RATBURGER
Get ready for a bellyful of laughs and a dash of adventure as Ratburger, based on the bestselling novel by David Walliams, bursts onto the stage at the Darwin Entertainment Centre.
WORDS BROOKE GIBBS
IMAGE PETER WALLIS
THIS HILARIOUS, HEARTWARMING play, adapted by Maryam Master and directed by Liesel Badorrek, brings Walliams' wonderfully quirky characters and zany storyline to life with visually stunning sets and charming puppetry.
Producer Yolande White said adapting Ratburger for the stage was a special joy.
“David Walliams has such a unique blend of humour and heart. The most exciting part was capturing the larger-than-life characters and outrageous moments, then finding creative theatrical ways to bring them to life with puppetry and physical comedy."
Ratburger follows Zoe, a young girl stuck in a miserable situation living with her indifferent stepmother, facing the torment of a school bully, and dealing with the heartbreaking loss of her pet hamster. Just when things couldn’t get worse, Zoe befriends a loveable dancing rat named Dapper. But when the evil Burt from Burt’s Burgers hatches a nasty plan, Zoe must summon all her courage to stop him.
The play touches on powerful themes of kindness, bravery, and resilience, something White says resonates deeply with today’s youth.
"These themes feel more relevant than ever. Young people today are navigating a complex world, and stories like Ratburger remind them that kindness and courage can make a real difference. It’s empowering to see a character like Zoe stand up to bullies and injustice, and I think children really connect with that sense of resilience.”
As for Dapper, the loveable dancing rat, White says the puppet team worked hard to create his unique personality.
"Working with the puppet team was great. We all knew Dapper needed a real personality and presence, and the team designed him to be both adorable and expressive. The choreographer then worked closely with the puppeteers to choreograph his movements so that the audience could really see him dancing.”
White hopes the production leaves young audiences feeling "uplifted and inspired" as they walk out of the theatre.
"Ratburger is all about finding your voice, standing up for what’s right, and embracing the weird and wonderful parts of life,” she says.
While Ratburger is recommended for kids aged six and up, there’s plenty for adults to enjoy too.
"There’s a lot for adults to enjoy, whether it’s the witty dialogue, the zany characters, or the gorgeous puppet," White says.
"But beneath the laughs, it has emotional depth that really resonates with grown-ups too."
Ratburger
WHEN THU 22 MAY, 5.30PM | FRI 23 MAY, 9.30AM & 12PM
AT DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
COST $29
INFO yourcentre.com.au
