Feeding baby
No matter how you feed your baby you are welcome to do so during the show
Up and Away
About the show
Up and Away is a playful and gentle theatre experience created especially for babies that are not yet walking and their grown-ups.
Live music and play transform small, familiar moments into something curious and captivating for very young audiences.
The performance takes place in a carefully crafted open-sided tent, with small audience numbers and attendance limited to pre-walking babies. This creates a cosy, safe and unhurried environment.
Within this calm space, babies are free to engage and explore alongside their caregiver in whatever way feels right for them. There is no expectation to sit still or respond in a particular way. Every baby is different, and all responses are welcome.
Up and Away is informed by current neuroscientific research and developed in consultation with a speech and language therapist.
Cast :
Director
Melanie Luckman
Performers
Talia-Rae Mavaega
Hannah Wheeler
Hannah Wheeler
Reviews
Your visit
Restrooms
There are restrooms at the Arts Centre plus we will have a change area (with emergency wipes etc!)
Pram parking
We have designed the room to include space where prams can be stored
Car parking
There are free 60 minute parks at The Arts Centre just off Hereford St. Or there are many paid parks around The Arts Centre.
FAQ
Can I bring my older children?
We want your baby to have a great first experience of theatre, so we’ve set our age guidance for Up and Away to reflect this (pre-walking babies). The show will be sensory and a very new environment for a lot of little ones (and parents!). We want everyone to feel totally relaxed, so this means we don’t want our very youngest audience members to be overwhelmed by children who might be slightly too old for the performance. We have other shows for children who are a little older.
Can I come if I don’t have a baby with me?
Yes you can. We understand that sometimes families want to bring more than one grown up to accompany baby on their exciting theatre experience, or grown ups want to come and see what all the fuss is about. The babies are our most important audience members and our show is specifically designed to be a uniquely intimate experience between carer and baby, however there are a very limited number of tickets available for extra grownups. You can get more information at the ticketing website for the event you want to attend or send us a message on hello@cubbin.co.nz.
How long is the show?
The performance lasts between 30 and 40 minutes. This includes an opportunity at the end for the babies (and you) to stay and play under the tent.
Where will we sit?
You and your baby can sit on the floor on a cosy collection of cushions, or there will be some comfy chairs for those who find it difficult to sit on the floor.
Does my baby need to sit still and be quiet?
No! We’re really keen to encourage the babies to respond however they like – gurgling, laughing, commenting (if they’ve started talking!), or hiccupping! They’re also welcome to explore the space however they choose. If your baby does get unsettled by this new experience (even though it’s been designed to be a relaxing introduction to theatre), we often find that by you simply standing up and moving slightly further away relaxes them enough for them to stay watching the performance. Obviously, if your baby gets really upset, then it’s a good idea to take them outside but you’re very welcome to come back in as soon as they’ve had a feed or a cuddle and calmed down.
Can I feed my baby during the show?
Absolutely! The babies’ comfort is most important to us. No matter how you feed your baby you are welcome to do so during the show.
I’m running late! Can I come in after the start time?
Absolutely! You will be welcome to come and go from the space whenever you wish during the performance, our usher team will be on hand to help you in and out of the performance space.
I need to change my baby during the show, do I need to leave?
The Cloisters has baby changing facilities nearby, or if you would prefer to not leave the performance space we have a baby change station set up in the room. You are welcome to leave the tent to change your baby and then rejoin when you are ready.
Will I enjoy the performance too?
We hope so! If you have any other queries or concerns please contact our friendly team at hello@cubbin.co.nz
Past shows
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05 - 09 November 2025Cloisters Studio
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16 - 21 September 2025We The Young Festival, Auckland
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28 - 29 March 2025ASSITEJ Artistic Gathering, Marseille, France
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12 - 16 March 2025Cloisters Studio
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30 - 03 October 2024Cloisters Studio
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22 - 25 February 2024Cloisters Studio
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02 - 03 July 2022Lyttelton Arts Factory
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15 - 15 April 2021Festival of Colour, Wanaka
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12 - 12 April 2021Dunedin Arts Festival
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28 - 28 March 2021Lyttelton Arts Factory
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12 - 17 November 2019The Civic, Auckland Live
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24 - 25 October 2019Little Andromeda, Christchurch
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20 - 20 October 2019Nelson Arts Festival
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12 - 12 October 2019Waitaki Arts Festival, Oamaru
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06 - 07 December 2018Phillipstown Community Hub, Christchurch
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02 - 05 December 2018New Brighton Old School, Christchurch
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29 - 29 November 2018Ashburton Trust Events Centre
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28 - 28 November 2018Rolleston Community Centre
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26 - 27 November 2018Lincoln Events Centre
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03 - 08 July 2018Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch
