When Emma Memma packs for a jungle picnic, she doesn’t just bring snacks.
She brings a world.
Tucked between the apple and carrot in her bag are lip balm, headphones, a computer — and always a drawing pad with pencils.
“There’s always some point where I can’t explain what I need,” she said.
“I’m always trying to draw things.”
It’s a glimpse into the creative mind behind the sparkle: thoughtful, practical and endlessly imaginative.
On Thursday, April 16 at 10am, that imagination bursts on to the stage at Riverlinks Eastbank, as the Jungle Picnic Tour rolls into town.
Tickets are $42.50, and Emma is especially excited to return.
“This is our third year back to Shepparton, which is amazing,” Emma said.
For Emma, regional visits carry extra meaning.
Having grown up in a regional community herself and now living in one again, she understands the ‘arts access gap’ outside metro centres.
“A lot of families and educators reach out to us because they know that our show is flexible and small enough to be able to bring to regional centres,” she said.
Emma has worked closely with students from Guthrie St Primary School in Shepparton, particularly within the deaf facility, reinforcing her long-standing commitment to Auslan and accessibility.
Sign language has been part of her life since primary school, when she grew up alongside deaf friends.
That early experience shaped not only her performance style, but her academic path — later shaping her PhD research into embedding Auslan into children’s media as a shared, joyful language.
On stage, that philosophy is visible in every movement.
Emma and her co-performer Elvin Lam sign the entire show, alongside a dedicated interpreter at every performance.
Elvin, who is profoundly deaf, performs in perfect sync with Emma using carefully crafted cues.
“We basically dance as one person now,” Emma said.
Behind the scenes, the whole team continues to learn Auslan — accessibility woven into the fabric of the production.
Fresh off her second ARIA Award win, Emma said there was an extra “oomph” behind this year’s 40-date national tour.
Her new album, Jungle Picnic, features 16 original, story-driven songs alongside favourites such as Twirly Tuesday.
Music runs through every part of her world — including at home.
Her husband, producer Oliver Brian, works closely with her on the music, helping shape the sound that has become unmistakably Emma Memma: warm, whimsical and wonderfully inclusive.
Many families first met Emma in a yellow skivvy in The Wiggles, where she spent a decade performing to packed arenas.
Her journey hasn’t been without challenge.
Emma has spoken openly about living with endometriosis, navigating surgeries and recovery while maintaining a demanding touring schedule.
The boundless energy on stage is matched by resilience off it.
Families can expect Dad dance competitions, trunk-swaying choreography and hands moving in rhythm.
Jungle hats are optional.
Big smiles are compulsory.
Purchase tickets at tinyurl.com/3tmu53h8
Listen to Pip Turton’s full interview with Emma Memma on our podcast here:
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