2018 Helpmann Awards Winner EMIL & THE DETECTIVES Premieres In Melbourne

The Melbourne premiere of the children's classic Emil and the Detectives is set to captivate audiences both young and old, when the critically acclaimed Adelaide-based theatre company Slingsby comes to the Alexander Theatre on Saturday 8 September.

This delightful, beautifully written and optimistic kid's own adventure story is a journey of discovery and self-discovery, exploring the value of friendships and learning about trust and taking risks.

Penned in 1929, Erich Kästner's classic detective novel for children has been transformed into a pacy, gorgeously designed and brilliantly inventive performance. It is the only pre-1945 work of the German author to escape Nazi censorship.

Emil and the Detectives tells the story of our young hero Emil heading from a rural home to visit family in the big city when something valuable is stolen. Emil soon meets Gustav and his wily band of child sleuths and together they take on the crowded, cosmopolitan streets of the city in a spirited pursuit of justice. Can a bunch of kids work together to uncover and outsmart the true criminal?

Internationally renowned for its detailed stagecraft, humour and awe-inspiring theatrical magic, Emil and the Detectives continues Slingsby's ten-year tradition of reinventing classic children's stories with contemporary verve and ingenuity.

Emil and the Detectives is told by two skilled actors immersed in smoke and mirrors, miniature worlds and a cinematic score. Danielle Catanzaritti (Emil) and Nathan O'Keefe (MrGrundeis and everyone else) are exceptional performers who have worked together and separately with State Theatre Company of South Australia, Windmill Theatre and Brink Productions.

"Like most children's classics, the key themes of the story are as relevant today as when the book was first published and audiences will relate to many of the challenges and decisions Emil faces.

Emil and The Detectives explores the benefits and pitfalls of children having greater freedom, being allowed to make mistakes and finding solutions to their own problems without undue adult intervention or interference," said Slingsby Artistic Director Andy Packer.

The production brings together the creative talents of Andy Packer as Director, Composer Quincy Grant, Lighting Designer Geoff Cobham and Set Designer Wendy Todd.