Our epic new interactive performance Wonderverse transformed the University of Adelaide's Bonython Hall into a light and sound playground. Over 8,500 people attended the show, including more than 2,300 South Australian students.

The Wonderverse premiere season was presented to audiences free of charge thanks to generous support from the University of Adelaide. This removed the financial barrier to arts access, enabling thousands of children and their families to experience live performance, many for the first time.

The show was enjoyed by a diverse audience, including Deaf and neurodivergent children, and children from a range of cultural backgrounds. 78% of students were from disadvantaged schools (IoED 1–4 and preschools category 1).

Artistic Director Geoff Cobham says “We wanted to offer an immersive experience where children actively participate, exploring the wonders of light, sound, and creativity as they play and interact with their environment.”

Throughout Wonderverse, families journey participate in a series of interactive experiences. In one, children create an impressive sound and light show with powerful torch lights. In another, they control a forest of colourful beams of light by jumping on pressure pads under the lights. By placing children at the centre of the experience, Wonderverse enables them to feel like co-creators. Patch Theatre holds deep respect for the natural wonder and creativity children bring, and through this immersive approach children are empowered to be an active part of the work – they are essential to the magic of the experience.

Wonderverse was brought to life by talented local performers Edgell Junior Edgell, Ezra Juanta, Ellen Steele, Rachel Burke, and Evyenia Stefanidis with behind-the-scenes support from stage managers Skato Gosling and Briony Hunt. Wonderverse was created by an exceptional team of creatives – Geoff Cobham, Zoë Barry, Michelle 'Maddog' Delaney, and Edgell Junior Edgell, with technical design by Alexander Hatchard and Darian Tregenza, set and props by Jimmy Dodd and Bianka Kennedy, costumes by Sheri McCoy from The Costume Creator, voiceover by Goldie Palmer, and music by the University’s Centre of Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) alumni Elisha Umuhuri.

Elisha Umuhuri is a founding member of award-winning Aboriginal hip hop sensation DEM MOB, formed in Pukatja APY lands. DEM MOB are the first rappers to perform and record in the ancient Pitjantjatjara language, challenging expectations and becoming community role models along the way. You can listen to some of the incredible soundtrack in the trailer below.

Thank you to the Wonderverse creators, performers and – most importantly – audience members. We couldn't have done this without you!

Wonderverse was commissioned by the University of Adelaide for their 150th Anniversary celebrations, Wonderverse is created in collaboration with the Children’s University, musicians and composers from the Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, and involves participation of children throughout the development.