We have outdone ourselves in 2024! This year, more than 76,000 children and their families experienced a Patch show across 95 venues.

This was made possible thanks to generous support from our funding bodies – the South Australian Government through the Department for Education and Arts South Australia and the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body. We also thank our many philanthropic supporters for helping us to share the magic of theatre with young audiences. This support supplements our earned income through ticket sales, many national and international presentation partnerships, and creative collaborations – all vital in reaching our hugely diverse audiences.

The talented I Wish... cast impressed audiences around the country – they performed I Wish... 45 times and ran 67 community workshops, reaching almost 13,000 people! The team shared circus skills with sell-out crowds at Sydney Opera House, and with Aboriginal communities in outback Northern Territory, plus many places in-between.

“An exceptional piece of theatre” – Australian Stage

"One million out of ten!" – Child

"An unforgettable experience for many of the students who rarely get a chance to engage in circus or get to meet a performer." – Venue manager

This year our in-school program Spark: Glow & Tell reached over 4,000 students across South Australia, traveling to over 50 schools from McLaren Vale to Maree (589kms north of Adelaide!). Our exceptional performers and tour extraordinaires Edgell and Evyenia performed Glow & Tell a whopping 183 times this year!

"Excuse me, this is my first ever performance ever. I loved it." – Child

"Our students had a wonderful time and were so engaged in Edgell's story telling. Once again a Patch experience has absolutely thrilled us." – Teacher

Check out Spark's impact in this video showcasing our 2024 touring.

All of this was made possible thanks to generous philanthropic support. Join our giving community to support us in providing enriching, high-quality performances to young audiences in 2025 and beyond.

Generously commissioned by the University of Adelaide, our spectacular interactive performance Wonderverse saw over 8,500 people, including more than 2,300 South Australian students.

Thousands of children and their families experienced live performance – many for the first time – thanks to free admission. The show was enjoyed by a diverse audience, including Deaf and neurodivergent children, and children from a range of cultural backgrounds. The majority of students, 78%, were from disadvantaged schools (IoED 1–4 and preschools category 1).

"This is the best thing of my life" – Child

"We are so lucky to have you here in Kaurna land, and thank you for providing such a wonderful opportunity for our children and the community to experience wonderful theatre productions and visual arts." – Parent

Artistic Director Geoff Cobham shares "Superluminal, presented in partnership with Illuminate Adelaide, was a successful experiment in physically placing children at the centre of an art experience, which has been Patch’s mission for the last 52 years. We created an interactive experience that was truly driven by children and allowed space for their imaginations and expert, innate ability to play."

Superluminal received a Ruby Award for Outstanding Work for Young People, recognising the exceptional quality of the performance.

More than 13,000 children and families explored the wonders of our interactive performance Superluminal, performed more than 500 times by a rotating cast of 10 talented performers.

"Children and adults alike were once again mesmerised by the inspiring work of the Patch Theatre. Absolutely beautifully presented, provoking lots of interest and curiosity among the children." – Teacher

"This is real magic". – Child

Over 32,000 children created glowing artworks at Sea of Light! The installation proved popular with children of all ages in Parramatta, Melbourne, and extended regional reach to Galliwin’ku (Elcho Island), Port Lincoln, Dimboola and Karratha.

"The kids were absolutely hooked! They enjoyed every moment of the 25-minute session and didn't want to leave!" – Parent

In March, we performed ZOOOM at Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival and at West Kowloon Cultural Centre in Hong Kong.

"Thank you for your thoughtful artistry and dedication to making beautiful things for little people. The invitation to join you on this special journey ignited an imaginative spark that we will be carrying at home with us for a very long time." – Parent, Auckland

"It was a truly incredible experience." – ZOOOM Performer Temeka Lawlor

The Patch team collaborated with Handspring Puppet Company (South Africa) to bring a one-off immersive event to life in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. At Little Amal and the Little Lost Snail, children adventured through the gardens at dusk, led by Little Amal, discovering glowing clues to reunite a snail family and celebrate with the soulful tunes of Rob Edwards.

"It was magical – the kids talked about it for days after." – Parent

The Patch team were thrilled to accept a Ruby Award for Outstanding Work for Young People for Superluminal.

Thank you to all of the incredible people who helped make this EPIC year happen – our artists, crew, staff, board, and supporters. We couldn't have done this without you! ❤️