Never underestimate the determination of a child! Young Emil catches a train to visit family in the big city. Something valuable is stolen. But the thief soon discovers Emil was not such an easy target. A group of quick-thinking and resourceful children rallies around. Can a bunch of kids work together to uncover and outsmart the true criminal?

 

Kästner’s 1929 novella is more than a ‘good romp’, it broke ground for the independent-children-versus-devious-adults story genre. Streetwise city kids, a hard-working single mother and Emil’s past brush with the law add grit and nuance to this satisfying tale.

 

How do we find our friends in the world? How do we work together to defeat tricksters?

 

In Slingsby’s signature intimate theatrical style, Emil and The Detectives is told by two skilled actors immersed in smoke and mirrors, miniature worlds and a cinematic score. Dark and light, intrigue and delight for audiences aged eight and upwards.

 

 

Enter a Slingsby show and you enter a captivating world. We invite you to ‘Journey in Wonder’ with us. It may be dark and you may feel uneasy. That’s only natural. You are not alone. See that light in the distance? Take our hands. We know the way.

 

Founded in 2007 and based in Adelaide, South Australia, Slingsby presents emotionally challenging and engaging storytelling in rich live theatrical realms. Our original productions are crafted to challenge and inspire adult and older family audiences.

 

Slingsby is named after a character in Edward Lear’s short story The Four Little People Who Went Round The World. Indeed, the company’s adventures have taken it far. We are now well-established as a leading international company and have toured to 69 venues in 43 cities across over ten countries, and counting.

 

Artistic Director Andy Packer and General Manager/Producer Stacey Baldwin collaborate with Australia’s finest artists across many disciplines and foster international theatrical alliances.