Tinker Tales! is a chaotic physical theatre production hailing from Dutch company, Plan d-. Performed by Andreas Denk (who also handles the script, choreography, and set design), Ali Shafiee, and Chérif Zaouali, the show is incredibly unique and engaging for kids aged six and older. The premise is simple, a group of builders are determined to build whatever the audience pleases, while making quite a mess as they go.
These three sensational characters spent the hour climbing ladders, hauling washing machines onto the stage, and dancing with crates, all in the name of creativity, and celebrating sustainability, repurposing items for something new. And, of course, for our entertainment. In addition to captivating audiences on stage, the three men also engaged the younger audience members by getting us all up to dance and build with them. It is a friendly reminder that even the simplest things (and the stuff you already have lying around the house) can stimulate and help develop the problem-solving skills of a young mind.
Denk, Shafiee, and Zaouali are incredibly talented with diverse backgrounds in dance, electrical engineering, somatics and theatre. Combined, these artists offer something special for youngsters: they allow us to view the world in a different way. Balloons are much more than balloons, while pipes and masking tape come to represent teamwork and new pathways. They, along with their piles of ‘junk’, inspire creativity, spark joy and laughter, and open up new perspectives.
It is worth arriving early (or staying back after the show) to explore all of the free events and activities running throughout the Sydney Opera House for the kids. Check out Free experiences | Sydney Opera House to see what is happening when you are at the venue. Before Tinker Tales! we visited Tinker Play! in the Centre for Creativity (renamed the ‘Centre for Tinkering’). In this area kids aged six and up can play with Lego, Meccano sets, and even try to build/repair a bicycle. Keep in mind this area has capacity limits and no bookings or tickets are required.
Along the foyer there are photo booths, colouring stations, and other interactive activities set up for kids to enjoy (even if you do not have a ticket to an event). These installations encourage creativity, play and curiosity, which is what this festival is all about. The play extends to the Forecourt where patrons may have already spotted the giant inflatable boulders and colour-matching alien (Iwagumi Air Scape | Sydney Opera House).
Tinker Tales! and, more broadly, Wild Things, is a fantastic event (series) for kids and their adult chaperones. With a mix of ticketed and free experiences, the festival is all-inclusive. There is something in it for everyone and definitely worth a visit these spring school holidays.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Reviewer attended on 4 October 2026.
Tinker Tales! is playing at The Playhouse in the Sydney Opera House until 5 October 2026.
Wild Things: International Kids Festival runs until 11 October 2026.
Tickets to all Wild Things events available here: Wild Things | Sydney Opera House
photo credit: Marion Visser
