Theresa Koorey, assisted by some junior reporters, reviews Cubbin Concert, presented by Cubbin Theatre Company, at the Cloisters Studio, The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, Sunday 16 June 2024.
You arrive at the cosy Cloisters Theatre in the Art Centre Precinct and straight away you know you are in for something special. With thousands of streamers hanging down from the roof, the place feels like a whimsical, magical forest. As we enter, we wave and smile to the three performers sitting on stage amongst various instruments. It feels familiar and welcoming. I feel lucky to be a parent of a young child in Christchurch right now. It is brimming with local talent, and music and theatre for children that is enjoyable for adults too.
I attended Cubbin Concert with my 3 year old daughter, my friend and her 3 year old son. Before the show, we talked to our children about what instruments they could see, and my daughter wanted to know why the roof had so much lovely red hair. Easy to see that the kids found it as magical as the adults.
This was our second Cubbin show (the first being the delightful “Me and my Nana”), and the start of both made us feel like we were in the right place. Just by stating “whichever way your child reacts is the right reaction,” demonstrates that this is a show truly designed and thought through for very young children.
Well-paced and constructed, the first half of Cubbin Concert introduces us to the instruments through some fun songs about cats and what spiders do or do not like to eat amongst others. Half way through, the classic “5 little monkeys” creates an opportunity for children to come up and jump on stage if they wish.This song was a highlight for both our children. After that, all the songs had an interactive element of sorts. Children got to shout out their favourite ocean creature, and my friend’s son was particularly excited that his suggestion of crocodile got taken up. My friend so aptly put that finishing with a cuddle/almost lullaby sent everyone away with aroha.
Afterwards, we got to chat to the performers and the children had the opportunity to try some of the instruments in a safe and fun way. Because they limit their audience size and not everyone stays, it felt like a small workshop and no one felt rushed to herd their child out. I certainly didn’t. Both of our children loved playing with the instruments, with “playing the drum with my friend” being a highlight for both of them. The simple thoughtful touch to pop a tea towel down on the big drum, as well as using “drumsticks that looked like marshmallows”, meant that the sound was slightly dulled and wasn’t overpowering or overwhelming. Later at home, I also caught my daughter in her room singing and acting out “Wishy Washy Washer Woman” to some of her toys, so the show as a whole definitely made an impression.
At Cubbin Theatre Company, children can express themselves in any way they choose. The specific preschool age they cater for is thought through in terms of location, maximum numbers and length of show (40 minutes), creating an engaging, interactive and immersive experience.
We will definitely be returning to Cubbin’s shows for preschoolers. They have specific ones designed for very young babies as well. Cubbin produces such gentle, authentic and an inclusive introduction to the world of music, theatre and performance. I highly recommend these shows to all parents of tiny humans living in or around Christchurch.
Cubbin Concert ran from 13 – 16 June, and plays again 28 November – 1 December at the same venue. The show was performed by Hannah Wheeler, Amy Straker, and Andy Manning, directed by Melanie Luckman, designed by Rosie Gilmore and operated by Will Burns.
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