“An hour long superb outing for the family which entertains all ages”

Bluey’s Big Play at The Southbank Centre: a lively outing for the tots and a genteel dose of entertainment for the adults in the form of the brand-new theatrical adaptation of the well-loved TV show.

A real-life, non-screen version of Bluey on stage, as leisure for the kids? A total no-brainer for parents, carers, aunties, uncles, and grandparents alike.

A question that always lingers when a cartoon or famous character is bound to appear on stage is likeness – will it look right to the children and convince the adults? The answer here is a resounding YES. Jonathon Oxlade’s puppets are large and colourful enough to be seen by every seat in the house. I checked my plus 1’s (Niece, under 3) reaction when the puppets appear, and I could definitely make out a beaming smile and twinkling eyes under her pacifier, the unmistakable signs of giddy recognition. Massive props to the incredible team of puppeteers on stage who command their work with creativity, vigour and passion. By the end, one become accustomed to seeing two people next to each puppet, almost as if part of the character on stage.

As the theatre lights dim and children and adults quieten down, the pay commences and what a sensory delight it is to behold. First, the sound of daybreak with twittering birds and eventually the warm glow of the stage lights indicating that the day has risen. Next we see puppets of the National bird of Australia, the Emus, entering the stage, followed by brightly coloured parrots flying in the background. This expeditionary, setting of the scene worked for the wondering eyes and imagination of the children. It is beautifully executed and somewhat emotional as I watched the combination of colours, sounds and sight, transporting us to the Heeler’s world.

The rousing finale brings everyone to an adrenaline filled end – singing Bluey’s theme tune out loud together and having a disco-ball ‘party’ whilst air filled balloons are passed from stage to the audience to be bounced through the air.

Bluey’s Big Play plays out on stage just as we admirers are used to; a delicate lesson on emotions and life disguised as a simple day in the Heeler household. In this case, the main theme was sisterhood. An hour long superb outing for the family which entertains all ages.