Emil and the Detectives

Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki | Auckland Arts Festival presents a super-sleuth romp for the whole family! Join the adventures of young Emil and a gang of streetwise city kids as they team up to outsmart a dastardly thief.

Emil’s caught the train to the big city and is on a mission to deliver her mum’s hard-earned savings to Grandma. But what to do when a man in a bowler hat swindles her and disappears with all the money?

Adapting the classic children’s novel that redefined the whole kids-versus-adults genre, acclaimed family theatre experts Slingsby use the magic of lighting and shadows to spin a yarn rich with intrigue, quick wits and true grit. They say, “never underestimate the determination of a child”: Emil and the Detectives will have you cheering at every moment these youngsters triumph over tricksters – and then some.

Recommended for ages 8+
Contains lighting effects, smoke/haze effects
“Emil and the Detectives delights, intrigues and astonishes its audience... an outstanding piece of children’s theatre... [and] an experience to be savoured by all.” — InDaily

“For 10 years, Singsby... has been making captivating theatre for young audiences... Emil and the Detectives is no exception... [it’s] a theatrical delight.” — The Australian

Slingsby is supported by the Government of South Australia through Arts South Australia, and by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.