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Railway Bob
A magical show with great songs, lively theatre, storytelling & beautiful puppetry telling the true story of SA’s Celebrity Dog ‘Railway Bob’.
In the 1880’s & 90s Bob travelled on the steam trains of Australia ‘just like a person’ - the official mascot of the SA Railway men - his journeys, adventures and story is mentioned 100 times in newspapers of the period. Known and loved by the railwaymen and public alike he travelled extensively throughout SA and even as far as Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. His favourite lines being SA’s mid-North, Broken Hill and Adelaide.
This show traces his story from his birth to his travelling days full of legendary feats & adventures and his mysterious death in Hindley Street, Adelaide.
With Sold-Out Fringe shows, Railway Bob brings to life a bygone age of Adelaide and Outback SA and the world’s best ever dog story (we kid you not) This is ‘documentary’ theatre at its very best!
Bob is still remembered and celebrated with a statue in Peterborough, a sculpture and display at the National Railway Museum, where his famous collar is on display. Three books have been written about this famous dog, a documentary video, Facebook page and website and even a tourist trail in Terowie. Bob had several official portraits painted which are still in existence.
Read the 2025 Adelaide Fringe Review here.
Date: Tuesday 13 May
Time: 11.00am - 12noon + Q&A
Location: Marnkutyi Parirna Theatre - Cnr Volunteer Drive & Greenslade Boulevard, Trinity College, Evanston South.
Tickets: $18 Adults / $15 Concession / $10 Students or Groups 10+
Booking fees apply | General Admission seating (Theatre)
Running Time: Approx. 60-minute show
Suitable for Students 8yrs+ and all History and Theatre lovers!
"It is the complete picture that they paint of a bygone era …Superb storytelling…Charming beyond measure." The Clothesline
"Fresh, dynamic and very enjoyable. The performers reminded me of classic street artists." Isabella Bracco - Tabhu Theatre
"A captivating show that seamlessly weaves together songs, puppetry, and stagecraft to recount the remarkable story of a canine adventurer in late 1800s South Australia. The show's energetic pace and heartwarming story kept the audience engaged from start to finish. The puppetry was so masterful that at times, I found myself completely forgetting that Railway Bob was anything but a real, living dog. Such skilful manipulation added an extra layer of enchantment to an already captivating performance." Stephen Lock – Musician/Composer
"Loved the show!! My husband loves railways, and I love dogs, so this show was perfect for us!! Such a special story, beautifully crafted and delivered by talented performers. Bob the puppet is perfectly formed and so realistic that we wanted to pat him on the head. Do not miss this show, history, entertainment and fun rolled into one!" Phyllis Livingstone
"Just been to the Fringe to see Railway Bob - what a thoroughly enjoyable show! The performers did a fantastic job, good songs, well-presented but Bob stole the show!" Julie Cavanagh / Radio 5TripleZ