The award-winning picture book Diary of a Wombat, by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley, has charmed young – and not only young – people around the world since it was first published in 2002.

Now fans can see the story brought to life with puppetry and live music when it comes to the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on Wednesday, April 5 for two shows.

Theatre goers will also have the opportunity to pat a real wombat before both of the shows, thanks to Shoalhaven Zoo.

The show follows the adventures of Mothball – the naughtiest wombat in Australia. 

Mothball goes in search of shelter and food, creating chaos in the lives of the humans around her. Doormats, bins and washing lines are no match for this mischievous marsupial. 

Author Jackie French had an opportunity to preview the show and work with the artists involved.

At the end of the preview, which was just a few scenes and not the entire play, the audience was dead silent for about 40 seconds before erupting in a standing ovation.

Ms French said the performers were employing a new theatrical technique, using 3D technology to create the puppets.

“The main wombat they used was just so realistic,” Ms French said.

“There was a scene where the wombat attacks a doormat. 

“You can see every muscle twitch and quiver as the wombat prepares to pounce. The tension in the theatre at that moment sent a chill down your spine.”

Ms French acknowledged more than technical skills brought the book to life: the story itself – the relationship that develops between two species who can never understand each other  –  has wide appeal.

“It tells how two humans and a wombat learn to co-exist,” Ms French said.

“I loved Mothball very much. It was very strange for me to see her again – the puppet is so realistic, so like her – I found myself having a bit of cry,” she said.

Author Jackie French AM is an Australian author, historian,  ecologist and the 2015 Senior Australian of the Year.

She has lived for more than 40 years at the top of the gorge in the Araluen Valley.  

Jackie’s books have sold millions of copies and won over 60 awards in Australia and internationally.

Illustrator and Berry resident Bruce Whatley has written and/or illustrated over 80 children’s picture books. 

Though based in Australia his work is published internationally and was featured in the 2014 Bologna Book Fair. His main inspiration has been his family, who feature in several of his earlier picture books.

For tickets and more information, visit the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre website.