About the show:

 

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

 

Drama: a variety of performance styles within the show: Melodrama, Pantomime, Musical Theatre, Physical Theatre, Mime, Puppetry, Game show, Improvisation, etc.

 

Dance: a variety of dance styles within the show: Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, etc.

 

Music: a variety of music styles in the show: Pop, Hip Hop, RnB, Rap, Rock, Music Theatre, Folk, etc;

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

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

 

Painted sets:  Painted on fabric, plywood, cardboard & paper.

Digital projections: 2 x 16:9 digital projectors cast images of the book, digital images of sets, animations, explosions & lighting displays onto large freestanding 100" rear projection screens on either side of the stage creating an incredible viewing experience for the students. They are also used for shadow puppetry in the show.

Raised staging: 45cm high staging 2m wide x 1m deep ensure 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 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 over 16 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.

 

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: $11.95+GST/student (1 show minimum 250 students, 2 show minimum 500 students, 3 show minimum 750 students, then $11.95+GST/student thereafter)

 

• Any other week outside of Book Week: $10.95+GST/student (1 show minimum 125 students, 2 show minimum 400 students, 3 show minimum 600 students, then $10.95+GST/student thereafter)

 

 

Payment Options:

 

How to pay: Direct deposit is our preferred payment method but we also accept credit card. Please note that a 3% surcharge applies for payments made by credit card.

 

When to pay: No payment is required when booking; it is just a signed contract. 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 our last Book Week show: 2026's "Being Indy"

 

"Thank you so much for your visit today!! As always, it was super polished, theatrical and a beautiful performance. I love the songs and your singing, and the way you engaged the kids. I especially loved Indy's ballad about being out in the rain and talking puppets on the bridge. Your wife and daughter sound like they have made a special mark with all the beautiful backdrop and props like the bird's nest - so cool!!" Redeemer Lutheran College, Rochedale, QLD

 

"Primary students were treated to readers' for their first day back. Books to Life visited our school to perform a readers theatre performance of Being Indy, a CBCA 2027 shortlisted book for best new illustrator. The event was filled with games, song and story with many of our Primary students participating in this fun literacy-based event." Nambucca Valley Christian Community School, NSW

 

"Thank you so much for yesterday’s performance. The kids were thrilled and we have some amazing photos to add to our socials. The book is now flying into the classroom for a reread! We would also love to organise a visit to us next year!... FROM PAGE TO STAGE. The SGS Library has been buzzing since our librarian, Mrs Strachan announced ‘Books To Life’ would be performing. Books To Life brought “Being Indy’ to our primary students - live on stage. Based on the book by Zoe Gaetjens & Estee Sarsfield, published by Westword’s Children's. The STLC was packed with happy, whispering students. Then Tony "Bones" Appleby stepped out... and Being Indy leapt straight off the page! Drama. Dance. Puppetry. Music. So many laughs! Painted sets. An original song. Gasps and giggles filled the room. Hands shot up for every audience moment. Everyone wanted to be picked! Even the quiet students were on the edge of their seats. Then came Q&A and the questions did NOT stop. Puppets? Masks? Songs? How does one guy play THAT many characters?! From the back of the room, our SGS librarians were beaming. A story doesn't need to stay on the page to be loved - sometimes it just needs a stage. Huge thanks to our amazing SGS librarians for making this happen!" Scone Grammar School, NSW

 

"Thanks so much for your brilliant show today. Can you please book us for next year? We'd love to have you back!" Scone PS, NSW

 

"Fabulous show, yet again! Thank you... We kicked off the term with an engaging Books to Life show, bringing favourite stories to the stage and inspiring a love of reading in our students. It was a fantastic way to start the term, filled with imagination, laughter, and learning." Nemingha PS, NSW

 

"Thank you for your performance today. It was warmly received by our students, and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Thank you again for a wonderful performance." St Philip's Christian College, Port Stephens, NSW

 

"Thanks for another fabulous show. The staff and students raved about how brilliant it was and how you ensured that it covered a range of outcomes and age ranges. St Brigid's Coonamble would love to have you back in 2027 if at all possible." St Brigid's, Coonamble, NSW

 

"I wanted to write to thank you for the wonderful performance you gave our students last Wednesday. We all thoroughly enjoyed the show and are, amazed at how you included the children in all aspects of the story. They were so engaged. We would love to be on the list for next year's production - count us in!" St Joseph's PS, Molong, NSW

 

"This is the third year that Tony has brought Books To Life at our school. Tony's use of songs, puppetry, movement breaks, props and costumes meant the performance was engaging for all our students, ranging from Kindergarten to Year 6. Thank you for bringing this show to the Central West so our students can experience live theatre at a very reasonable cost!... Cathedral School students were captivated by an entertaining and engaging performance inspired by the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) 2026 Notable Book, Being Indy by Zoe Gaetjens. Performer Tony from Books To Life brought the story to life with music, dance and plenty of energy, with some special help from our enthusiastic Cathedral students! It was a wonderful interactive experience that celebrated the joy of reading, storytelling and imagination. A big thank you to Tony and Books To Life for an unforgettable performance that had everyone smiling! 🎭📖 “ Cathedral CPS, Bathurst, NSW

 

"Thank you so much for this morning. I have had many students telling me they loved it.” St Mark's Coptic Orthodox College - Junior School, Wattle Grove, NSW

 

"Thank you, Tony, for the amazing show. Everyone loved the show.”  St Bishoy Coptic Orthodox College, Mt Druitt, NSW

 

"We would love to book you again next year. The kids (and teachers) absolutely enjoyed your performance (as usual).” Hawkesbury IS, Kurrajong, NSW

 

"An absolute pleasure to have you at MPS! Students and staff loved the stories and the show! We look forward to having you back very soon!” Merewether PS, NSW

 

"Students of Braddock PS were very excited to watch and participate in a performance of Being Indy, produced by @books.to.life.theatre.in.ed This delightful production was based off our very own picture book Being Indy, written by Zoe Gaetjens and illustrated by Estee Sarsfield. The one-man show brought the book to life through music, song and storytelling, thoroughly captivating students and teachers alike.” Westwords Children’s Publishing.

 

"Our St Nicholas of Myra students kicked off Book Week in spectacular style with an amazing performance by Tony Bones and his Books to Life! Each year, Tony chooses a book from the CBCA Shortlist and brings its characters and story to life on stage. This year, our students were treated to Being Indy, a wonderful story about trying to fit in, discovering who we really are, and recognising the true worth of being yourself. A huge thank you to Tony for once again delivering an incredible performance and helping our students see just how magical books can be! “ St Nicholas of Myra PS, Penrith, NSW

 

"As part of our celebrations for Book Week, all classes watched a performance from Books to Life about one of the picture books of the year “Being Indy”. It was an engaging and entertaining presentation with important messages for all of us to learn from the story. Thank you Mrs O’Neill for organising this event.” Holy Spirit CS, North Ryde, NSW

"Students loved seeing Tony Bones “Books to Life” performance today, based on the book BEING INDY! What a fabulous, fun show! Thank you Miss A for organising a great show! 👏👏👏” Chipping Norton PS, NSW

 

"Today, our JC students were delighted to experience Being Indy by Zoe Gaetjens and Estee Sarsfield, brought to life by Tony Bones from Books to Life. All students were so engaged in the performance and loved the interactive components. Through singing, dancing, puppetry, interactive games and digital displays, Tony shared important messages about inclusion, courage and celebrating our differences. It was a wonderful experience for everyone involved, inspiring creativity, kindness and confidence in our students ✨😊 “ Caroline Chisholm School, ACT

 

"Our students were captivated as Books to Life brought Being Indy to life through an engaging and interactive performance! 📚🎭 The performance sparked imaginations, inspired creativity, and reminded us of the magic that stories can create. Thank you to Books to Life for such a memorable experience! 🌟💙” Merewether PS, NSW

 

"💛 BOOKS TO LIFE 💚 Today our students enjoyed an amazing interactive performance by Tony Bones, Being Indy. The show shared an important message about embracing our differences and celebrating what makes each of us unique. It was a fun, engaging experience that encouraged kindness, acceptance, and the confidence to be ourselves. Thank you, Tony Bones, for such an inspiring performance!” Toronto PS, NSW

 

"Our students were treated to Being Indy, a live children’s theatre production by Books to Life! It was a heartwarming story celebrating individuality and courage - an inspiring lead up to the CBCA Book Week celebrations.” St Mary’s CPS, Orange, NSW

 

"Assumption School enjoyed a special presentation by "Tony Bones" from "Books to Life", last week. Tony engaged every student in a very unique learning experience using CBCA Shortlisted text "Being Indy". He used song, games, puppetry and story-telling to bring this beautiful story to life. At least 35 students held very special roles assisting in some way throughout the afternoon. Tony finished with a great Q&A and staff were thrilled with the quality of questions posed by our students.” Assumption CS, Bathurst, NSW

 

"👏🌟📚 Last Friday, our students were spellbound by Tony Bones’ live performance of the Children’s Book Council of Australia shortlisted story "Being Indy" by Zoe Gaetjens and Estee Sarsfield. 👏🌟📚 Through singing, dancing, puppets, interactive games and digital displays, Tony highlighted the importance of inclusion, courage and accepting our differences. Thank you, Tony, for inspiring creativity and kindness in our students!” Medowie PS, NSW

 

"Thanks for visiting us, Tony Bones! We were thrilled to welcome Tony Bones today as he brought another wonderful book to life for us. Being Indy explores inclusion, embracing differences, finding your voice, and navigating challenging personalities in the playground. Through songs, dance, puppets and plenty of audience participation, Tony delivered a fun and memorable storytelling experience that had everyone captivated. We absolutely loved it!” St Phillip’s CC, Port Stephens, NSW

 

"📚✨ Today, our students are enjoying an exciting visit from Books to Life! This year's featured book, Being Indy, has been brought to life through an engaging, interactive performance that has had students from Kindergarten to Year 6 laughing, participating and being immersed in the story 📖👏” Holy Family PS, Kelso, NSW

 

“Last Thursday our entire school was thrilled to experience a captivating live performance by Tony Bones from the renowned drama company Books To Life. He brought the shortlisted book, ‘Being Indy’ to life right here in our hall stage, leaving everyone inspired and entertained. What an unforgettable way to celebrate the power of storytelling” Scone PS, NSW

 

"On Monday the students enjoyed a performance by Tony Bones. It was a performance based on the book 'Being Indy, by Zoe Gaetjens, a story of trying to fit in and discovering the true worth of being yourself, and of courage and kindness.” Lake Cargelligo PS, NSW

 

“A wonderful performance by Tony Bones” Epping Heights Public School, NSW

 

"Hi Tony, Thank you again for visiting our school for Book Week and performing Being Indy. The show was fabulous, engaging and wonderfully interactive. All of our students were captivated and thoroughly engaged throughout the performance." Ashcroft PS, NSW

 

"Thank you very much for your wonderful performance… I was hoping that you could book us in again next year... 6R had a fantastic time watching Being Indy, thoroughly enjoying seeing the engaging picture book brought to life on stage! ” Northbourne PS, NSW

 

“Thank you… We really enjoyed the show today!” Melton Christian College, Brookfield Campus, VIC

 

"Thank you for the wonderful performance. The children were engaged, and the message was such an important one for them to hear. We really appreciate the time and effort you and your crew put in to make these so impressive." Melton Christian College, Toolern Vale Campus, VIC

 

"Thanks for another great show on Monday. Everyone here agrees that you and your team do an amazing job with the whole performance, set, props, music and student involvement... Teachers have commented that your shows are so professional compared to other ones they’ve seen… (and) that you have a lovely singing voice 😊.” Birralee PS, Doncaster, VIC

 

"Thank you again for a great performance in Book Week. We loved the show and your performance... I will spread the word about how great you are" Haileybury College, Brighton, VIC

 

 

"Hi Tony, Great show, thanks again." St John Vianney's PS, Parkdale, VIC

 

"Fabulous show once again. Thanks!” Port Melbourne PS, VIC

 

"Thanks again. The performance was fabulous. Please forward us dates for next year." Middle Park PS, VIC

 

"All the children and teachers absolutely loved your Book Week performance of Being Indy. It was such a wonderful experience for everyone." Toorak College, Mornington, VIC

 

"Thank you again for this morning - I, as well as many of our students and staff, thoroughly enjoyed the performance." Phoenix P-12 College, Redan, VIC

 

"Positive feedback from both staff and students... I saw one of your shows today at Woady Yaloak Primary School and WOW... The book itself is beautiful. So many teachable moments. Tonight I have so many more ideas and excitement for teaching with this book." Woady Yaloak PS, Ross Creek, VIC

 

"Today we had Tony Bones from Books to Life share a spectacular performance about one of the Book Week books ‘Being Indy’. A story about trying to fit in and discovering the true worth of being yourself. Puppets, songs and audience participation enjoyed by all!" Sacred Heart PS, Tatura, VIC

 

"Our students had the opportunity to experience Being Indy, an interactive performance based on one of this year’s shortlisted books. It was fantastic to see the story brought to life and our students getting involved in the action!" Tongala PS, VIC

 

"Thanks, Tony, for another amazing performance! My grade absolutely loved it, especially those who were able to take part" Churchill PS, VIC

 

"Thank you for the fantastic performance yesterday. The students loved it." Naranga School, Frankston, VIC

 

"Hi Tony, Thanking you again for a wonderful performance. The staff and students really enjoyed the experience. We would like you to visit us again in 2027, hopefully around the same time," Andersons Creek PS, VIC

 

"We would love to rebook you for 2027" St Joseph's PS, Chelsea, VIC

 

"Many thanks, Tony and James, for visiting us this afternoon and putting on such a great show!... If possible, we would love to book you for next year" The Hamilton and Alexandra College, Hamilton, VIC