"***** [five stars]…so achingly magical and charming, so full of whimsicality and merry eccentricity.…this production, with consummate performances by Stephen Sheehan and Sam McMahon, [is] so life-affirming and uplifting…a marvel of exquisite theatre-craft.”
The Herald, Scotland (May 2009)

"The story of Cheeseboy's epic search for his parents…is worthy of its international acclaim."

"… one is left profoundly impressed by director Andy Packer's fabulously stylish production."
Sunday Herald, Scotland (May 2009)

"There is a sense of otherworldliness about this enchanting piece of children's entertainment that's evident from the moment you step into the theatre with its tent-like canopy."

The Daily Telegraph, Sydney (January 2009)

"a serious story elegantly told…in a way that appeals to young audiences. Matching the story's poetry and structure is the theatrical trickery used for beautiful illusion while the mechanics are on full view amid the seated crowd."

"…a clever weave of theatre technology into a story that engages at many levels…"

"…artistically and technically beautiful theatre…"
Australian Stage Online (January 2008)

"…an exotic flight of whimsy and imagination…. The magic lantern effects, video projections (ably managed by Sophie Hyde and Roland Partis), delicate coloured lighting and an enchantingly melodic score by Quentin Grant give Cheeseboy the ambience of an Edwardian picturebook – reminiscent of the Arabian Nights of Arthur Rackham or a fantasy by Maxfield Parrish but also with the currency of 21st century intergalactic travel."

"As narrator, Stephen Sheehan is again excellent. He has an inventive, playful comedy which is fresh and connects vividly to his audience."

"With The Tragical Life of Cheeseboy, Slingsby Productions have added a welcome new voice to children’s theatre in Adelaide. Both Patch and Windmill have already set the bar high, but with a talented team of old and new hands, Cheeseboy has risen up to meet it."
The Adelaide Review (January 2008)

"…a boldly alternative play for children."

"…sitting on low bleachers in a huge faux tent inside a theatre, children do not shuffle or whisper but instead seem to marvel. For this world…is not like anything they have experienced.… It draws on human intimacy, on the ancient rites of story-telling and all the sophistication of our technology…"
The Advertiser (January 2008)

"…extraordinary and captivating…an awe-inspiring world of wonder and possibility."
dB Magazine (January 2008)

"…a sad tale but told in an achingly-beautiful way…. Think top-shelf art-house Sovereign Hill."

"This play for all aged nine and up is not to be missed."
InDaily (January 2008)

"Finegan Kruckemeyer has written yet another compelling piece and designer Wendy Todd, lighting designer Geoff Cobham and composer Quincy Grant have combined to create an ideal environment for its telling. Andy Packer has done wonders bringing this to the stage."
Rip It Up Magazine(December 2007)


AUDIENCE FEEDBACK

"Staff found it totally enthralling and enchanting, as did the students. Discussions with students showed an in-depth appreciation of production values and details, especially in the on-stage "transformations" and special effects. Like them, I found the miniaturist illustrations fascinating and I was totally transported into the events of the narrative. Let us know of future productions as we would be more than happy to book work of this sensitivity and artistic calibre."
Max, Head of Drama, Norwood Morialta Secondary School

"The new technology, in an 'old' setting, was brilliant and totally captivating…a great show! I have never seen a production like this one before… it was so original and clever. My friends and I thought it was the best show we had seen in ages."
Eddie, student, Glen Osmond Primary School

"I really felt the light and sound effects took me on a mystical journey to a world of the unknown…it was truly a very different but very exciting journey. It made me remember back to 'James and The Giant Peach'."
Harry, student, Glen Osmond Primary School