The Toymaker is an orginal story conceived by Graham, workshoped by the performers and director. It was first performed in Centennial Park, Sydney NSW - Dec 1991

The Toymaker is a modern day Australian fairytale. Bush characters, trolls, fairies and an original music score come together under the shade of the trees to create this enchanting production enjoyed by the child in all of us.

"..costumes were magical...”

“..compelling story!"

"...The troll was wild"

The Toymaker has enjoyed many hundreds of performances. A season at the Adelaide Zoo, as part of the Adelaide Fringe Festival had sell out crowds.

It continues to be one of JAM Theatre's most popular stories.

The characters & costumes are great and the songs catchy

The Toymaker can be presented as theatre and also storytelling

Lowdown Magasine Review

JAM Theatre's season of 'The Toymaker ' in Centennial Park, Sydney, saw a welcome return for this delightful children's play. This is the sixth major production for the company which has been going from strength to strength since its move from Melbourne early last year.

Very little has changed from ' The Toymaker's debut in 1994. Alice Moseby, Jam's Co-ordinator, says that the production was tightened a little here and there, but remains the same in essence. This shows in the ease and comfort the actors have with their material.

Graham Weekes ' script was specially adapted for the Centennial Park setting, amidst pine trees and the distant view of the city. The twilight show is an ideal time to evoke an atmosphere of make-believe and fantasy. The actors cavort around their grassy stage with a genuine glee for their characters and the story.

The production is focused on involving the imagination and active participation of the young audience in this "Australian" interpretation of a traditional European fairytale,

The players' costumes and music present an Australian interpretation of travelling minstrels - blue tongue lizard included. Special modern touches add more variety, including the hilarious "Bat Rap" song.

Full points still should go to Jam's efforts to devise unique theatre which is captivating for younger children. To place theatre in settings such as the park, a barn (for 'Charlotte's Web'), the zoo (for "The Empty Cage '), and the snowy mountains (for 'Winter Magic') is to associate young minds with theatre as an interactive experience, appropriate for any environment.

Kate Pockley (1996)