FLUFF
A Story of Lost Toys
ABOUT
FLUFF – A Story of Lost Toys is a simple, joyful and humorous tale told with a twist.
The Gingham family are very concerned for all the lost and discarded hand-made toys in the world and travel the world to find them. They bring them to their colourful home of odd shaped boxes and welcome them to the family. Each toy is introduced one-by-one, and after seeing a short film of how they came to be lost, they are given a vocal sound, a movement, a piece of music, a night-light……and a nice comfy bed.
It has been acclaimed for its originality, warmth, clever use of comedy and extraordinary combination of song, movement, new technology and audience participation.
CREATIVE TEAM
Creator & Set Designer
Christine Johnston
Choreography
Lisa O’Neill
Music
Peter Nelson
Costumes
Selene Cochrane
Lighting Designer
Ben Hughes
Visual Content
Kylie Burke, Russell Stokes & Christine Johnston
CAST
Christine Johnston
Lisa O’Neill
Peter Nelson
CRITICAL ACCLAIM
they’re astonishing physical comedians
By the end, we’ve contributed to a roller- coaster of cunningly recorded sounds and seen music and dance come alive in an exuberant, irresistible salute to the potential in unwanted objects.
Toy story is simply enchanting…. The pacing is deft and Johnston’s vocal feats a marvel. By the end the children’s participation is guaranteed, and they stream from the theatre with radiant faces.
One of the most imaginative shows for the young you will find. Highly sophisticated and great fun… the children – and the adults – loved it!
FLUFF, for me was the absolute highlight of the festival. Christine Johnston created and performed, with her creative team, an absolutely brilliant piece of work. Juxtaposing new technology with handmade toys, this performance was inspired, funny, dark, theatrically clever and sophisticated. ……I strongly recommend you should see it if you get the chance.
The result is an an energetic, theatrically clever show which offers Imaginate Festival audiences the delightful juxtaposition of cutting edge media technology with the genuinely timeless charms of hand-made, bespoke toys.
TOUR DATES
FURTHER DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
PERFORMANCE HISTORY
2017
The Art House, Wyong, Australia
The Arts Centre Gold Coast, Gold Coast, Australia
Byron Community Centre, Byron Bay, Australia
2016
Imaginate Festival, Ediburgh, Scotland *
The Spark Festival, Leicester, UK *
Ipswich Civic Centre, Ipswich, Australia
* The 2016 UK Tour of FLUFF – A Story of Lost Toys was assisted by the Australian government through the Ministry for the Arts’ Catalyst – Australian Arts and Culture Fund.
2015
Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane, Australia
2014
Segerstrom Centre for the Arts, California, USA
Walter Art Centre, Arkansas, USA
New Victory Theatre, New York, USA
Playhouse Square, Cleveland, USA
Chicago Humanities Festival, Chicago, USA
The Calgary International Children’s Festival, Calgary, Canada
International Arts Carnival, Hong Kong
Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
Awesome Festival, Perth, Australia
2013
Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
International Performing Arts for Youth (IPAY). Philadelphia, USA *
* Officially selected for a showcase performance at IPAY. This appearance was made possible with assistance from Arts Queensland.