May 25, 2026 Anna Robb Sustainability, theatre
For more than 20 years, Andy Packer has been shaping bold, visually rich theatre for young audiences and families as the artistic director of Slingsby Theatre Company. His work blends storytelling, music, and design to explore complex themes like identity, belonging, and hope without losing a sense of wonder.
In this episode of the StageLync Podcast, Andy reflects on Slingsby’s international touring journey, its collaborative creative process, and the challenges of balancing artistic ambition with sustainability. He also discusses the company’s innovative new touring model and how theatre can help audiences, especially young people, make sense of a changing world.
Ep.90: Andy Packer: Artistic Director/CEO, Slingsby - “Telling stories of darkness is really a way to point towards the light” (Video)
Ep.90: Andy Packer: Artistic Director/CEO, Slingsby - “Telling stories of darkness is really a way to point towards the light” (Video)
May 25, 2026
Andy is an award-winning director of theatre, music theatre and opera. He has also worked as a creative producer of multidisciplinary arts programs, creative director of large-scale events and festival director. In 2007 Andy co-founded theatre company Slingsby, based on Kaurna Meyunna Yerta, Adelaide Plains.
Slingsby is internationally renowned for emotionally powerful storytelling for audiences aged 8 and up. The company’s productions have toured across all states and territories of Australia alongside international touring in New Zealand, USA, Canada, Singapore, China, India, Spain, Norway, UK, Scotland and Ireland, with repeat invitations to New Victory Theatre - New York, Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, Dublin Theatre Festival, Baboró International Arts Festival for Children and Sydney Opera House.
Credits for the StageLync Podcast
Hosts: Anna Robb
Editor: Rose Anne Fermocil
Music: Jeremy Willi
Design: Roselle Bernardo
Production Coordinator: Roselle Bernardo and Alexandra Baxter
Producers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis
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