Have a little theatregoer? Here’s a show they’ll love to the moon (and back)

Posted on 26 May, 2022

“I love you right up to the moon—and back.”

It’s the story that’s captured the hearts of children and adults for over 25 years, inspiring one of the sweetest ways of saying ‘I love you’.

But now the Nutbrown Hares are leaping off the page and coming to the Canberra Theatre Centre to try and measure the unmeasurable in a dazzling new stage adaptation.

Based on the iconic books by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram, Guess How Much I Love You follows the adventure of Little and Big Nutbrown Hare as they try to find the perfect way to express their love for each other while exploring their beautiful natural surroundings.

Brought to life by adorable (yet boisterous) puppets and a stunning set, Narrator Chris Vernon says it’s an enchanted adventure of love and friendship that resonates with every age group—including all those involved in bringing it to life.

“I came across this story many years ago. My mum used to be a preschool teacher and it’s just very magical and sweet…It made me want to become involved,” he says.

“It’s very exciting to bring it out of the books. That’s one of the tough things about these stories, how do we—as performers—bring these well-known stories to life?”

Helping to paint the world of Guess How Much I Love You and leading the audience through the adventures of Little and Big Nutbrown Hare, Chris says the uniqueness of the show (as well as the beautiful puppetry, music, and laughter) is the simpleness of the story-telling.

“It’s the adventure of Little and Big Nutbrown Hare—Little Nutbrown Hare especially—as they navigate what it’s like to grow up, get bigger and move through these seasons and show what it’s like to be a caring friend, a caring parent.”

“It has the simple themes of love, friendship, caring responsibility and it’s very playful as well,”

Brought to life by CDP Kids, the team behind the Australian tours of The Gruffalo, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show and Spot, parents will be excited to learn that Guess How Much I Love You is not only a fantastic show but it’s also the perfect introduction to theatre for children aged three and up.

“For a lot of these young kids, it’s their first time at the theatre,” says Chris. “You get kids running up to the stage…they’re super inquisitive, yelling things out during the show. I love nothing more than when children are calling out or asking questions in the middle of a performance because they are curious. It’s amazing to ignite that imagination in these young kids.”

“I think parents will be able to walk away from this show with their children saying ‘I love you to the moon and back!’…I think it will draw them together even more.”