THE LOST BALLOON
Venue: The Redland Performing Arts Centre 

A lonely character.
A big city.
A shiny yellow balloon.

Suitable for Ages 3 to 102 — this is a show for the young and the young at heart!

The Lost Balloon invites audiences into a whimsical world where a lonely yet loveable character’s discovery of a shiny yellow balloon sparks an unforgettable adventure. But when the balloon drifts away, a charming and chaotic chase through a bustling city begins!

Along the journey, our Hero encounters an array of delightfully eccentric masked characters: the mischievous Golden Oldies, the fabulously flamboyant Lollipop Ladies, and the ever-so-proper English Bobbies. Each encounter brings unexpected moments of humour, tenderness, and joy.

Blending world-class mask theatre with captivating visual storytelling, The Lost Balloon is a heartwarming exploration of human connection. Through laughter and wonder, it reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness can create ripples of change. Accompanied by an original, soul-stirring musical score, this enchanting production transcends language and cultural barriers, touching audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Be among the first to experience the world premiere of The Lost Balloon
at
The Redlands Performing Arts Centre
on
Thursday, November 6th, 2025
10.30am & 1pm

To Book Tickets Visit: https://www.rpac.com.au/what-s-on/all-events/the-lost-balloon/

THE CREATIVE TEAM

The unique team for THE LOST BALLOON is an artistic powerhouse with a collective industry experience of over 100 years and close to 2500 international performance outcomes. Internationally recognized and critically acclaimed, they have developed an incredibly reliable and robust international network, amassing a live global audience in the millions. They stand on a career-long ethos: creating world-class theatre in Queensland by Queensland artists that can be joyfully toured worldwide, engaging and inspiring new audiences, and demonstrating resilience, bravery, vitality, and consistency of quality.

Our Creative Producer is Craig Harrison, who has worked in the arts sector for over 30 years. He’s been a board member of youth arts company Cirkidz Inc. and South Australian Circus Centre for 12 years and is one of two Australians on the board of IPAY (International Association of Performing Arts for Youth) in Philadelphia, USA. He recently produced the Helpmann Award-winning show ‘Out of Chaos’ by Gravity & Other Myths.

Creator, Co-Writer, Co-Director & Producer: Clint Bolster
Co-Writer & Co-Director: Bridget Boyle
Creative Producer: Craig Harrison
Mask Performers: Clint Bolster, Allie Wilde, Frans Vogels, Chae Lindeman
Puppeteer: Christopher Lane
Production Design, Build & Costume Design: Josh McIntosh
Costume Maker: Jim Iodiannes & Jo Fahan
Co-Composers & Musicians: David Megarrity and Samuel Vincent
Lighting Designer: Geoff Squires
Sound Designer: Guy Webster
Photographers: Justin Ma and Barbara Lowing
Videography: Tnee Dyer
Education Consultant: Adrianne Jones
Access Consultants: Indelability Arts
Masks Designed and Made: Russell Dean – Strangeface Theatre Company (UK)
Special thanks to Ann Mclean, Brett Howe, Jason Glenwright, Penny Everingham & Helen Cassidy for their invaluable creative contributions.

DEVELOPMENT HISTORY

Initial Creative Development (2019) was funded and supported by The Queensland Performing Arts Centre.

Second Stage Creative Development (2020) was funded and supported by The Queensland Government through the Arts Queensland Showcase Program and The Queensland Performing Arts Centre.

Final Phase: Rehearsal and Presentation (2024/2025), to be supported by The Queensland Performing Arts Centre and The Redland Performing Arts Centre.

AUSTRALIAN CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS (P–12)

FOUNDATION – YEAR 2

The Arts – Drama

• ACADRM027: Explore role and dramatic action in dramatic play.
• ACADRM028: Use movement and space to imagine roles and situations.
• ACADRR029: Respond to drama and describe what they enjoy and why.

English

• ACELT1580: Identify aspects of literary texts that entertain.
• ACELY1650: Retell key events using visual cues and descriptive language.

HPE

• ACPPS005/006: Identify emotional responses and practise social interaction.

General Capabilities: Personal & Social, Creative Thinking

YEARS 3 – 6

The Arts – Drama & Music

• ACADRM033–36: Explore narrative structure and role, reflect on meaning.
• ACAMUR087: Explore pitch, rhythm, and mood in response to a performance.

English

• ACELT1603: Describe settings and characters.
• ACELY1692: Interpret visual and multimodal elements.

HASS

• ACHASSK072/093: Explore community roles and diverse perspectives.

General Capabilities: Ethical, Intercultural, Critical Thinking

YEARS 7 – 10

The Arts – Drama

• ACADRM040/048: Develop roles, explore physical theatre.
• ACADRR046/050: Analyse character, narrative, and dramatic meaning.

English

• ACELT1621/1635: Explore symbolism and narrative devices in texts.

HPE

• ACPPS074/092: Explore emotional literacy and social cohesion.

General Capabilities: Critical Thinking, Ethical Understanding, Social Capability

YEARS 11 – 12

Drama (General QLD)

• Unit 1: Share – Dramatic storytelling through performance.
• Unit 2: Reflect – Historical and cultural mask/physical theatre.
• Unit 3: Challenge – Apply conventions to provoke empathy.
• Unit 4: Transform – Devise and perform original works.

English / Literature

• Analyse visual narrative, metaphor, and allegory.
• Compose reflective and creative texts inspired by the performance.

Health and Wellbeing (Applied)

• Evaluate how art contributes to social and emotional wellbeing.

General Capabilities: Literacy, Critical Thinking, Ethical Understanding

STYLES

• Full-Face Non-Verbal Mask Theatre: Sculptural masks convey emotion and narrative through movement, not dialogue.
• Physical Theatre: Gesture, space, and body become the primary language.
• Visual Theatre: Imagery, design, and composition drive the narrative.
• Clowning & Bouffon: Humour and poignancy co-exist through absurd encounters.
• Ensemble & Devised Theatre: A collaboratively developed narrative created by the company.

THEMES

• Connection & Loneliness: Finding belonging in unexpected places.
• Kindness & Empathy: Small gestures that ripple into profound change.
• Adventure & Discovery: A simple balloon becomes a catalyst for growth.
• Belonging & Identity: How interaction shapes self-perception.
• Non-verbal Communication: Universal connection without spoken words.

CONTEXTS

• Contemporary Australian Theatre: A Queensland-devised work for national and international touring.
• Global Mask Theatre Traditions: Influences from Strangeface Theatre Company (UK), Trestle Theatre (UK), and Jacques Lecoq.
• Post-Pandemic Artmaking: Exploring reconnection and social healing through live shared experience.
• Inclusive Performance Practice: Accessible for all ages, neurotypes, and language backgrounds.

CROSS-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES

• Visual Arts: Design masks, character illustrations, or dioramas of city scenes.
• English: Write narrative extensions, character diaries, or balloon monologues.
• Music: Compose musical themes to match emotional moments in the show.
• Design Technologies: Create wearable puppets, props, or mini installations.
• Media Arts: Film a non-verbal scene inspired by the Hero’s journey.
• HASS/Civics: Discuss kindness, responsibility, and community belonging.

Devised by: Clint Bolster