Families across the Hunter Valley are invited to pack a picnic and head to historic Tocal Homestead this Easter school holidays for a delightful outdoor theatre experience.
Upstage Youth Theatre will present Big Bad Wolf, a playful and heart-warming reimagining of the classic fairytale by acclaimed Australian playwright Matthew Whittet, from 7–11 April 2026.
The story follows Wolfy, a poetry-writing vegetarian wolf who turns out to be nothing like the fearsome villain of legend. When he encounters Heidi Hood, a fiercely competitive trophy-winning champion, the pair discover that friendship – and finding your people – might just be the greatest prize of all.
Performed outdoors beneath the trees at Tocal Homestead, the production offers a relaxed and magical theatre experience for families. Audiences are encouraged to bring a picnic rug or chair and enjoy the show in the beautiful grounds of one of the Hunter Valley’s most treasured historic sites.
“This is theatre that invites families to slow down and enjoy a story together,” said Ann Coates, founder and director of Upstage Youth Theatre. “There’s something special about watching a play outdoors, surrounded by nature. It feels a little bit like stepping inside the fairytale itself.”
Adding to the experience, local creative studio Nature & Nurture will host optional hands-on craft workshops inspired by the story, allowing children to create their own woodland-themed artworks before or after selected performances.
Founded in Maitland, Upstage Youth Theatre has spent more than two decades nurturing creativity and confidence in young people through drama classes and imaginative productions staged in unique locations across the Hunter Valley.
Big Bad Wolf promises laughter, clever wordplay and plenty of theatrical magic – perfect for families looking for something memorable to do during the Easter school holidays.
Performance Dates: 7–11 April 2026
Location: Tocal Homestead, Paterson NSW
Tickets: Available now
Tickets and information: https://upstageyouththeatre.com.au
Image courtesy of Upstage Youth Theatre