If you've never heard of Laser Beak Man, here's what you need to know: Tim Sharp, a Queensland artist who has autism, created the mystical superhero when he was just 11 years old as a way of sharing his humour and imagination with the world. The character has been adapted into books and a Cartoon Network series, and its success has seen Sharp's work exhibited all around the world.
But one of Laser Beak Man's most formidable forms is as the star of his own stage show. This production from Brisbane uses spectacular, colourful and wildly funny animations alongside live puppets from Queensland's Dead Puppet Society (and even a few flying puppets). In the stage show, Laser Beak Man loses his powers (namely, the ability to shoot lasers from his beak) and has to beat his nemesis, Peter Bartman, to restore peace to Power City.
All of this plays out to live soundtrack of '60s-flavoured rock performed live by Ball Park Music's Sam Cromack.
Laser Beak Man is recommended for ages eight and up, but that doesn't mean it's only for kids. Grown ups will get plenty from the visual spectacle, smartly funny storytelling and stellar soundtrack.