Larger than life sketch comedy for kids (and their grown ups)

PO PO MO CO’s resident drag kings Mark, Keith and Gavin host a theatrical storytime meets sketch comedy show for kids.

The trio read three contemporary picture books that celebrate diversity: Feminist Baby by Loryn Brantz, Julian is a Mermaid by Jess Love, and King and King by Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland.

The books inspire bite sized, over-the-top physical and visual comedy sketches. There is song, dance, lip syncs (by both humans and puppets), a giant whale, outrageous characters, pantomime and a mini talent show.

Accompanying adults will also recognise throwbacks to classics like INXS, Joan Jett, Play School, Australian Idol, 70’s disco and the famous ‘Lift’ from Dirty Dancing.

This is high energy, precise physical comedy wrapped in a non-threatening, familiar sense of Aussie naivety.

Once Upon a Drag Storytime is a show that celebrates family diversity and self expression without a hint of didacticism.

Venue Format
Theatre, Hall, Black Box Venue
Technical Rating
C, D, The production can be modified to suit most venues
Touring Party
4-5
Considerations

SOUND: When touring venues that do not have a standard PA and mic, cost of hire may be included. If light and sound positions are separated we require an additional operator.

LIGHTS: Ideally houselights need to be operated from sound/light desk (if not possible please discuss with PO PO MO CO)

PO PO MO CO is a multi-award winning physical comedy ensemble based in Melbourne. We are dedicated to creating neo-vaudevillian physical comedy through a contemporary lens.

Founded by Kimberley Twiner in 2015, the core members are Lily Fish, David Maney, Claire Sullivan and Hallie Goodman.

We are recipients of the Melbourne Fringe Circus Oz Award 2017, Adelaide Fringe Artist Fund 2018, Adelaide Fringe Best Emerging Artist weekly award 2018; nominated for Best Comedy Melbourne Fringe 2017 and finalists in the Australian LGBTQ Awards 2018.

We’ve seen box office success and critical acclaim at festivals all over Australia including Perth Fringe World, Adelaide Fringe, Melbourne Fringe, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Midsumma Festival and Woodford Folk Festival.

We are in close mentorship with award winning vaudevillian Liz Skitch (deBase Productions).

Company Website
popomoco.com

Unique Selling Point

Once Upon a Drag Storytime is so much more than your average storytime. It is a one of a kind, visually spectacular, totally hilarious sketch comedy show for kids and their grown ups.

It celebrates diversity, equality and self expression through stories, songs, dance, puppetry and sketch comedy, while being decidedly non-didactic.

This is not just a show for rainbow families - but for all families who love comedy, and are interested in fostering empathy for others and a strong sense of self-confidence in their children.

Marketing Materials

We have a suite of marketing resources for presenters including promotional images, gifs, videos, print collateral, and press releases.

We've found that a combination of social media, traditional media, and grassroots marketing is effective in communicating with our target markets.

For grassroots campaigns we recommend targeting or partnering with local libraries, maternal and child health centres, early childhood education and care providers, and primary schools. We can provide a grassroots marketing pack that includes copy and images for inclusion in newsletters and emails.

Our Educational Resource is available for teachers including pre- and post-incursion activities, and links to Australian Curriculum.

Community Engagement

PO PO MO CO has a range of workshops we can offer to community members of all ages including Clowning, Devising, and Improvised Movement. All touring members of the company have extensive experience facilitating theatre workshops for young people and are passionate about mentoring Australia's next generation of theatre makers.

Workshops can be delivered in schools or in collaboration with presenting venues/councils.

Our most popular workshop is Clown 101 which can be tailored to adult, youth, or child participants. It’s a positive and curious workshop exploring the logic of clown and playing together. Through games and exercises the participants unlock their own wonderful brand of funny.

Extraordinary Storytime: From Page To Stage is our artist in residence program. This is a four day devising workshop for primary school aged children. Through physical theatre, clowning, puppetry, lip-sync, dancing, and more, participants create their own extraordinary mini stage shows inspired by their favourite picture books. This workshop was originally commissioned by Footscray Community Arts Centre for their school holiday arts program.