The Worm
Te Pou Theatre
“What to Expect” Information
Key Show Details
Pre-show demo: 9.30am
Show date: Saturday, 11 April 2026
Show time: 10am
Duration: 1 hour 5 minutes, no interval.
Location: Te Pou Theatre, 2 Mount Lebanon LaneHenderson, Auckland 0612
Show Content
The Worm is a story about a little worm whose life is turned upside down when a giant bird snatches his mother away. The worm travels through dark tunnels, abandoned streets, and underground bars in search of her. Along the way he encounters an Old Worm, a Blind Rat, a Snail, a talking flower bulb, a poisonous spider, and a Gardener. The journey moves from darkness to light and explores courage and trust.
The set looks like a tunnel through soil underground. A musician performs live on stage alongside recorded music and sound effects.
Fog and haze are used at times to create the atmosphere of the underground world. Lighting shifts between darker scenes and brighter moments. Characters move, sing, and dance during the show.
Recommended for ages 6 years and older.
Content Warning
Distressing themes: While this is a fictional story involving tension, physical violence with baddies and death, it has a happy ending for our main worm family.
Pre-Show Demonstration
A short pre-show demonstration will begin in the foyer then move into the theatre, to show some of the lighting, sound, and staging used in the show. Performers and the musician will be introduced.
Post-Show Optional Feedback
Tea, juice and biscuits will be offered in the foyer after the show for people who want to share feedback.
Arrival Information
The image depicts a large, grey corrugated building. The entrance is marked by a sign above black double doors, reading 'Te Pou Theatre.'
Te Pou Theatre is located at Corban Estate Arts Centre.
Mobility parks are located near Shed 1.
A paved path leads from the Corban Estate main car park to the theatre entrance, which is wheelchair accessible.
The Space
The image captures inside Te Pou Theatre, a large, dark performance space with black walls and a rectangular floor. On stage, a small group of performers sit under red lighting, while a full audience watches from the right. Lighting and speakers are located near the audience seating.
Seating
Seating is general admission.
Audience members choose seats within the areas assigned to their ticket category.
Wheelchair accessible seats are located in the first row of the seating block
Moving Around the Space
Audience members may move in and out of the theatre during the show.
To leave the theatre, move to the nearest exit door.Support staff and ushers are available to assist.
Amenities
An accessible toilet is available for patrons at ground level.
A chill-out zone is located in the foyer next to the toilets.
Technical Information
Lighting
Lighting is used throughout the show to create atmosphere, including:
Changes in colour, brightness, and position
White, yellow, blue, and orange/red lighting
Moments of low lighting and darkness
In the show, lights shine from the ceiling, behind the set and also a little from the floor
A neon light sign that flickers on at times
A large lightbulb that lights up
No moving lights point directly at the audience.
The audience are welcome to use a hat or sunglasses during the show to be comfortable under the lights.
Sound
Sound in the show includes:
Live music performed on stage
Recorded music and sound effects
One song performed by the actors and musician
Loud sound effects and noisy props in some scenes
Actors speaking or shouting loudly at times
Audience reactions such as clapping, cheering, and laughter
The audience are welcome to use ear plugs, noise cancelling headphones, or other forms of ear protection to comfortably enjoy the show.
Audience Interaction
Performers move through parts of the audience space.
Actors travel along aisles and across two rows of seating.
These rows are clearly marked.
Audience responses and reactions are welcomed such as laughing, clapping, cheering.
Special Effects
This show contains:
Smoke and haze effects: Fog will billow onto the stage and the audience, making the theatre look smokey.
The fog does not smell like anything and there is no real fire or smoke in the theatre.
Giant puppets/props are used on the stage including:
A large spider
A giant spade that drops onto the stage
A large bird’s beak
Three smaller bird puppets
Want to Know More?
You can ask for:
A video of the show
A video of the venue
A scene-by-scene summary of the show
Any other support you may need
For more information or to make a request, please contact:
