The Vegetable Plot that’s hard to ‘beet’ for young audiences

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They’re the children’s performers with a message that’s hard to “beet” – and now The Vegetable Plot are back with a new show to plant a love of growing, picking and eating healthy foods in the minds of the next generation.

Since their Sydney Fringe debut in 2014, the one-time trio, now quartet, have been wowing young audiences with their quirky tunes, the idea for the project having taken root when creator Luke Escombe’s son, Harry, was born.

Kay Yasugi (Avokaydo) and Luke Escombe (Aspara Gus) from The Vegetable Plot, getting ready to take their new show out on the road.

“I was looking for a way to keep playing the music I loved but to do it in a way that was healthier and more family-friendly – no more late nights in pubs and clubs,” Escombe said.

“What inspired me about the world of vegetables wasn’t only the health aspect, it was also the richness of the language and the potential for characters and puns.”

To that end, the band members have on-stage monikers embracing the full array of fun puns born of the world of vegetables. Escombe is guitarist Aspara Gus; puppeteer and percussionist Paige Hoorweg is Ru Barb; bass player and vocalist Nick Hoorweg is Sir Paul McCarrotney; and puppeteer and vocalist Kay Yasugi is known as Avo Kaydo.

Their new show, Pineapple People, makes its world premiere at The Joan, Penrith, on Saturday, September 27, with two performances of the show and a session of The Vegetable Plot’s Magical Garden Music and Songwriting Workshop, co-created with the Sydney Opera House.

During that session, children aged five to nine will have the opportunity to learn about songwriting and vocal warm-ups before co-writing a song with the band. The band will then take the show on the road with a series of dates across NSW and Victoria.

The Vegetable Plot have also dropped their new album Season Three and are preparing to launch an animated series on YouTube. It’s been a stellar ride for the quartet, who have received millions of Spotify streams for their quirky songs and won young fans throughout the world – but they have worked hard at lifting their creative game for a young audience.

Kay Yasugi (Avokaydo) with Luke Escombe (Aspara Gus). The idea for The Vegetable Plot came when Escombe’s son was born.

“We definitely had to hone our craft and learn how to structure our shows moment to moment to keep the kids energised and engaged,” Escombe said.

“You can’t just gaze at your shoes and hide behind your hair as a kids’ performer. They are looking at you all the time for clues on how to respond … Every song needs to engage them in a unique and compelling way.

“They’re not there taking selfies or filming you on their phones – they are fully present with you in the moment, going on the journey of each song, taking it all in, and that’s what makes each show so special.”

The Vegetable Plot in Pineapple People, The Joan, Penrith, 10am and 2pm, Magical Garden Music and Songwriting Workshop, midday, September 27, thejoan.com.au; for tour dates, check thevegetableplot.com.au