Mem Fox’s Where Is the Green Sheep? has been a treasured part of Australian childhood for over 22 years. A few generations ago I was a kindergarten teacher, and I read it countless times to my class, and it never failed to enchant. Its playful rhythm, gentle repetition and building anticipation had children hanging on every page, eagerly waiting to discover the elusive Green Sheep.

I arrived at Monkey Baa Theatre Company’s adaptation expecting a charming theatrical version of a beloved picture book. What caught me completely off guard was its emotional resonance. From the moment the lights dim to the final, heartwarming reveal, this is an exquisitely crafted production that understands not only what has made the book a childhood favourite, but also the children who cherish it. It takes an extraordinarily talented creative team to capture the way children think and feel while preserving the timeless beauty of storytelling. Where Is the Green Sheep? isn’t simply children’s theatre; it’s a reminder that wonder has no age limit.

The genius of Mem Fox and Judy Horacek’s story lies in its deceptively simple premise. Every page follows the same irresistible game: “Here is the Blue Sheep… Here is the Red Sheep… but where is the Green Sheep?” Monkey Baa wisely resists the temptation to overcomplicate that winning formula. Instead, each wonderfully eccentric sheep is given its own theatrical moment, with puppetry, animation, sound, music and movement extending the running gag without ever losing sight of what makes the book so beloved.

Every creative choice is made with remarkable care. Under Eva Di Cesare’s intuitive direction, the sheep spring effortlessly to life as they fix cars, splash through bath and bedtime and tumble through a series of delightfully playful adventures. Props transform and Susie Henderson’s superb animation brings Judy Horacek’s instantly recognisable illustrations vividly from page to stage. Complemented by Nat Jobe’s mischievous choreography and Me-Lee Hay’s evocative score, every element works in harmony to create a world that feels both inventive and instantly familiar.

The greatest achievement of Where Is the Green Sheep? is its deep understanding of its audience. Theatre for young children is never a passive experience, nor should it be. It thrives on curiosity, immersion and participation. Tiny voices echoed around the auditorium with excited cries of “Bubbles!”, “Space Sheep!” and “What’s that?” Their reactions a celebration of theatre doing exactly what it should – inviting its audience to explore, question and play alongside the performers.The use of recorded schoolchildren as the narrators is an inspired touch, creating an immediate sense of ownership. From the opening moments, this story belongs to the children.

The three puppeteers are exceptional, effortlessly disappearing behind various forms of eclectic sheep before reappearing as characters and storytellers. By relying on expressive physical storytelling rather than dialogue, they encourage children to observe closely, interpret what they see. Nothing feels rushed or overstimulating. The perfectly judged 45-minute running time allows youngsters just enough time to savour each discovery before the next unfolds, keeping them captivated from beginning to end.

Without ever feeling preachy, the story gently celebrates courage, embracing difference and the simple joy of trying something new. Rain Sheep dances across the stage in a playful nod to Singin’ in the Rain, celebrating the freedom of splashing through life’s storms and puddles rather than avoiding them. Scared Sheep’s nervous hesitation before taking the plunge into the pool is a tender reminder that bravery often begins with one small leap of faith. When the Green Sheep is finally revealed, the moment is met with a collective gasp of delight from children and adults alike.

As families filtered out of the theatre, many children were clutching well-loved copies of the book, a plushie or proudly wearing Green Sheep merchandise. For many, this treasured bedtime story will no doubt be read again this evening, now forever entwined with memories of daffy sheep puppets, whimsical surprises and lots of giggles. And I’ll admit, I couldn’t wait to revisit the pages that had brought so much joy to my own classroom.

Bursting with warmth, creativity and irresistible charm, this enchanting production proves the best children’s theatre speaks to every generation. Monkey Baa has done more than adapt a beloved picture book; it has given many children a first glimpse of just how enchanting live theatre can be. Perhaps the greatest triumph isn’t finding the Green Sheep – it’s discovering a world where imagination takes centre stage.

* Reviewed on while tour at West HQ Sydney Coliseum Theatre. (17 – 18 July )

For tour details see: https://www.monkeybaa.com.au/shows/where-is-the-green-sheep

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