★★★★☆
Dead Puppet Society has revived their acclaimed production, The Riddle of Washpool Gully, and it arrives at QPAC as part of its national tour.
Originally created by Terrapin Puppet Theatre in association with Dead Puppet Society, The Riddle of Washpool Gully is aimed at ages 6+, and is guaranteed to keep both children and adults hooked until the very end. Creative director and designer David Morton tells a tale of imagination, family and love.
In a small Australian town, a dry creek bed has been forgotten. Big trucks and digging machines are set to take over. A boy stumbles upon the legend of the sleepy Washpool Gully and what is lying asleep in the scrub. But for how long?
Blending old-fashioned storytelling with inventive visual stagecraft, the use of miniature sets and precise staging creates a production that is both entertaining and beautifully realised.
Narrator Hugh Parker demonstrates superb timing, delivering moments of emotion, surprise and humour that flow effortlessly with the rhythm of the story.
Actor-puppeteers Reagan Mannix and Merlynn Tong deliver a masterclass in puppetry. Adults will marvel at the concentration and skill behind the performance, while children will be utterly mesmerised.
To say the puppets are well designed is an understatement. The craftsmanship of the props brought everything to life on stage. The attention to detail and sophisticated design allow for movement that brings a level of realism to the creature and the Boy.
The immersive soundscape designed by Brady Watkins, with compositions by Heath Brown, creates tension and adds depth to the scenes. The immersive roar of the storm and rhythmic precision of the train tracks are an added layer of auditory storytelling and are essential to the unfolding narrative.
Ben Hughes’ clever lighting design thoughtfully evokes both night and day, grounding the story in a realistic passage of time.
The production’s playful take on hidden issues most children can relate to, such as feelings of isolation, loneliness, wanting a friend, family problems, and absent family members, adds a nuanced layer of complexity to the story. The result is real, raw, and emotive.
The Riddle of Washpool Gully’s compelling hybrid of puppetry and live action is bound to leave a lasting impression on the audience. It will leave both the young and old wanting to revel in the imagination and creativity for a bit longer.
The Riddle of Washpool Gully is presented by QPAC and Dead Puppet Society and runs to 21 March at The Cremorne Theatre, QPAC.
Tickets: https://qpac.n.qtix.com.au/tickets/series/lepdpstheriddleofwashpoolgully26
Website: https://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2026/lep-the-riddle-of-washpool-gully
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/deadpuppetsociety/
Photo credits: Daniel Boud
2026 Australian Tour Dates (remaining):
Brisbane 10 – 21 March, Cremorne Theatre, QPAC
Sunshine Coast 26 – 27 March, The J Noosa
Melbourne 8 – 11 April, Gasworks Creative Precinct
Adelaide 16 – 18 April, Adelaide Festival Centre
