Clancy of the Outback Hits the Stage
We are thrilled to announce that Clancy of the Outback, the beloved children's book series by Phil Kettle and Bob Andersen, is being transformed into an exciting musical production coming to a stage near you soon – bringing the adventures of our young hero to families across Australia.
Clancy of the Outback – A Musical Adventure promises to capture all the heart, humour, and authentic Australian spirit that has made the book series such a hit with young readers aged 7–10. The production will tell the universal story of home, acceptance, and identity through a uniquely Aussie lens, following 12-year-old Clancy as he navigates life 1200 kilometres from his old home at his uncle's sheep station, The Overflow.
From Page to Stage
The Clancy of the Outback series, currently spanning 12 titles, was created specifically for independent readers embarking on their first chapter books. Authors Phil Kettle and Bob Andersen, along with award-winning illustrator Shane McGowan, developed these high-interest, accessible stories to provide authentic Australian outback adventures that resonate with children, particularly those in regional areas who are often underrepresented in literature.
Inspired by Banjo Paterson's iconic poem Clancy of the Overflow, the series reimagines Clancy as a modern-day city boy adjusting to country life. This vibrant storytelling foundation, combined with relatable themes and memorable characters, provides rich material for theatrical adaptation.
A Musical Adventure for All Ages
Clancy of the Outback – A Musical Adventure is designed for kids and families of all ages, promising to deliver the same engaging storytelling that has made the books so popular. Audiences will journey with Clancy through the unpredictability of country life, encountering everything from pesky paddock bombs to baby kangaroos, fearsome floods to feral frenzies.
Composer and Co-director Earl Marrows explains the production's family-friendly approach: "With 'jokes for the parents', toe-tapping tunes and rich spectacle, we hope everyone can find something to latch onto; big-hearted characters, strong emotions and a whole lot of fun."
Bringing Australian Stories to Life
The musical adaptation represents an exciting new chapter for the Clancy of the Outback franchise, expanding its reach beyond the page to bring these distinctly Australian stories to life through song, dance, and theatrical spectacle. The production will showcase the unique challenges and joys of rural Australian life while exploring themes that resonate with children everywhere.
Phil Kettle, co-author of the series, shares his excitement: "Seeing Clancy's adventures come to life on stage is a dream come true. We've always believed these stories capture something special about growing up in Australia, and we can't wait for families across the country to experience that magic in a whole new way."
Coming to a Stage Near You Soon
This exciting musical adaptation will bring Clancy of the Outback – A Musical Adventure to audiences across Australia, ensuring that families from coast to coast can experience this uniquely Australian story. More details about venues and ticketing will be announced in the coming months.
This musical adaptation represents more than entertainment – it's a celebration of Australian rural life, the importance of family, and the universal journey of finding one's place in the world. As young audiences across Australia prepare to meet Clancy on stage, we're confident this production will create lasting memories and inspire a new generation of readers to discover the magic of the outback.
Join us way out Woop Woop soon!
For media inquiries, tour information or interview requests, please contact Dylan Marshall and Earl Marrows | marshallandmarrows@gmail.com | 0419 859 758
Learn more about the Clancy of the Outback book series here