But where some might see a short and sweet book to read before bed, Jolyon saw something else: the beginnings of a stage show.
“For a beautifully simple book, Imagine has a powerful message for us all but especially for young people,” he said.
“It teaches us that there is beauty and joy hidden all around us and a world viewed through the lens of creativity and imagination is one that elevates us all.”
That spark grew into Imagine Live!, a live performance weaving puppetry, digital animation, live music and play, headed to Riverlinks Eastbank in Shepparton on June 20 and 21.
To capture that feeling of wonder and freedom that can be found within the pages of Imagine, Jolyon worked closely with composer Nate Gilkes to shape the music and scenes like “a song cycle”, alongside a trusted team of artists including Ashlea Pyke and Philip McInnes.
The production took nearly three years to develop, including several creative workshops and community sessions. One key moment in that process was a visit to Alison Lester’s own property.
“She generously took us through her process and reflected upon writing the book all those years ago,” Jolyon said.
“I was very clear that I didn’t simply want to reproduce the book on stage but capture the very feeling of reading the book to my children.”
That intimacy is felt in the details. At one point in the show, the cast constructs a life-sized elephant out of everyday household items, a direct nod to Jolyon’s own children’s play at home.
There’s also a 10-metre screen used to project Alison’s illustrations, reimagined in animation. Sometimes, they simply appear as they are, letting audiences appreciate them on a new scale.
One of Jolyon’s favourite scenes is right at the beginning.
“The opening image of the giant book entering the stage and circling the audience like a wedge-tailed eagle, settling on its nest.
“I love how this book later transforms a beautiful manta ray in an ocean of jellyfish umbrellas.
“After our opening night in Melbourne I saw some children flying their own copies of the book around the foyer like a bird and I thought, this is exactly what this show is about.
“At its best, theatre is about transformation, the intersection of your own imagination with a real world.
“Something very special happens in that space.”
Beneath the visual feast and joyful play is a clear purpose: a deep belief in the importance of creativity for young people. For Jolyon, the show speaks to a deeper truth about the challenges many children are facing today.
“It is fair to say that we are in the grips of a mental health crisis for young people at the moment,” he said.
“Nearly every study I’ve read points to creativity, imagination and play as powerful ways to build resilience, self-esteem and a positive self-concept.
“Right from the opening speech we have carefully built in moments to stretch and self-regulate, as well as the opportunity to participate and contribute to the action.”
Imagine Live! is recommended for kids aged 4 to 12, and maybe a few grown-ups in need of a reminder that imagination still matters.
When: Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21
Where: Riverlink Eastbank, 70 Welsford St, Shepparton
Tickets are available for purchase here.
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