Music composed by Lisa Cheney and libretto by Kathryn Marquet

In a pea green boat, an owl and a pussycat sail across the sea for a year and a day to where the Bong-tree grows. Adventure calls, new encounters await and love conquers all in a nostalgic journey and irresistible blend of romance and nonsense. 

Little Match Productions' The Owl and the Pussycat  is an enchanting and intimate opera for children, based on Edward Lear’s beloved poem. This charming children’s work melds live performance, operatic vocals, chamber music and experiential theatre inside a giant green boat. Created specifically for children 4-10 years, this interactive journey inspires, educates and enthralls by inviting children, alongside their families, carers and teachers, to help our lovable couple reach their destination. 

This national collaboration of female artists and arts professionals, including Penny Challen (Opera Q Project Puccini), Alicia Cush (Opera Q, Circa), Kathryn Marquet (La Boite, QTC, Pale Blue Dot), Bridget Boyle (debase productions) and Lisa Cheney (Making Waves, MSO, TSO), has created a landmark musical work for children that encourages imaginative thought, uses tactile learning, and explores the universal themes of love, harmony and acceptance.

 The Owl & The Pussycat premiered on Surfers Paradise beach as part of Festival 2018. 

The development of  The Owl and the Pussycat is supported by  Creative Sparks; Creative Partnerships Australia through MATCH Lab;  APRA Art Music Fund; Works In Progress at the  Arts Centre Gold Coast and Queensland Theatre through the Independent Artists @ Queensland Theatre initiative 2017.  Creative Sparks is a joint initiative of Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.