The little haystack from Oz

Meet Grug. He’s Australia’s equivalent of our beloved Elmo, and he’s flying up to St. Albert’s International Children’s Festival May 28 to June 1.

Based on Oz writer Ted Pryor’s much loved picture book series, Grug is a mushroom-shaped creature brought to life by Windmill Theatre. Born at the top of a mythological Burrawang tree, Grug is shaped like a striped haystack with floppy feet and hands.

“He’s not well known here, but he’s an iconic figure in Australia,” explains Ellen Steele, one of the three puppeteers on tour with Grug.

The 45-minute production is based on six Grug books. Pryor’s character is as popular in Australia as the Berenstain Bears series is in North America.

Used as a learning tool for young children, some of his adventures include growing a garden, going fishing, playing soccer and enjoying a birthday party.

But there’s always a little twist to the stories. For instance, when he goes fishing the only thing he catches is a cold, chuckles Steele.

Grug’s companion is Kara, a wise snake that slithers into view whenever needed.

“She can talk. She joins Grug on quite a few adventures, and she plays a mean game of soccer,” adds Steele who manipulates the companion hand puppet.

Since 2002 when Windmill Puppets, an Adelaide-based company, focused its creative ingenuity on developing classic children’s theatre, it has received more accolades and ribbons than showcases can display.

It has developed into a national conversation starter and is on its first big North American tour. The tour, which began in Winnipeg three weeks ago, detoured to the United States and back up to Alberta before returning home.

Audiences are swooning over the charismatic characters, though Steele also notes that Jonathan Oxblade’s bold, bright set is a visual playpen that brings out Grug’s quirks.

“It’s a house built into a set with lots of hidey holes that pop up and can be manipulated to add wonder.”

Although North American children may not recognize Grug, Steele comments that children are still equally delighted to engage with the puppets and go with the storyline.

“This show is so visually spectacular and there’s the Australian way of storytelling that is very different. It’s a chance to meet an iconic character that is loving and endearing. Everyone will love Grug. He is full of wide-eyed wonder and he’ll make you giggle.”