Sportsball

07 Oct - 11 Oct '26
Cloisters Studio
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Sportsball is the story of Tai, a young child with an active inner world and an active outer world.

Tai loves playing and watching sports with his dad and he loves his big red ball. He can do lots of amazing tricks with his ball, but when a game at a birthday party doesn’t go his way, Tai has to work through his feelings and find a way to move through a difficult situation with the help of his dad, his friends, and his imagination.

We created this show for 4-6 year olds. This is a great show for Dad to to bring the kids to!

Sportsball is a “sit and watch” show with some playtime at the end. Due to the highly physical nature of the show it is not safe for children to roam. Kids will be asked to stay off the playing space until the end.

No participation required: When you attend Cubbin shows, you will not be asked to be involved in the performance. Sit back and enjoy the show with your little one.

 

Cast :

Director
Melanie Luckman
Performer
Jake Mckay
Designer
Rosie Gilmore
Sound Design
Amy Straker & Nathan Straker

FAQ

How long is the show?

Approximately 30 minutes plus some play time at the end.

Where will we sit?

There will be seats as well as some cushions on the floor at the front if children would like to get closer.

Does my child need to be quiet? Can they move about the audience?

We encourage the children to respond however they like, however Sportsball has a lot of jumping, dancing, rolling, and playing with a ball. Children will need to stay off the stage during the show for safety. This is a sit and watch show.

There will be time for a play in the space and to meet our performer afterwards!

I’m running late! Can I come in after the start time?

Absolutely! You are welcome to come and go from the space whenever you wish during the performance.

What age is this show for?

Sportsball has been made specifically for 4-6 year olds but everyone is welcome!

Due to the highly physical nature of the show and because the story has lots of words, Sportsball is not recommended for babies or toddlers that might want to roam. This is a sit and watch show.

Do I need separate tickets for me and my child?

Yes. One bum one ticket. Everyone will need their own ticket except very small babies in arms who get to come for free.

Will I have to participate?

No participation required!

You will not be asked to be involved in the performance. Sit back and enjoy the show with your little one.

Will I enjoy the performance too?

We hope so! Dads will really enjoy Sportsball too, so bring them along!
If you have any other questions, please reach out to our friendly team at hello@cubbin.co.nz

Reviews

“Once again, Cubbin Theatre has offered up a fabulous opportunity for young children to see a fun and engaging show full of positive and important themes, and to get used to theatre in an inclusive, immersive and enjoyable way.”

Flat City Field Notes

“The message that ‘I can do hard things’, and what to do when things don’t quite go as you had imagined, are echoed within the larger themes of resilience and playfulness.”

Flat City Field Notes

“Soon there are laughs at laughter itself, setting a mood where the audience is freely part of the overall fun.”

Theatre View

Past shows

  • 25 - 28 September 2025
    Cloisters Studio
  • 29 - 01 August 2024
    Cloisters Studio
  • 25 - 25 February 2023
    Christchurch Art Gallery

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