From Page to Stage: The Green Sheep's National Tour
The iconic Australian children's picture book Where Is The Green Sheep? has leaped from the page to the stage, with a major national tour announced for 2026 and 2027. This beloved story, written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Judy Horacek, will be performed at eighty venues across Australia by the acclaimed Monkey Baa Theatre Company, bringing its charming narrative to life through puppetry and animation.
A Literary Phenomenon's Journey
Originally published over two decades ago, Where Is The Green Sheep? has achieved remarkable success, selling more than 2.5 million copies across eleven countries. Recently, it was voted the third-best Australian picture book of all time by thousands of Guardian readers, cementing its status as a cultural treasure. The book's minimalist text, consisting of just 190 words with only two exceeding one syllable, has made it exceptionally accessible for early readers while teaching colors, opposites, and rhyme.
The Creative Collaboration Behind the Show
Judy Horacek, the book's illustrator, serves as the visual art director for the stage adaptation, ensuring the production remains faithful to the original artwork. "We've created a play that is very true to the book, but at the same time full of wonderful new surprises," Horacek explained. The production features three actors portraying farmers on a quest to find the elusive green sheep, manipulating a fluffy white sheep puppet through various adventures against a backdrop of Horacek's vibrant illustrations.
The development process included collaboration with students from Bankstown West Public School, whose voices narrate the story. This community involvement adds an authentic layer to the production, reflecting Monkey Baa Theatre Company's commitment to creating real-life, analogue experiences that help young audiences feel present and connected.
Enduring Popularity and Cultural Impact
Horacek attributes the book's lasting appeal to its humor, charm, and the family rituals it inspires. "There are things in the pictures for grownups to appreciate, too, and the rituals families create around the reading of it – naming all the sheep on the final hillside, for example," she noted. The book has spawned numerous merchandise items, including plush toys, postage stamps, and even a commemorative 20¢ coin, demonstrating its broad cultural resonance.
Interestingly, children's favorite sheep characters often provide glimpses into their future interests. One anecdote shared involves a child who identified with the "scared sheep" near a pool and later became a swimming teacher, while another favored the "car sheep" and pursued a mechanic apprenticeship.
Looking Ahead: The Tour and Future Legacy
The stage show's extensive tour throughout 2026 and 2027 will visit locations across Australia, with additional dates for Adelaide, Northern Territory, Queensland, and New South Wales to be announced. Horacek expressed excitement about the book reaching new generations: "It's old enough that people who had it when they were tiny children are starting to have children. It's beautiful to see them sharing a book that meant a lot to them."
As Where Is The Green Sheep? continues to captivate audiences both young and old, its transition to the stage represents a new chapter in its enduring legacy, offering families across Australia a shared cultural experience that celebrates imagination, connection, and the simple joy of storytelling.
