Family Fave SAWDUST Heading To Sydney After Celebrated Adelaide Fringe Run
Image: Supplied
After a very positive run at this year’s Adelaide Fringe, SAWDUST is heading for Sydney’s newest theatre, the TEATRO at the Italian Forum in Leichhardt.
A family-friendly show, SAWDUST is a theatrical circus production directed and produced by Melinda Gillies, featuring cirque-style staging by Kirby Myers and producer Scott Ogier.
The show follows a baby elephant — the titular Sawdust — as it learns about friendship and the adventures of being part of a circus. The show is a playful display that encourages laughter among family members of all ages, while celebrating ‘community, belonging, and the magic that unfolds when you find your place in the world’.
“It’s pure fun from start to finish – big laughs, big gasps, and big smiles all around. If you’re looking for a circus show that keeps the whole family entertained, this is it!” said audience members in Adelaide.
The Advertiser in Adelaide called the show “ingenious… Steampunk meets Carnival.”
SAWDUST is produced by Grayboy Entertainment, a Gold Coast–based company founded in 1992, known for its creative talents and live entertainment.
The creative team of SAWDUST
The cast of characters of SAWDUST are Sawdust the Baby Elephant, Magnolia – the kooky ringleader, Rhys The Trickster, Gemima Jones, and Alex The Madman.
A mix of circus arts, live vocals, and character-inspired comedy, the show showcases the main cast’s talents. Each performer brings their own unique skills from chainsaw juggling and tall unicycling to contortion and singing, making the show both playful and technically impressive.
A beautifully realised, life-sized elephant puppet, created by Erth Visual & Physical Inc., an Australian company, is animated by the cast of cirque artists, singers, and eccentric characters.
“This show is about connection, imagination and heart,” says director Melinda Gillies. “It reminds us that joy and curiosity can be found in the most unexpected places.”
SAWDUST at TEATRO
SAWDUST comes to life in one of the newest stages for the arts and productions in Sydney, the TEATRO, located inside the Italian Film Forum in Leichhardt.
TEATRO, co-founded by Andrew Bevis and Nathan M. Wright, aims to create a welcoming, creative space for up-and-coming talent, community engagement, and performances.
SAWDUST is on at the TEATRO at The Italian Forum from 19–24 January 2026.
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