifting where text can’t on an emotional level,” she said.
“Waveney writes songs that I know children will immediately be able to sing along to.”
A considered approach to presenting spiders as friendly and accessible is also evident in the production’s costuming, with Ms Burke setting aside her signature technicolour tinsel for something softer.
“What I tried to do with the costumes was create something that evokes the feeling of a spider but wasn’t scary for kids,” she said.
“I’ve done a lot of research into spiders and they’re actually quite fluffy so it made sense to merge fluffy tulle and lace and bring about a bit of sparkle with some rhinestones.
“I have kept a pastel colour palette throughout the show to strike a balance where it’s beautiful, soft and colourful but not overstimulating.
“It’s an interesting consideration – and one that comes through in every aspect of the show – because a big part of Fancy’s story and production is recognising that neurodivergent kids have these unique needs when they go to a theatre.”
Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Louise Bezzina said she was delighted to present the bold premiere work from a talented team of Brisbane creatives.
“At the heart of Fancy Long Legs is a story about finding yourself and living your life authentically and fearlessly which perfectly encapsulates Brisbane’s Festival’s invitation to ‘Find Your Fit’ in 2024,” Ms Bezzina said.
AEIOU Foundation for children with autism has partnered with the team on Fancy Long Legs to provide actors and front-of-house staff with resources to assist audience members and to furnish the theatre’s low-sensory space with equipment such as bean bags, fidget spinners and craft supplies.
Fancy Long Legs has been developed with the support of access consultant Maddie Little with insights from CPL – Choice Passion Life Disability Services.
Fancy Long Legs is suitable for ages three onwards.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit laboite.com.au
