About the show:

 

The show will bring the book to life!!! It includes:

 

Drama:

 

• Performance styles: A variety of performance styles in the show, such as Melodrama, Pantomime, Musical Theatre, Physical Theatre, Mime, Puppetry, Game Show, Improvisation, etc.

• Puppetry: a variety of puppetry styles in the show, such as Shadow puppetry, Hand puppetry, Marionette / String puppetry, and Board puppetry.

• Mask: Whole-face masks, part-face masks, noses, animals, etc.

 

Dance: a variety of dance styles are featured in the show, including Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Boot Scootin', among others, many of which students get up & dance along.

 

Music: a variety of music styles in the show, such as Pop, Hip Hop, R&B, Rap, Rock, Music Theatre, Folk, Reggae, Bushband, etc.

 

Visual Arts - Painted sets:  Painted on fabric, plywood, cardboard, paper & plastic.

Media Arts - Digital projections: Huge 100" projector screens on either side of the stage display images from the book & film clips of newly created content of sets, animations, green screen filmed sections of the characters performing, explosions & lighting displays. The result is an incredible viewing experience for the students. The screens are also used for shadow puppetry throughout the show.

Raised staging: 45cm high staging, 2m wide x 1m deep, ensuring everyone, even in very large groups, can see all of the action;

DMX coloured stage lighting: the very latest DMX coloured stage lighting is used throughout the show to create an intense & dynamic atmosphere throughout the performance.

Professional sound system & headset microphones: powered EV pro speakers, the DPA D-fine radio headset microphone & the Shure GLX bodypack are used to ensure crystal clear sound for even the very largest halls.

Audience participation: Students are used throughout the show to both participate in the audience (responding, singing or dancing along, creating scenes in the audience) & also join in on stage to operate puppets, dress in costume to become characters, create sets & props during the show, be part of improvised scenes or be contestants in a game show;

Full Q&A session after the show: a full Question & Answer session takes place, led by "Tony Bones" Appleby B.Ed., a qualified teacher with 24 years of experience running these sessions. Tony discusses in depth why he made certain decisions when creating the show (e.g. adding scenes or slightly changing them from the book, sets used, etc), and shows students how the props, sets, puppets, costumes, projections & sound were created for the show, as well as discussing the writing of the script & composing of the songs & music. A 25-minute FAQ video is also available to all staff & students after the show if more questions arise.

Lesson plans for teachers: Custom-created follow-up activities, discussion points & lesson plans are provided for all year levels, created by qualified teachers.

 

Public Liability Cover of $30,000,000 & Professional Indemnity Insurance of $10,000,000. Click here!!

 

 

Ticket Price (excl. GST) & minimum student numbers:

 

Live show:

 

• Within "Book Week" itself: $10.95+GST/student (1 show minimum 250 students, 2 show minimum 500 students, 3 show minimum 750 students, then $10.95+GST/student thereafter)

 

• Any other week outside of Book Week: $9.95+GST/student (1 show minimum 125 students, 2 show minimum 400 students, 3 show minimum 600 students, then $9.95+GST/student thereafter)

 

 

Payment Options:

 

How to pay: Direct deposit is our preferred payment method, but we also accept credit card (a 3% credit card surcharge applies).

 

When to pay: A signed contract is all that is needed to confirm your booking, rather than a pre-show deposit. No payment is required when booking. Full payment for the show is payable 2 weeks after the performance.

Year Levels: Foundation - Year 6. The show is designed as a whole school activity. It is both targeted & appropriate for all students from Pre-school right through to Year 6. Read more here.

 

Make an enquiry - Click here!!!

 

 

Reviews for 2025's "General Waste" live show

 

"Thanks for a great show!... Much appreciated... I have heard positive feedback, and yes, we are keen to book again next year" Belmont State School, Carindale, QLD

 

"Thank you sooooo much Tony. Loved every minute of the show... and the positive creative energy you bring." Redeemer Lutheran College, Rochedale, QLD

 

"Thanks for today. I heard it was fantastic. We would love to book again for next year, please." Nemingha PS, NSW

 

"Hi Tony, I just want to say a big thank you to you and Brendan for visiting our school. The feedback I have received has been fantastic. The kids LOVED it!!... I'm looking forward to hearing about your next project." Scone PS, NSW

 

"We absolutely LOVED the show, brilliant as per usual! Well done on your hard work to make it happen. We would love to book again for next year... Can’t wait to see you again next year!" Scone Grammar School, NSW

 

"Thanks for your performance. The feedback from both staff and students was that the show was entertaining, enjoyable and educational. The telling question of whether we should book your show again received an overwhelmingly positive response, so please keep in contact with our school and consider us on your next tour." St Brigid's CPS, Coonamble, NSW

 

"Thank you so much for a wonderful, engaging performance today.  Our students loved it!  We would like to book again with you for 2026." Holy Spirit CPS, North Ryde, NSW

 

"Thank you for being at our school today. We had (all of our) children attend your performance today, and know you keep them entertained." Melrose Park PS, NSW

 

"The performance was enjoyed by students and staff alike! Using humour and movement breaks, plus audience participation, really helps to bring books to life! We would love you to come and perform for us again next year." Cathedral CPS, Bathurst, NSW

 

"(The song) "General Waste" was sung to me multiple times, but it did show the impact you had. All the teachers I spoke to had really positive things to say. I was especially pleased that lots of my older students told me how much they enjoyed your performance. Our year four students were studying the book ("The All New Must Have Orange 430"), which has similar themes to General Waste and were able to use what they had seen to deepen their understanding across a number of texts. One Year 4 teacher was especially enchanted with your show. I have had to order more copies of General Waste. I would love to book you again next year if you are coming back up to Brisbane.” St Mark's School, Inala, QLD

 

"What a treat today! The incredible Tony Bones, Books to Life performer, brought the book General Waste to life in the most interactive and entertaining way! 🗑️🎭 Through energetic storytelling, clever characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, we explored the themes of waste, responsibility, and making better choices for our planet 🌍💚 Huge thanks to Books to Life for an unforgettable experience!... I have heard lots of people talking about your performance and how great it was!” Toronto PS, NSW

 

"Students were treated to a fun and lively performance of General Waste, a 2025 CBCA Notable Book, brought to life by Tony from Books To Life. With music, dance, and student participation, the story leapt off the page in the most entertaining way!” Cathedral PS, Bathurst, NSW

 

"Our students thoroughly enjoyed the performance of the book 'General Waste’ this week. Thank you to Mrs O’Neil for organising and Tony from the Books to Life performance group for his very funny interpretation.” Holy Spirit CPS, Nth Ryde, NSW

 

"Our primary students were entertained by the fabulous Tony Bones who brought the book 'General Waste' to life. General Waste is one of the 2025 CBCA (notable) listed books. Tony's engaging performance had our students singing, dancing and learning about how to reuse resources instead of wasting them!” Lake Cargelligo PS, NSW

 

"Our Junior School giggled, gasped, and joined in yesterday as General Waste leapt off the page and onto the stage thanks to the talented crew from Books To Life. From monster trucks to mountains of “stuff,” General Waste had us laughing and reflecting on how we use (and waste!) the things in our lives. Gram-Gram’s message? Joy often comes from the simple things. 💛 Thank you Books To Life for such an interactive, memorable performance for our students!” Hunter Valley GS, NSW

 

"St Nicholas of Myra students were treated to a performance by Tony Bones bringing Books to life with an engaging and interactive representation of General Waste by Michel Streich. The students laughed and enjoyed themselves whilst learning that we can reuse and recycle many things to help look after our environment.” St Nicholas of Myra PS, Penrith.

 

"This morning we had Books to Life visit us, performing ‘General Waste’ by Michel Streich ♻️🌏🌱
The students enjoyed the show, with interactive songs & learning more about how great it is to reduce, reuse & recycle. Tony Bones & Books To Life have been on the road for one week, with ten more up their sleeves. We are so lucky to have had them visit us & share this adaptation 🍃🌟📖" St Brigid's CPS, Coonamble, NSW

 

"The 'Books to Life' show delighted students with its vibrant performance, incorporating song, dance, puppets, and extensive props. 🕺😅 Both entertaining and educational, the production showcased General Waste's transformation, as Gram Gram taught him valuable lessons on minimizing waste... Thanks for an excellent performance, judging from the kids reaction, this was your best one yet!… Thank you for visiting our school yesterday, the students had a wonderful time" Medowie PS, NSW

 

"What an amazing performance — thank you so much! The students were raving about it for days afterward, and I even had parents mentioning how much they’d heard about it from their kids… We would absolutely love to book you again for 2026.” Chipping Norton PS, NSW

 

"Thank you again for your amazing performance.” McAuley CPS, Rose Bay, NSW

 

"Thank you for the show. It was amazing and all the kids and teachers enjoyed it.” St Bishoy C, Mt Druitt, NSW

 

"Thank you so much… The children and the staff alike loved your performance yesterday. We all thoroughly enjoyed it… Also we would love to lock in a date for next year... I have heard that everyone loved your show and we hope to have you back next year.”” St Margaret Mary's CPS, Randwick North, NSW

 

"Thank you for performing at our school yesterday! Our students and teachers really enjoyed your show and I have had lots of positive comments today in follow up.” Cartwright PS, Liverpool, NSW

 

"Tony Bones and his team from Books to Life brought the book General Waste to life on stage in a fun and engaging way. Some students were even lucky enough to participate during the show!” Nulkaba PS, NSW

 

"Thanks again for the great show today at Smalls Road Public School. I wanted to thank you not only for your usual excellent performance, but also for absolutely making the day of one of our students - specifically the boy who you let hold your General Waste puppet. This boy is one of our support unit students and has been having a very challenging year. He has a ginormous interest in puppets and ventriloquism, and often brings in a range of his own puppets to share. His face absolutely lit up when he saw your puppet come out on stage, and then to see him have the opportunity to be on stage with you, and then have the incredible privilege of holding and controlling your puppet meant the absolute world to him. I also thank you for your patience and going along with him even when he went a little off script! His teachers were thrilled to see him in his element and have said it’s the happiest they have seen him-ever! Again, we all thank you for giving him that very special and no doubt memorable experience… Thanks again, and best of luck with the rest of your performance season.” Smalls Road PS, Ryde, NSW

 

"Hi Tony, Thanks for another wonderful Book Week performance." Thornhill PS, Thornhill Park, VIC.

 

"Hi Tony, Thanks so much for coming to our school. The students thoroughly enjoyed it. We would love to book you again for 2026, please!" Miners Rest PS, VIC.

 

"Hi Tony, We all loved your performance of ‘General Waste’ and we are very keen to book again for next year!" Toorak College, Mt Eliza, VIC.

 

"Thank you so much, Tony, for a wonderful Book Week performance on 'General Waste'. It had all the elements we look for, and your use of all different forms of multimedia was impressive!!! Constant engagement of the students with their participation and movement kept everyone focused. The students continued singing and talking about it all day Friday. I have already recommended you to a number of friends and schools, and we would love to book you in for 2027!!" St Joseph the Worker PS, Reservoir, VIC.

 

"Thanks again for an entertaining end to our festival. The students loved it, as did the staff." Melbourne Grammar School, Caulfield, VIC

 

"Hi Tony, Thanks again for a brilliant show yesterday! Feedback on the ground from the kids today at school has all been very positive." Woady Yaloak PS, Ross Creek, VIC

 

"Lots of positive remarks from students, aides and teachers, such as “Great fun”, “Always a fantastic show”, “He’s so funny!”, “I really liked the ‘I bought a mug!’ song and when he wiggled his bottom!”, “I always look forward to this each year”, “It is amazing that he creates all this himself from a book”, “I like that there’s always a good message in the performance” and “Thank you for organising this show. The students love it.” Birralee PS, Doncaster, VIC

 

Hi Tony, Thanks so much for your wonderful performance last Friday. All the children reflected on the show this week, and all were well aware of the message being given throughout the show. Staff were amazed by your talents. Thank you once again." St John Vianney's PS, Parkdale, VIC.

 

"Hi Tony, Thanks again for last Wednesday. The kids absolutely loved it!" Phoenix P-12 College, Redan Campus, VIC.

 

"Thanks Tony, we really enjoyed your performance on the 23rd of Sep at Naracoorte Sunrise Christian School. We particularly appreciated your time spending with our secondary students, talking through your career and all that goes into putting on a show like that. It was great for our Drama/Music/Performing Arts students and linked well to curriculum. I thought it was great the way you incorporated movement for the students throughout the show to keep them engaged. It was great to have the pre-show video to view before your performance to gain context of the book. We also enjoyed the video at the end to connect with the students on a personal level and get them up and moving again. Fantastic presentation, thanks so much!" Sunrise CS, Naracoote, SA

 

"Thank you so much for an amazing performance. This was thoroughly enjoyed by all staff and students. I'd love to go ahead with booking again for next year." Bute Early Learning & PS, SA

"Thanks again for your show - the kids loved it!" Balcombe GS, Mount Martha, VIC

 

"Many thanks for a great show!!!" Andersons Creek PS, VIC

 

 

"Hi Tony! Thank you for your email, we also LOVED the show!" Mirniyan PS, Clyde North, VIC