When Estelle Brown and Izzy Leclezio first started creating Dreams of a Lonely Planet in 2020, they didn’t set out to make children’s work. During their final Honours year studying a Bachelor of Arts (Dance) at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, the duo made a short 15-minute work as part of a student choreography project. It was here that the concept of Dreams of a Lonely Planet was born.
Of that initial project and finding their collaborative style, the pair said, “We found that we shared an imaginative and childlike quality, with a passion for storytelling. We also enjoyed creating from our inner child, not shying away from both the playful and the vulnerable sides of this.”
This was apparent to those who saw this early development with so
me people suggesting the piece be made for young audiences and so marked the beginning of their company Flying Bicycle Collective.
Despite the company’s mission of making contemporary dance accessible to young viewers, the team explain that their work is not just for children but really for intergenerational audiences, with adults of all ages finding symbolism and meaning in their stories.
“We have found that making work for young audiences is in fact incredibly layered and reveals just as much to our adult selves.”
Dreams of a Lonely Planet follows Boy who, down on earth, feels nervous and confused. All he wants is to be alone and far away from judgemental eyes – a feeling all of us can relate to at times! The story is a tender and curious exploration of identity and belonging.
Since its original 15-minute showcase back in August 2020, the piece has undergone several iterations. The second development was a 30-minute show at FRINGE WORLD Festival as part of State of Play in January 2022. The third development was a full-length 50-minute show at The Blue Room Theatre as part of AWESOME Arts Festival, which led to the show as we know it today.
These iterations were supported by various seed funds and successful small grants, but it wasn’t long before the show’s progress would hit a roadblock.
“In 2023 we pitched our show at CircuitWest Showcase and secured interest from a number of venues, so we independently applied for Playing WA funding to take the show on tour for 2024.”
This grant was ultimately unsuccessful. That same year they applied for another grant from Arts Impact WA – also unsuccessful.
But they didn’t let that stop them!
“In 2024, we returned to [the CircuitWest] Showcase to network with regional venues with a plan to reapply for funding and high hopes CircuitWest would pick us up as a show.”
That they did, which changed everything.
With CircuitWest on board acting as tour coordinator, the Dreams of a Lonely Planet team are now heading to Kalamunda, Merredin, Karratha, Port Hedland, Beverley, Harvey, Narrogin and Margaret River, from late August to the start of October.
It is a huge undertaking to tour regionally to this scale, and the team say it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of CircuitWest.
“Sharing the workload with CircuitWest means we have time to be artists, focussing on the creative choices in this project, not just the logistical. Navigating this process alone would have been very hard with many uncertainties as early career artists. With CircuitWest’s support we have learnt so much about the sector of touring and regional performance and have felt empowered as early career artists to make informed choices.”
Dealing with grant applications can be a daunting task for all artists – regardless of the stage in their career – but Estelle and Izzy said having CircuitWest on board was integral to them being able to successfully secure funding.
“We worked with them on our Playing WA grant application, which they then submitted on our behalf. Having CircuitWest’s endorsement increased the trust in our small independent company, which is really important within these competitive government funding rounds.”
With this financial backing and CircuitWest’s support, plus money from private donors through an Australian Cultural Fund campaign, guidance from producing mentor Libby Klysz, and support from Auspicious Arts (who, for a small fee, provide financial advice and grant management), the Flying Bicycle Team are now more than ready to conquer the regions on their tour.
So, do they have any advice for other emerging artists?
“Definitely get to know the team at CircuitWest! Attend the annual CircuitWest Showcase and use their online resources to learn as much as you can. Find mentors and ask all the questions you might be too afraid to ask. Get to know regional presenters and really listen to their stories and experiences – we can’t assume we know what they need. When you create work, consider who it’s for and what kind of people it could speak to from early stages of creation. Great community engagement is just as important, if not more important, than a great show!”
And most importantly, “Don’t give up! People in the industry will notice your perseverance and want to help you. Keep trying for funding and keep reaching out to all the amazing people who have come before you who can give you advice!”
As for what the industry can do to support further projects like this, the duo credit the 2022 development opportunity from The Blue Room Theatre and AWESOME Arts as the moment that truly shaped their career trajectory saying, “It would be amazing to see more platforms like this open up, that specifically encourage emerging artists to make work for children.”
“We’d also love to see more touring programs that can fund younger artists to go share their work and community engagements with the support of a mentor in the fields they need it most. It’s hard to be competing with large scale, trusted arts companies when you apply for funding, but it is so necessary we see young and independent talent take this next step.”
We are so thrilled to see Izzy and Estelle take the next step with Dreams of a Lonely Planet and wish them every success on their upcoming tour.
Dreams of a Lonely Planet by Flying Bicycle Collective will tour regional WA from 28 August to 1 October 2025. See full tour dates and venues and ticket information below.
City of Kalamunda – Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre
28 August 2025, 7pm
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Shire of Merredin – Cummins Theatre
3 September 2025, 10am
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City of Karratha – Red Earth Arts Precinct
9 September 2025, 5.30pm
10 September 2025, 9.30am
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Town of Port Hedland – Matt Dann Theatre
13 September 2025, 10.30am
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Beverley Station Arts – Beverley Town Hall
20 September 2025, 12.30pm
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Shire of Harvey – Harvey Recreation and Cultural Centre
22 September 2025, 5pm
23 September 2025, 11am
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Arts Narrogin – Narrogin Senior High School PAC
25 September 2025, 11am
On Sale Soon
Arts Margaret River – Margaret River HEART
30 September 2025, 1pm Book Now
1 October 2025, 11.30am Book Now
Photos by Minni Karamfiles
