<p class="body--large">A place of curiosity and learning, the Auckland War Memorial Museum brings <strong><em>Caterpillars</em></strong>, an award winning theatre show for children aged 4 -8 years old, to the Events Centre, Tuesday 2 – Friday 5 October, at 11am and 2pm.</p> <p>Perfect family entertainment, this compelling theatre experience, already loved by audiences throughout Europe and Asia, is the perfect place to engage and entertain children these school holidays.</p> <p><em>Set in a magical world of flitting butterflies, jumping eggs, and giant swaying flowers, two lycra-clad clown puppeteers try their hardest to remain unseen and at service to their puppets: two enormous Caterpillars. The hapless puppeteers take upbeat absurdity, slapstick and silliness to new heights, but, get grounded hilariously in reality.</em></p> <p><a href="/visit/whats-on/kids-and-family/caterpillars"><strong><em>Caterpillars</em></strong></a> is created by Cantabrian <strong>Thomas Monckton</strong>, creator and star of the multi-award-winning <em>Moving Stationery</em> and the Edinburgh Fringe 5-star hit <em>The Pianist</em>, which recently toured throughout Europe. He studied at the physical theatre school of Jacques Lecoq in Paris, and is now currently based in Finland.</p> <p><em>“I love bringing my new work home to try out on the kiwis, and it’s exciting to have a show coming to Auckland Museum these coming holidays that caters for the whole family,</em>” Monckton says. “<em>5 year olds are the most honest critics!</em>”</p> <p><strong><em>Caterpillars</em></strong> is performed by Mim and Danny Syme, co-directors of Christchurch’s very own circus company and school, <a href="https://www.circotica.com/">Circotica</a>, in collaboration with the <a href="https://www.kallocollective.com/">Kallo Collective</a> from Finland. They bring their impressive experience and theatrical skills to this wordless child-friendly performance that can be enjoyed by young and old alike.</p> <p>Jo Brookbanks, Audience Development and Engagement Specialist at Auckland Museum says “<em>We are so excited about bringing this hilarious international hit to the Museum. It fits so well with our Secret Life of Butterflies exhibition and it’s going to bring a smile to everyone’s faces – young and not so young.”</em></p> <p>With ticket prices also including free activities such as face-painting and craft activities, <strong><em>Caterpillars</em></strong> is sure to be a hit these holidays.</p> <p>General admission to Auckland War Memorial Museum is free for Aucklanders, so make sure to visit the <a href="/visit/exhibitions/secret-world-of-butterflies"><em>Secret World of Butterflies</em></a>, a free family-friendly exhibition filled with stunning insects, that reveals unbelievable butterfly facts and is packed full of interactive activities. Also grab a coffee, fluffy and pastry treat from our new espresso bar, 1929 located in the Grand Foyer.</p> <p>For more information, visit our <a href="/visit/whats-on/kids-and-family/caterpillars">website</a></p> <p><strong>SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: CATERPILLARS THEATRE SHOW</strong><br /> <strong>TUE 2, WED 3, THU 4 AND FRI 5 OCT, 11AM AND 2PM</strong><br /> <strong>Auckland Museum Events Centre </strong><br /> <strong>Tickets from $25, Book </strong><a href="https://myaccount.aucklandmuseum.com/single/psDetail.aspx?p=85759"><strong>Here</strong></a><br /> Ticket price includes pre and post-show activities.</p> <p><strong>SECRET WORLD OF BUTTERFLIES </strong><br /> <strong>ON NOW UNTIL MAY 2019, 10AM – 5PM DAILY*</strong><br /> <strong>Sainsbury Horrocks Gallery</strong><br /> <strong>Free With Museum Entry</strong><br /> *Closed Christmas Day</p> <p>For all media inquiries contact Bex Martelletti</p> <p><a href="mailto:bmartelletti@aucklandmuseum.com">bmartelletti@aucklandmuseum.com</a> | +64 21 955 362</p>