Bunktopia by Bunk Puppets

Date: Sunday 17 May
Times: See below
Location: Tank 3
Cost: Free

The creator of Sticks Stones Broken Bones, Swamp Juice, Slapdash Galaxy and Bunkasaurus, Jeff Achtem (Bunk Puppets) trots out a selection of his favourite puppetry characters and clown adventures.

In each scene, the audience witnesses the transformation of everyday household objects into evocative and hilarious shadow puppet sketches. Watch out for flying popcorn, brain surgeons, speedy chickens, a giant troll, pool noodle lightsabres, invisible guardians — and even a snail romance.

It’s an uplifting and imaginative showcase of old and new puppets for audiences of all ages.

DoorsShow (1hr)
Show 19.00am9.30am
Show 210.50am11.20am
Show 312.40pm1.10pm

★★★★★ “Something really exceptional” – The Advertiser

★★★★★ “An absolute master of the worlds he creates” – FringeReview

“He reminds you what your imagination is for” – The Skinny

“Innovative, memorable. Fun” – The Times UK

“It’s hard to imagine a more entertaining, generous or inspirational show” – FringeReview Adelaide

“A hilarious, ingenious show” – Adelaide Theatre Guide

“Pure theatre magic, filling the room with joy and wonder” – NY Theater Now

“Unmissable pleasure” – BroadwayWorld

Accessibility icons: See key after map

Noisy Space accessibility iconPerformance accessibility icon


Tanks Venue Map

Save this map to your phone ahead of the festival.


Keep exploring...

More from Cairns Children's Festival

Program: Sun 17 May

Sunday is our famous free family fun day at Tanks Arts Centre and the Cairns Botanic Gardens!

Program: Sat 16 May

Saturday presents a day of free and ticketed entertainment across Cairns Performing Arts Centre and Cairns City Library!

A Quieter Journey

We're excited to offer an inclusive experience, designed to accommodate audiences who may need quieter spaces, less crowds, or alternative ways to enjoy the shows.

Last Updated: 25 March 2026

Latest News > All News

More than $200,000 for community events

A total of $203,427 will be invested through Round 18 of the Community Partnerships Grants, supporting 18 community events and...

Community & Lifestyle
29 May 2026

Cairns Botanic Gardens giant comes to bloom

The Cairns Botanic Gardens is home to some impressive tropical flora, including the Titan Arum, affectionately known as the ‘corpse...

Community & Lifestyle
29 May 2026

Council encourages development in Cairns

A new streamlined policy encouraging more development across Cairns will help unlock investment, boost housing diversity and support local jobs....

Council Projects & Services
28 May 2026