Erth's Prehistoric Aquarium is an incredible display of puppetry, which rivals that of their other famous show; Erth's Dinosaur Zoo, which I also had the honour of seeing last time it rolled through Perth.
This production is lots of fun for the whole family, mainly due to the fun, exciting, engaging and most importantly informative hosts of the show.
The puppets were so realistic, with incredible designs and movement, that you completely forget that there is a team of highly skilled puppeteers right in front of you. The sound and lighting effects were executed perfectly, which added so much humour and atmosphere from the very get-go. The pre-show lighting, set the mood, even before the show started, with the use of blue lighting creating the feeling of being in a world, under the sea.
The animals focused on in the show are based on prehistoric creatures which were found in and around Australia and features select creatures from different periods of time, as well as different depths of the ocean. Starting at the surface and ending at the very bottom of the deep dark ocean, it was absolutely mesmerising and sometimes scary, especially when a gigantic see-through angler fish, displaying its bioluminescent lure, razor sharp teeth and intricate internal organs swam out of the darkness.
The audience participation was somewhat minor, but nevertheless exciting, with some of the aquatic, prehistoric creatures flying, or should I say swimming, right over our heads, sniffing the outstretched hands of those who were brave enough to meet them.
Just when you think this show couldn't get any better, it manages to top itself, particularly with its finale of an aquatic dinosaur battle, between two massive predatory creatures, which is both exhilarating and just a tiny bit scary.
Be sure to bring some extra money on the day, as there is a vast array of displayed merchandise in the lobby, including modelling kits, toys and real fossils for you to take home as a keepsake to remember your special outing. Don't forget to bring camera to get a photo with the Triceratops out the front and keep your ears open, to discover the secret sounds of the wetlands, in the wall opposite.
