Trash with a Porpoise

A hilarious Trash Puppets adventure UNDER THE SEA.
We are on a mission to save our oceans and we need your help!
Join us as we navigate the depths of our waterways - battling whirlpools, cracking jokes with a walrus and learning how we can reduce our impact through everyday actions!
This fun, original sketch comedy show for children and families is a thrilling journey full of puppetry, clowning, song and of course, plenty of Trash!
With a whole host of new, original trash puppet characters, including Crabs, Sea Slugs, Penguins, a Sea Horse & a Puffer Fish, who join our Porpoise and starring character “Merf”, children will be mesmerized by the diversity of sea creatures and the stories, song and jokes they share.
Trash with a Porpoise has the format of a sketch comedy show with short, punchy, sometimes hilarious sketches, whilst exploring the themes of marine waste, and how we can take positive steps to help it. The show includes participatory elements, wherein the children will be called upon to help us, including call and response and even inviting some audience members to help us in the show!
Trash Puppets are strong believers in not underestimating children, in their humour, their depth, and their understanding of the world. This show will provide actionable ways that we can all make a difference for our environment, empowering audiences to take small steps in their everyday lives that together can make big changes.

As in all Trash Puppets work, everything in the show was created using reclaimed, repurposed, recycled materials, including the puppets, set and costumes. We want children to witness how everyday household items have been used to create this work and to feel inspired to create them at home.

“Absolute MUST SEE of the Melbourne Comedy Festival, don’t miss this gorgeous show.” (Annie Junor, In Review)

“I’m a classy man with a finely tuned radar for the arts, so I was surprised to be giggling like a schoolkid while a trash-manatee did his best dad jokes.” (Zak Wheeler, Reviewer, RMITV)

“The performers are charming, and engaging and their show is fun and carries a clear message.” (Kate Herbert, Herald Sun)

The 2023 Remount of this show has been generously supported by the City of Port Phillip Cultural Development Fund.

The Original Production was supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.

Directed by Jhess Knight, Trash Puppets
Produced by Jen Gay, Packed House Productions
Originally Presented by La Mama for Kids
Puppets by Jhess Knight and Mads Hillam
Performers: Jemima Bravo and Julia Landberg
Stage Manager: Tim Dennis
Lighting Design: Tom O'Sullivan
Images by Jarryd Bravo & Darren Gill