The Riddle of Washpool Gully
By David Morton

A magical puppet show for families this Easter school holidays.

“Vividly imagined and meticulously realised with beauty, wit and immense heart.” – The Mercury

“Entertaining and beautifully realised…a masterclass in puppetry…bound to leave a lasting impression” – The Scoop

“A stunning piece of theatre which will appeal to young and old.” – Stage Whispers

 

Far beyond the outskirts of the big city, near a tiny town that nearly everyone forgot, lay a dry creek bed of no special significance. Once upon a time it had been called Washpool Gully. But the world had moved on from insignificant things, and no one had time for dry creek beds. Except in Washpool Gully something was stirring. Shaken by the rumble of engines and darkening of the sky, something long asleep had decided to wake up.

Combining old-fashioned storytelling with contemporary puppetry and miniature sets, The Riddle of Washpool Gully is a reimagined tale of Australian mythology about the incredible creatures that might still live in the uncharted corners of our vast country – brought to life by internationally acclaimed Dead Puppet Society (Peter and the Starcatcher, Ishmael, Holding Achilles, The Wider Earth & Storm Boy).

The performance on 11 April 2026 from 11 am – 12 pm will be AUSLAN-interpreted and will include a tactile tour from 10:00–10:30am.

Companion Card Holder tickets are available. To book, please contact the Gasworks Front Desk on (03) 8606 4200 during office hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm.

WORKSHOP

For students aged 10+

This workshop by Dead Puppet Society offers a unique opportunity to explore the creative techniques behind The Riddle of Washpool Gully using Dead Puppet Society’s innovative approach to puppetry and worldbuilding methods.

Visual theatre and small-scale puppetry allow for awe inspiring storytelling opportunities, and constant surprising transformations of locations, characters, time and place in the world of the play. Participants will build skills in contemporary tabletop puppetry and their understanding of the process through which these works are staged, and work together to create their own scene from The Riddle of Washpool Gully.

THU 09/04 FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM – Includes performance from 2 pm to 3 pm + workshop from 3 pm to 5 pm + snack! – Max 25 people $62 per person.

FRI 10/04 FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM – Includes performance from 2 pm to 3 pm + workshop from 3 pm to 5 pm + snack! – Max 25 people $62 per person.