Our Story

We invite you to ‘Journey in Wonder’ with us.
It may be dark and you may feel uneasy. That’s only natural. You are not alone.
See that light in the distance? Take our hands. We know the way.

Founded in 2007 and based in Adelaide, South Australia, Slingsby presents emotionally challenging and engaging storytelling in rich live theatrical realms for family audiences and young people aged eight years and over.

We are passionate about creating memorable experiences for audiences of all ages. They collaborate with Australia’s finest artists across many disciplines and foster international theatrical alliances. Slingsby’s productions have been presented in Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Scotland, Spain, Singapore, Norway, China and India, earning the company a reputation for excellence in the creation of work for young audiences.

 

The company’s world worn, timeless aesthetic is embedded into each show, transporting audiences to a time and place that is at the same time familiar and new. The company’s first work The Tragical Life of Cheeseboy (written by prolific Australian playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer) was an international success and has been performed over 300 times worldwide. Current works in repertoire The Young King and Emil and the Detectives have built on Slingsby’s international reputation as a company of excellence.

Slingsby has garnered many coveted awards for its work including three Ruby Awards, a prestigious Victor Award (People’s Choice) – International Performing Arts for Youth Showcase 2017 for The Young King and a Helpmann Award (Best Presentation for Children) for Emil and the Detectives in 2018.

Slingsby produces and tours original theatre productions that captivate, challenge and inspire hope through memorable theatre experiences that evoke a sense of renewed wonder in the world we live in, and the role we each can play in building a happy and harmonious global society.

Slingsby encourages togetherness through a sophisticated aesthetic and complex emotional storytelling. The company focuses on sharing timeless, otherworldly stories of loss, hope and wonder, helping audience members find resilience in their own situations and empathy for those around them.

Our People

Andy Packer

CEO & Artistic Director

Andy is a director of theatre, music theatre and opera. He has also worked as creative producer of multidisciplinary arts programs, producer of large-scale events and festival director. In 2007 Andy

Andy is a director of theatre, music theatre and opera. He has also worked as creative producer of multidisciplinary arts programs, producer of large-scale events and festival director. In 2007 Andy co-founded Adelaide based theatre company Slingsby. The company’s productions have received 16 industry awards and toured to more than 100 theatres in over 70 cities and towns across 12 countries.

Andy is renowned for creating original live performance moments that are emotionally powerful and visually bold. His work across theatre for young audiences, opera, cabaret, music theatre and symphonic concerts has pushed him to develop a distinctive theatrical form that is at once personal and epic.

Andy has directed productions, concerts and events for Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, State Opera of South Australia, State Theatre Company of South Australia, Adelaide Festival of Arts, Adelaide Fringe, Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide Chamber Singers, Australian String Quartet, Windmill Theatre, Restless Dance, Tutti Ensemble, Rundle Mall Management Authority and the International Astronautical Federation. In 2019 Andy was Show Director for the World of WearableArt Awards Show in Wellington, New Zealand. Andy was Creative Producer of Programming at Carclew Youth Arts 2003-2006, Creative Producer of Family Events for Adelaide Fringe Festival 2007-2008 and Creative Director of Come Out Festival 2011.

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Rebecca Pearce

Executive Director

A highly respected creative and cultural leader, Rebecca brings with her more than 15 years’ experience in leadership roles with major Arts organisations across Australia and internationally. Most recently, Rebecca held the

A highly respected creative and cultural leader, Rebecca brings with her more than 15 years’ experience in leadership roles with major Arts organisations across Australia and
internationally. Most recently, Rebecca held the position of Chief Executive Officer at Adelaide UNESCO City of Music office. acknowledging the breadth, depth and vibrancy of the city’s music culture. its international reach, history and aspirations. Prior to this, Rebecca held senior positions including Associate Director of Programming at Adelaide Festival Centre, Program Director of Brisbane Festival, Program Manager of Singapore International Festival and Programming Executive of Adelaide Festival.

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Georgia Stanley

General Manager

Georgia is an emerging South Australian arts manager and producer. Georgia first joined Slingsby in March 2019 in the role of Associate Artist, providing touring support and company management for the

Georgia is an emerging South Australian arts manager and producer. Georgia first joined Slingsby in March 2019 in the role of Associate Artist, providing touring support and company management for the artists and crew on The Young King national tour. In 2020 she took up the full time role of Associate Producer with the company. A graduate of the AC Arts acting course, Georgia has also held roles at Adelaide Festival and Art Gallery of South Australia.

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Deanne Bullen

Education Coordinator

Working within the area of drama and education is Deanne’s idea of a dream job. During her career in education, she has been involved in developing and writing curriculum resources across

Working within the area of drama and education is Deanne’s idea of a dream job. During her career in education, she has been involved in developing and writing curriculum resources across all of the years of schooling. The skills and knowledge she has developed has meant she has been able to work writing education resources for theatre companies both locally and internationally and most recently for the Adelaide Film Festival – Youth 2021. Now she is here at Slingsby – to liaise with teachers and schools and to develop education resources to support teaching and learning.

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Quincy Grant

Composer

His work includes music for plays such as The Tragical Life of Cheeseboy, and When the Rain Stops Falling; many works for orchestra that have been played in Germany, Canada, and

His work includes music for plays such as The Tragical Life of Cheeseboy, and When the Rain Stops Falling; many works for orchestra that have been played in Germany, Canada, and by the leading Australian orchestras; and soundtracks for films and documentaries broadcast on the ABC and SBS. He also writes for concert performances and film, and plays in many groups: from rock to new music and, most recently wild gypsy music with Golonka.

He is co-director of The Firm, a company that presents concerts each year featuring Australian classical musicians in programmes of new Australian music along side interesting repertoire. In 2013 his first opera, An Ode to Nonsense, was premiered by Slingsby and the State Opera of South Australia.

Quincy lives in Adelaide with four dear ones – Anna, Arland, Clara and Miranda.

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Wendy Todd

Designer

Wendy is an Adelaide based designer of theatre, events and spaces. Recent productions designed by Wendy Todd (Set & Costume Designs) include Lighthouse 2020, ([Set Only] Patch Theatre) North/South 2019 (Australian Dance

Wendy is an Adelaide based designer of theatre, events and spaces.

Recent productions designed by Wendy Todd (Set & Costume Designs) include Lighthouse 2020, ([Set Only] Patch Theatre) North/South 2019 (Australian Dance Theatre), Picaresque 2019 (Robyn Archer, Adelaide Festival), Seashore 2019 (Sally Chance Dance/ Dream Big), Rabbits  2017 (Steel & Brown/State Theatre Company), Emil & The Detectives 2017 (Slingsby [Set Only]),  Long Tan 2017 (Brink/STC), The Young King 2016 (Slingsby), Touch’N’Go, 2016 (Sally Chance Dance), Cabaret Opening, Closing & Family Galas 2018, 2017 & 2016 (Adelaide Festival Centre), Blinc Bar Adelaide Festival (Adelaide Festival of Arts) 2015, Babyteeth 2013, Blasted & Pornography 2012 (State Theatre Company), Land & Sea 2012, Skip Miller’s Hit Songs 2011, Harbinger 2010, The Hypochondriac 2009 (Brink Productions), Man Covets Bird 2010, The Tragical Life of Cheeseboy 2007 (Slingsby), Worldhood 2011 (Australian Dance Theatre), A Lion In The Night 2012, The Little Green Tractor 2011 (Patch Theatre Company), Cutaway II, 2012  [Vitalstatistix]. Ruby Bruise 2010 (The Misery Children & Vitalstatistix).

Event Design includes Adelaide Cabaret Festival Co-Event Designer, 2018, 2017 & 2016; Sole Event Designer, 2015, (Adelaide Festival Centre) Designer, Blinc Bar 2015, Design Coordinator of Barrio, 2013 & 2012, Lola’s, 2014, Assistant Designer Persian Garden 2008, 2006, (Late Night Clubs of the Adelaide Festival of Arts), Adelaide Guitar Festival 2016, (AFC) Bowerbird Design Markets 2013 – 2017 (Biannual Event), Adelaide Film Festival 2007.

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Our Mission

To lovingly craft original, beautiful, complex, life-affirming, heartfelt, richly rewarding, emotive and bold theatre for adults and young people and to be internationally recognised for:

  • ‘coming of age’ and ‘getting of wisdom’ stories;
  • exceptional storytelling built on inspirational scripts and narratives;
  • theatre inspired by the beauty around us, celebrating life, death, hope and the capacity to live rich and meaningful lives;
  • a beautiful, complex, world-worn aesthetic;
  • immersive, theatrical worlds;
  • an intimate connection between audience and performers.

 

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR WORK

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