FLUFF - A Story of Lost Toys
Fluff is a simple, joyful and humorous tale about lost toys told with a twist. It has been acclaimed for its originality, warmth, clever use of comedy and extraordinary combination of song, movement, sampling, projection and audience participation.
The Gingham Family is very concerned for all the lost and discarded toys in the world. They travel around to rescue them and bring them to their colorful home of odd shaped boxes where they welcome them to the family. Each toy is introduced one-by-one and, after seeing a slide show of how they came to be lost, is given a vocal sound, a movement, a piece of music, a nightlight and a nice comfy bed.
Christine Johnston as Joan Gingham
Lisa O'Neill as Betsy Gingham
Peter Nelson as DJ G
Creator & Set Designer - Christine Johnston
Choreography - Lisa O'Neill
Music - Peter Nelson
Lighting - Ben Hughes
Costumes - Selene Cochrane
Film - Kylie Burke, Christine Johnston and Russell Stokes
Production Stage Manager - Leila Maraun
"astonishing physical comedians" New York Times
“One of the most imaginative shows for the young you will find. Highly sophisticated and great fun... the children - and the adults - loved it!” The Advertiser
(Sydney Opera House season)
“FLUFF, for me was the absolute highlight of the festival. Christine Johnston created and performed, with her creative team, an absolutely brilliant piece of
work. Juxtaposing new technology with handmade toys, this performance was inspired, funny, dark, theatrically clever and sophisticated. ......I strongly recommend you should see it if you get the
chance.” Lowdown
“the toy story is simply enchanting.... The pacing is deft and Johnston’s vocal feats a marvel. By the end the children’s participation is guaranteed, and they
stream from the theatre with radiant faces." Sydney Morning Herald
Fluff was Christine’s first work for children with collaborators Lisa O'Neill and Peter Nelson, commissioned by QPAC’s Out of the Box Festival of Early Childhood in 2002. FLUFF has most recently toured nationally and internationally through the USA, Hong Kong and United Kingdom with Cre8ion.
FLUFF would also like to thank Susan Richer (the commissioning Artistic Director of the 2002 Out Of the Box Festival), QPAC, Deborah Murphy, Kylie Burke, Therese Collie, Matt Scott, Russell Stokes, Miren Barrett, Strut & Fret Production House, Theresa & Will from Cre8ion, Arts Queensland, Australia Council and everyone who have generously contributed to FLUFF's long life and those who still are!!
2012 - 2017 Producer Cre8ion
2017
The Art House, Wyong, Australia
The Arts Centre Gold Coast, Gold Coast, Australia
Byron Community Centre, Byron Bay, Australia
2016
Imaginate Festival, Ediburgh, Scotland *
The Spark Festival, Leicester, UK *
Ipswich Civic Centre, Ipswich, Australia
* The 2016 UK Tour of FLUFF – A Story of Lost Toys was assisted by the Australian government through the Ministry for the Arts’ Catalyst – Australian Arts and Culture Fund.
2015
Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane, Australia
2014
Segerstrom Centre for the Arts, California, USA
Walter Art Centre, Arkansas, USA
New Victory Theatre, New York, USA
Playhouse Square, Cleveland, USA
Chicago Humanities Festival, Chicago, USA
The Calgary International Children’s Festival, Calgary, Canada
International Arts Carnival, Hong Kong
Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
Awesome Festival, Perth, Australia
2013
Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
International Performing Arts for Youth (IPAY). Philadelphia, USA *
* Officially selected for a showcase performance at IPAY. This appearance was made possible with assistance from Arts Queensland.
2002 - 2011 Producers QLD Performing Arts Trust (QPAC) and also Strut n Fret Production House were touring FLUFF to places such as Brisbane QPAC, Sydney Opera House, Adelaide Festival Centre, Auckland International Arts Festival NZ, Parramatta Riverside Centre, Melbourne Arts Centre from 2002 to 2011.