There’s a consistent level of quality that comes with a Barking Gecko Arts production, and Stellarphant is no exception. In fact, it stands out as one of their most engaging and well-executed performances to date.
From the beginning, the attention to detail is evident. The costumes are expressive and thoughtfully designed, helping to bring each character to life, while the set design creates a visually rich environment that supports the storytelling without becoming distracting. Every element feels intentional, contributing to a cohesive and immersive stage experience.
The staging is particularly effective in capturing the sense of space and movement central to the story. Through a combination of subtle special effects, including the use of smoke during key moments, and carefully choreographed movement, the production creates a convincing illusion of weightlessness and travel beyond Earth. These choices are handled with precision and creativity, adding depth without over-complicating the performance.
The adaptation by Clare Testoni, based on the original work by James Foley, translates seamlessly to the stage. The script maintains the heart of Stella’s journey while expanding it into a narrative that feels dynamic, engaging, and well-paced for a live audience.
The cast delivers a strong and cohesive performance throughout. Despite a busy stage at times, the production remains controlled and clear, with each actor contributing to a polished and professional result. The costumes play a significant role here, helping to immediately distinguish characters and draw the audience into the world of the story. There is also a wonderful mix of accents across the cast, which adds depth to the performances and helps create a stronger connection with individual characters.
The energy in the theatre reflects how well this lands with the audience, with plenty of laughter and moments of audible excitement throughout. Certain characters clearly resonated, with the sloth emerging as a particular favourite, drawing consistent giggles and reactions. These moments add an extra layer of enjoyment, making the performance feel lively and shared rather than simply observed.
An underlying theme of equality and possibility runs naturally through the performance, and this is reinforced by the all-female cast. It is handled in a way that feels subtle rather than overstated. At one point, my nine-year-old son leaned over and said, “Wow, all of the cast are girls.” It was a simple observation, but a powerful one – showing just how clearly the message was received without needing to be explicitly stated.
Overall, Stellarphant is a creative, thoughtful, and highly enjoyable production. It balances humour, technical skill, and meaningful storytelling in a way that feels both entertaining and purposeful, making it a standout experience for audiences of all ages. It’s not one to be missed.
If anything, it feels like it deserves a longer season – I’d love to see Barking Gecko Arts extend the run, because this is an absolute standout!!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Grab your tix before it’s gone!
https://www.artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au/venues/subiaco-arts-centre/whats-on/stellarphant-by-james-foley/
Check our reel:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXLxadmEdZ0/