Published on Thursday, 9 October 2025 at 11:32:37 AM
This October, families, schools, and curious minds across Western Australia are invited to step inside a world where stories leap from the page, images shimmer with mischief, and music dances from note to note. The Sound of Picture Books™—a unique live performance by award-winning illustrator, composer, and storyteller Matt Ottley, accompanied by members of the Perth Symphony Orchestra—returns to Fremantle, Bunbury, Geraldton, and Perth.
Blending live orchestral music, on-stage illustration, and storytelling, each performance transforms beloved picture books into immersive, multi-sensory experiences. Audiences will witness characters come to life, melodies that ripple across the stage, and illustrations that dance in real time.
Featured Stories Include:
- The Messy Bath Monster by Tina Wilson: Monkey is convinced a MONSTER is hiding in the bathroom … and it’s leaving a colossal mess! Hand-knitted characters, stop-frame animation, live music, and storytelling bring this playful, bubbly adventure vividly to life.
- Stickboy by Rebecca Young and Matt Ottley: In a land of dust storms and whispering winds, a small boy follows a prophecy spoken by the moon. Courage, hope, and the magic of storytelling guide him in this heartwarming, poetic tale.
Artist Spotlight:
Matt Ottley, renowned for his evocative illustrations and original compositions, brings each story to life on stage through music. With live drawing, spontaneous composing, and interactive storytelling, every performance is unique—ensuring no two shows are ever the same.
"We want audiences to step into the storybook and experience the joy, wonder, and magic of these picture books in a completely new way," says Matt Ottley. " Combining live music, art, and storytelling brings a richness and an emotional depth that creates an immersive experience for children and adults alike as never before."
Touring Details:
📅 Fremantle | Bunbury | Geraldton | Perth
Tickets are on sale now via Humanitix.
The performances are perfect for families, school excursions, and curious minds of all ages, offering an engaging, interactive, and inspiring arts experience.
About The Literature Centre:
Since 1992, The Literature Centre has been a leading Western Australian organisation fostering creativity, storytelling, and literacy. Through programs like The Sound of Picture Books™, TLC connects young people, schools, and communities with unique cultural experiences that celebrate the power of stories.
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