FEELING FANCY: BRAND-NEW BRISBANE-AUTHORED STORY MAKES ITS GLITTERING WORLD PREMIERE AT LA BOITE

Rachel Burke’s Fancy Long Legs, a dazzling, all-ages musical that celebrates individuality and creativity, makes its much-anticipated debut at La Boite Theatre from 12 to 22 September.

The colourful and fantastical production follows sparkly spider Fancy and her three arachnid friends – Incy, Busy and Charlotte – as she finds her way in the world.

A show for anybody who wants to understand their place in the world, Fancy Long Legs explores neurodivergence through an uplifting and relatable lens.

Fancy Long Leg’s commitment to inclusivity and acceptance permeates the production to deliver a wholly accessible and relaxed performance with considered approaches to costumes, colour palettes, sounds, lights and staging.

The production features spoiler sheets, sensory warnings, accessible seating and venue access, a low-sensory space and tactile tours on selected performances plus four Auslan-interpreted and audio-described performances.

The world premiere season is a colourful collaboration between La Boite Theatre, Brisbane Festival and The Little Red Company.

The new work is based on the upcoming children’s book of the same name by Brisbane author and craft queen Rachel Burke, who is also designing the costumes and set.

It is adapted for the stage by The Little Red Company Artistic Director and Co-Founder Naomi Price and directed by La Boite Artistic Director Courtney Stewart with a catchy original soundtrack composed by songwriter, musician and Yuwi Burra woman Waveney Yasso.

Ms Stewart said La Boite was proud to support a world-first production with deep roots in Brisbane’s creative sector.

“From the show’s design to the story told, Fancy Long Legs is an opportunity for adults and children alike to recognise and understand different ways to experience the world,” she said.

“This is a show that will resonate with young – and young at heart – audiences and we can’t wait to get ‘fancy’ with everyone this September.”

Ms Price said she drew on the real-life character traits of spiders to give the show’s eight-legged stars their unique personalities.

“In our research, we discovered that spiders can be solitary or collaborative; they either like to create webs by themselves or build on other webs,” she said.

“We also explored different web shapes, such as spiral orb or sheet webs, and these traits inspired the characters of Fancy’s friends.

“Even though the characters have misunderstandings or different opinions, each has the best intentions.

“This is a really kind show and I think it’s beautiful to model kindness to families and show children how to work through disagreements in a thoughtful way and manage their big feelings.”

Ms Price said early test audiences had embraced Fancy Long Legs, particularly Ms Yasso’s new songs.

“Music can do the heavy lifting where text can’t on an emotional level,” she said.

“Waveney writes songs that I know children will immediately be able to sing along to!”

A considered approach to presenting spiders as friendly and accessible is also evident in the production’s costuming, with Ms Burke setting aside her signature technicolour tinsel for something softer.

“What I tried to do with the costumes was create something that evokes the feeling of a spider but wasn’t scary for kids,” she said.

“I’ve done a lot of research into spiders and they’re actually quite fluffy so it made sense to merge fluffy tulle and lace and bring about a bit of sparkle with some rhinestones.

“I have kept a pastel colour palette throughout the show to strike a balance where it’s beautiful, soft and colourful but not overstimulating.

“It’s an interesting consideration – and one that comes through in every aspect of the show – because a big part of Fancy’s story and production is recognising that neurodivergent kids have these unique needs when they go to a theatre.”

Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Louise Bezzina said she was delighted to present the bold premiere work from a talented team of Brisbane creatives.

“At the heart of Fancy Long Legs is a story about finding yourself and living your life authentically and fearlessly which perfectly encapsulates Brisbane’s Festival’s invitation to ‘Find Your Fit’ in 2024,” Ms Bezzina said.

AEIOU Foundation for children with autism has partnered with the team on Fancy Long Legs to provide actors and front-of-house staff with resources to assist audience members and to furnish the theatre’s low-sensory space with equipment such as bean bags, fidget spinners and craft supplies.

Fancy Long Legs has been developed with the support of access consultant Maddie Little with insights from CPL – Choice Passion Life Disability Services.

Fancy Long Legs is suitable for ages three onwards.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit laboite.com.au/shows/fancy-long-legs