Sunday 31st Oct Healesville Sanctuary: talk & signing

Join me at Healesville Sanctuary on Sunday 31st October for a talk, signing and maybe even a pat of the killer koala … if you dare!
http://www.zoo.org.au/Healesville/News_Events/Wombats_Bums_and_other_%20Tales

Posted on 29 October 2010
Permanent link to this post
Comments (0)

New Zealand event: Auckland

Thurs 21st October: Auckland
6.00pm A Family Evening with Andy Griffiths. Takapuna Public Library, The Strand, Takapuna.
Contact Belynda Smith, Phone: (09) 486 8464 email: belyndas@shorelibaries.co.nz

Posted on 18 October 2010
Permanent link to this post
Comments (6)

THE VERY BAD AUSTRALIAN TOUR: SEPT 2010

All events are free, but bookings are essential. NB: As events tend to fill up quickly it’s a great idea to book as early as possible.

MELBOURNE, VIC
Mon 30th-Wed 1st: Melbourne Writers Festival events. Check website for details: www.mwf.com.au

FRANKSTON, VIC
Tues 31st Aug 6pm: An evening with Andy Griffiths: The Rotary Room, Frankston Arts Centre Davey Street Frankston. Contact Robinsons Bookshop Ph 03 97836488

WESTGARTH/NORTHCOTE, VIC
Wed 1st Sept: 6pm The Very Bad Book launch at Westgarth Theatre, High Street, Westgarth.
Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton bring you for one night only of free riotous entertainment based on their new book – The Very Bad Book. Come one, come all. Bar for parents opens at 5pm. Free, but bookings essential on (03) 9347 6633 or by email: events@readings.com.au

PENRITH, NSW
Thurs 2nd Sept: 6.30pm. An evening with Andy Griffiths: Penrith Library, 601 High Street, Penrith NSW Bookseller: Penrith Dymocks (02) 4731 5986 ( bookings essential)

BEROWRA, NSW
Fri 3rd Sept: 6.00pm. A family evening with Andy Griffiths at Berowra Community Centre, The Gully Rd Berowra. Bookings essential. Book through any Hornsby Shire Library or phone 02 98476738

MIRANDA, NSW
Sat 4th Sept: 10.00am Signing Big W Miranda, Miranda Fair NSW 2228

PAGEWOOD, NSW
Sat 4th Sept: 2.30pm Signing: A&R Pagewood shop 180-181 Westfield S/C Eastgardens Pagewood

INDOOROOPILLY, QLD
Sun 5th Sept: 1pm Dymocks Indooroopilly, Level 3 Westfield shopping centre 318 Moggill Road Indooroopilly QLD. For Bookings call (07) 3878 5544

BULIMBA, QLD
Mon 6th Sept: 3.30pm Signing: Riverbend Books, 193 Oxford Street, Bulimba

CLEVELAND, QLD
Mon 6th Sept: 6.30pm An evening with Andy Griffiths: Redland Performing Arts Centre 2-16 Middle street Cleveland Bookings: Redland City Library 073829 8376

GOLD COAST, QLD
Tues 7th Sept: 6.30pm Robina Community Centre, 196 Robina Town Centre Drive. Bookings A&R Southport 07 5532 8889

MACKAY, QLD
Wed 8th Sept 6.00pm: An evening with Andy Griffiths: St Patricks College, Gregory Street Mackay QLD Bookseller: Collins Mackay 07 4953 2777

CAIRNS, QLD
Thurs 9th Sept: 4pm An afternoon with Andy Griffiths: Earlville Library, Stockland Shopping Centre
07 4054 5060

ELTHAM, VIC
Fri 10th Sept: 4pm Signing @ Swipers Gully Restaurant, 25 Eltham-Yarra Glen Rd Kangaroo Ground Bookseller: For Bookings contact the Eltham Bookshop (03) 9439 8700

CAMBERWELL, VIC
Fri 10th Sept: 6.00pm An evening with Andy Griffiths: Dymocks Camberwell, 793 Burke Rd Camberwell. For Bookings contact Dymocks Camberwell (03) 9882 0032

GLEN WAVERLY, VIC
Sat 11th Sept: 10.00am Signing Dymocks, the Glen SC, Cnr Springvale & High Street Glen Waverly. For Bookings contact (03) 9886 3011

KNOX CITY, VIC
Sat 11th Sept: 1.00pm Signing Target Knox City SC, 425 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna South
Phone: (03) 9871 8000

MELBOURNE, VIC
Sun 12th Sept: 10.30am A morning with Andy, Dymocks Melbourne, 234 Collins Street Melb.
Bookings; (03) 9660 8500

JOONDALUP, WA
Tues 14th Sept, 5pm: An evening with Andy, Dymocks Joondalup. For Bookings contact Dymocks Joondalup (08) 9300 0895

ALBANY, WA (Sprung Festival)
Thurs 16th Sept, 4-5pm Signing, Dymocks Albany, 171 York Street Albany WA

ALBANY, WA (Sprung Festival)
Thurs 16th Sept, 6.30-8.00pm: Meet the Writer, Albany Town Hall Theatre

ALFRED COVE, PERTH WA
Saturday 18th Sept, 2pm An afternoon with Andy, Tompkins Park Function Centre, Cnr Dunkley Ave, Canning Highway, Alfred Cove, Perth. Phone Dymocks, Garden City 08 9315 5568

MOUNT BARKER, SA
Sunday 19th Sept 3pm: Mt Barker Library, Dumas Street. Bookings through A&R Mount Barker: (08) 8391 1544

MARION CULTURAL CENTRE, OAKLANDS PARK, SA
Sunday 19th Sept, 6.30pm: 287 Diagonal Rd, Oaklands Park. Bookings through the Marion Cultural Centre Box Office (08) 8375 6855

STIRLING, SA
Monday 20th Sept, 6.00pm, An evening with Andy: The Coventry Memorial Library, Mt Barker Rd Stirling Bookings: 08 8339 3931

TUGGERANONG, ACT
Thurs 23rd Sept, 4pm. A signing with Andy
Dymmocks bookshop Tuggeranong Hyperdome, Anketell St. Tuggeranong. (02) 6293 9055

ST. KILDA, MELB
Sunday 3rd October, 10:30am: Andy Griffiths will be at the Readings St. Kilda re-launch, 112 Acland Street
Ph: (03) 9525 3852

NEW ZEALAND VERY BAD BOOK TOUR
Mon 18th–Fri 22nd October
Details to be announced

OCEAN GROVE, VIC
Sat Dec 4th, 10.30am Talk & signing (Gold coin donation to the Indigenous Literacy Project)
1/73 The terrace, Ocean Grove Vic 3226 p 03 5255 5973 email: Stacey Moore@bookgrove.com.au www.bookgrove.com.au

THE VERY BAD SHOW: RMIT MELBOURNE VIC.
School season 24th Nov-14th Dec
Public season 4th Jan-21st Jan
Time: Two shows daily at 10.30am, 1pm
Venue: RMIT Kaleide Theatre, Building 8, Level 2, 360 Swanston St
Price: $12.50 http://www.launch.rmit.edu.au/the_childrens_show.html

Posted on 14 August 2010
Permanent link to this post
Comments (0)

Meet Andy in 2010: Events

JUST MACBETH! Live on Stage SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, SYDNEY 24TH JUNE – 1ST AUG http://www.bellshakespeare.com.au/buytickets/2010productions

JUST MACBETH! Live on stage EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL 4TH AUG – 31 AUG
Assembly@George Street, Edinburgh 11.45am Tickets on sale now!
www.edfringe.com

THE VERY BAD BOOK TOUR: SEPTEMBER 2010
http://andygriffiths.com.au/books/theverybadbook

SPRUNG FESTIVAL, Albany WA : Sep 17-19
http://sprung.albany.wa.gov.au/

OCTOBER: NEW ZEALAND TOUR

THE VERY BAD SHOW! Melbourne, VIC: Dec 2010-Jan 2011 RMIT productions, http://www.launch.rmit.edu.au/performingarts.html
School season opening Wed 24th November till Tuesday 14th December: Public Season Opening 4th January 2011 till Friday 21st January 2011. 2 shows a day.

Posted on 9 February 2010
Permanent link to this post
Comments (35)

Meet Andy: Sunday 1st Nov, 1pm Melbourne Museum: Children365 Family Fun Day

As Children’s Week celebrations draw to a close, a new initiative—Children365: celebrate them every day—will be launched at Melbourne Museum on Sunday 1 November 2009.

The concept for Children365 was developed after the tragic death of Darcey Freeman in early 2009.  Following the loss of their precious little girl, Darcey’s mother and her family suggested an annual day to cherish all children.  They asked the Alannah and Madeline Foundation to help make it a reality.  The Alannah and Madeline Foundation initiative Children365 encourages all of us to cherish our children every single day of the year.

The Victorian State Government is proud to partner this initiative and by hosting a family fun day to launch the beginning of Children365.  This day signifies the end of a week of celebrating children and the commitment to cherish and protect our children every day of the year.  Melbourne Museum is supporting Children365 by generously offering FREE entry for all adult patrons on Sunday 1 November 2009.  Concession and children 16 years and under are free every day.

ACTIVITIES AT THE FAMILY FUN DAY

A wide range of free activities will take place throughout the family fun day including – kite and puppet making workshops, chalk drawing, appearances from Premier’s Reading Challenge Ambassadors, sports and games, arts and crafts, entertainment and lots more!

The museum is open from 10am until 5pm.  Most of the free activities will run from 10.30am until approximately 3.30pm (some will finish a little later).  Andy will be speaking at 1.00pm. Some activities will be held outside the museum (in marquees such as the kite making), but most will take place inside.  A full program of the day will be distributed to patrons attending the event and will also be available on our website from mid October.

Posted on 25 September 2009
Permanent link to this post
Comments (2)

2–24 October 2009 THE DAY MY BUM WENT PSYCHO–LIVE ON STAGE–DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND!!

FORTUNE THEATRE, DUNEDIN NZ PRESENTS:

THE DAY MY BUM WENT PSYCHO by ANDY GRIFFITHS

adapted and directed by LAURA COONEY

Zack Freeman is ready to tell his story… The story of a boy and his crazy bum. The story of a crack bum-fighting unit called the B-team, a legendary Bum Hunter and his formidable daughter, and some of the biggest, ugliest and meanest bums ever to roam the face of the Earth. A story of courage and endurance that takes Zack on a journey across the Great Windy Desert, through the Brown Forest and over the Sea of Bums before descending into the heart of an explosive bumcano to confront the biggest, ugliest and meanest bum of them all… The Day My Bum Went Psycho — a story that you and your bum will never forget.

2–24 October 2009  Performance times: Tues 6pm – Wed to Sat 6.30pm – Sunday 4pm 11am matinees weekdays – check box office for school holiday and term time matinee details. Family ticket prices available

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Review:
The bums of the world have rebelled! Urged on by the rebel leader, Zack’s bum, bums everywhere have detached themselves from their owners and are forming an army to build the most terrifying and dangerous bumcano of them all, in an attempt to take their rightful place on top of the shoulders of their owners. they will put up with being stuck inside pants no longer!
Director Cooney set out to make The Day My Bum Went Psycho resemble an action movie on stage, and i can confidently say she has succeeded in doing so. zack Freeman (taylor), and the “b” team, a group of bum fighters, cross the great windy Desert, the brown Forest, and the sea of bums, complete with fight scenes, acrobatics, and a dramatic finale on the edge of the bumcano and a pit of hungry maggots. The Day My Bum Went Psycho was filled with gimmicks, props, farts, bangs, bums, cracks, sounds, and flashy lighting, and the kids loved it.
The action really starts to get going when we are introduced to the “b” team. as eleanor (Pollard) and zack escape two rogue bums in the bum mobile, the team pops out of numerous places; the action freezes for a second as they pull numerous poses and introduce themselves, all the while fighting off the bums and escaping. the lighting and sound are perfect for this act, and some great images are formed with the chaos of the team highlighted. big ups to gary Kierle and rebecca de Propso, who did a fantastic job with the lighting and sound.
My favourite parts of the show were the transition stages, which showed the team’s travel in between the main action. zack and the “b” team had awesome roller shoes and came on and off the stage joyously reacting and playing with one another. here, we were also privy to some acrobatics with cartwheels and turns. the acrobatics also cropped up in some of the fight scenes, for which armstrong needs to be particularly commended. i loved the acrobatics but wanted to see more, more, more.
The actors were all great and enthusiastic and i enjoyed their genuine passion for fighting the evil bums of the world. i particularly adored nielson as Kicker, a stereotypical jock who just wanted to kick the bums of the bums …?! or anyone else who got in his way.
Cooney did a great job including the audience in on the action. there ain’t no audience participation quite like encouraging a bunch of kids to make fart noises. i also enjoyed zac’s bum (gorgeously voiced by georgia Cooney) speaking directly to the bums of the audience to not fear, as they wouldn’t have to put up with being squished on to the seats for much longer.
The Day My Bum Went Psycho is good, dirty fun. i would say it is also about bravery, looking after your friends and standing up to evil. It is about adventure, the journey and the fun of poppy music that left the kid next to me literally dancing out of the theatre.
JessICA JeffRIes, ‘Critic’ #27

Posted on 23 September 2009
Permanent link to this post
Comments (1)

Meet Andy: Sunday 18th Oct, Stringybark Sustainability Festival: Rowville, Vic.

Andy will be giving a talk and book signing at Knox City Council’s Stringybark Festival on Sun 18th October at 2.00 pm.

The Stringybark Festival is Australia’s longest running sustainability festival. Spread across five acres of the Rowville Community Centre reserve, and regularly attracting more than 20,000 visitors, the festival has become one of the most significant community environmental festivals on the national calendar.

Stringybark is a great day out for the whole family with live music, fun activities and workshops for all ages, a huge chill out chai tent to lounge in, extensive markets, fairground, food and drink, plus the award winning adventure playground. All this whilst showcasing how to reduce our impact on the environment through small, cheap and easily achievable steps.

The Stringybark Suburban Sustainability Festival is on Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 October 2009 10am – 5pm Rowville Community Centre.

For more information visit: http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne_details.php?id=12280

USE LESS – WASTE LESS – PAY LESS – LIVE SMARTER

Posted on 20 September 2009
Permanent link to this post
Comments (4)

Sept 2009: ROBOT RIOT! Regional tour NSW, QLD, VIC.

MARRICKVILLE, SYDNEY, BRISBANE, BENDIGO, BALLARAT, SUNBURY, MELB, BRISBANE WRITERS FESTIVAL, MILDURA, DUBBO, ORANGE, BATHURST, LEURA, PENRITH.

….  ….

Hi everyone, thanks for making the robot riot tour one of the biggest and best yet! Stand by for THE VERY BAD BOOK tour in 2010.

Click here to read Jeffery E Doherty’s write up of one of the Robot Riot school events in Bathurst, NSW on his blog.

Posted on 3 August 2009
Permanent link to this post
Comments (40)

Songs for Stories ILP Benefit concert Aug 25 Melbourne

The Cat Empire, Paul Kelly, Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter, Katie Noonan and Chenile Chandler offer their combined talent  to help raise funds for the Indigenous Literacy Project. This will be a celebration of music and words — with special readings by Tara June Winch and Aunty Joy Wandin Murphy included in the programme. Hosted by Andy Griffiths, this is a major event on the Melbourne Writers Festival and the Australian book industry’s calendar..

In the past three years, the Indigenous Literacy Project has raised more than $500,000 for resources to help address the literacy crisis in remote indigenous communities. This project, run in partnership with the Fred Hollows Foundation and the Australian book industry, with Therese Rein as Patron, has a number of creative ambassadors including: David Malouf, Andy Griffiths, Kate Grenville, Tara June Winch, Kaz Cooke and the Cat Empire’s Felix Riebl.

To find out more about the Indigenous Literacy Project visit: www.indigenousliteracyproject.org.au

To read Kaz Cooke’s account of the 2009 field trip to the Northern Territory in August visit  www.kazcooke.com.au/kazcooke/il/

Posted on 17 July 2009
Permanent link to this post
Comments (1)

July 2009: JUST MACBETH tour

A very big thank you to everyone who came along to all the school, evening and bookshop events held during July 2009 to celebrate the launch of JUST MACBETH! It was great to meet you all–and re-meet many old friends again–and I look forward to doing it all again in September for the launch of the fourth book in the Schooling Around series, ROBOT RIOT! Please check back to this site for details–they’ll be posted in the next couple of weeks. Until then, happy reading!

Feedback from the JUST MACBETH tour:

• ‘He is just so funny. Thoroughly entertaining’. (parent)
• ‘Well I have never seen so many boys having such a good/naughty time. Andy certainly knows how to engage his audience’. (parent)
• ‘Had trouble getting my child to sleep afterwards. He couldn’t stop talking about Andy’. (parent)
• ‘I couldn’t believe how many kids in the audience had at least one copy of Andy’s book in hand and could virtually quote him’. (adult)
• ‘He got my youngest boy into reading’. (parent)
• ‘I like him cos he is rude and a little bit silly’. (boy)
• ‘Well organised and professional event. My first visit and I had no idea how good they are’. (adult)
• ‘Please, please can he come again??’ (group of children)
• ‘Thank you so much for a great night’. (adult)
• ‘Just wanted to say thank you for organising such a wonderful event! My kids have not stopped talking about Andy since!’ (parent)
• The event was absolutely sensational! 600 kids were totally spellbound, all their teachers had a great laugh and we love Andy more than ever! Please send him back to Tassie ASAP. It was the best “kids’” event I’ve been to in 30 years’s teaching. (teacher)

Andy Griffiths at the Burnside Library Aug 04 2009

Posted on 26 June 2009
Permanent link to this post
Comments (5)