After a remarkable quarter-century at the helm, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre's Artistic Director Philip Mitchell has announced he will step down in early 2027. Mitchell, who has been the creative force behind Australia's most renowned puppetry company since 2001, will conclude his tenure following a significant transition period.
A Legacy Forged in Puppetry and Innovation
Mitchell's 25-year leadership has been defined by artistic excellence and resilience. He is the third artistic director in the company's history and has been responsible for some of its most celebrated productions. His award-winning works include The Arrival, Beanstalk, The One Who Planted Trees, and On Our Beach, all of which received Performing Arts WA Awards.
His profound contribution to the cultural fabric of Western Australia was formally recognised earlier this year when he was honoured with the 2025 Performing Arts WA Awards Lifetime Achievement Award. This accolade celebrated his immense impact on the evolution of puppetry and the wider arts scene in the state.
Mitchell's leadership also steered the company through a major logistical challenge: its relocation from its longstanding home on Short Street in Fremantle to new premises at the Claremont Showground. This significant move culminated in the redevelopment announcement for the Ellie Eaton Theatre and adjacent pavilion in October.
Reflecting on a Quarter-Century of Imagination
Reflecting on his decision to retire, Mitchell expressed immense pride in the company's journey. "When I joined the company at the age of 35, I could not have imagined the extraordinary journey or decades ahead," he said.
"It has been the privilege of my working life to lead a company that believes so fiercely in the power of imagination, to see puppetry not as a niche curiosity, but as a sophisticated, moving, and deeply human form of theatre."
He also paid tribute to the community that has supported Spare Parts, stating he is "grateful to the audiences who have grown up with us, and who now bring their children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren to us." Despite his departure, his "belief in the magic of puppetry, and in Spare Parts, remains as strong as ever."
The Final Curtain Call and a New Beginning
Mitchell is not leaving the stage immediately. He will direct three final productions as artistic director during the transition. This includes Reach For The Sky, Spare Parts Puppet Theatre's first major work for early childhood audiences, which will debut at the Fremantle Town Hall in January.
The search for a new artistic director will commence in the new year. The company expects to make an appointment in the first quarter of 2026, with the incoming director scheduled to begin their role by mid-2026, ensuring a smooth handover of creative leadership for this iconic Australian institution.
