Bluey’s Big Play a hit with all

I confess to wondering how a stage version of the hit TV show Bluey would work. But from the moment the two “bin chicken” marionettes strutted out pre-show to entertain the gathering crowd, we were in safe hands.

There are many aspects of the hit cartoon show Bluey that make it so deservedly popular. Its witty scripts, its catchy music, its compelling cast of lovable dog characters impeccably voiced by charismatic actors, its uncanny ability to land different jokes with parents and kids simultaneously, its joyous sense of adventure and play, and its fearlessness in going to some tear-jerking places for what is ostensibly a kids’ show.

With the script and the music for Bluey’s Big Play in the hands of the show’s creator Joe Brumm and composer Joff Bush, there was never any doubt in my mind that all of these things would translate to the stage from the screen. But one of the greatest things about the cartoon is its distinctive look and style of animation: from the moment the show was announced, I confess to wondering how they were going to pull this off “for real life”, on a stage.

Puppeteers Amelia Watson and Giema Contini at Bluey's Big Play The Stage Show at QPAC. Picture: Richard Walker

There was no reason to worry. The answer is with superlative puppeteering skill and big, charming, expressive renditions of Bluey, Bingo, dad Bandit and mum Chilli – delightfully, all still voiced in the stage show by their original cast members, including David McCormack and Melanie Zanetti as the family’s shining paragons of parenting. It’s the perfect way to adapt the source material, and from the moment the two “bin chicken” marionettes strutted onto the stage pre-show to entertain the gathering crowd in the full-capacity Playhouse for this Brisbane world premiere, we were in safe hands.

The artistic director of Adelaide’s renowned Windmill Theatre Company, Rosemary Myers, has tailored the show to suit fans of all ages, packing a 40-minute runtime with several distinct scenes that are each approximately the same length as a seven-minute episode of Bluey (and I’m here to tell you my two-year-old can binge 20 episodes in one sitting if left to his own devices).

Bluey's Big Play The Stage Show was a hit for this reviewer and his toddler. Picture: Richard Walker

It’s all set in the iconic Heeler Queenslander house on the hill, as Dad looks forward to a Sunday afternoon reading up on lawn grubs on his phone while sprawled on a bean bag. His kids have a different vision for the day – and the hunt for dad’s hidden phone forms the narrative throughline of the show, blended with a tender story about resolving sisterhood conflicts, and the power a big sibling has to both literally and figuratively raise their younger compatriot up. Fans will be intrigued to know that as much as we’ve enjoyed meeting other members of the Heeler family in the show – like Uncle Stripe, Nanna, Cousin Muffin and Uncle Rad – this plotline introduces us to a heretofore unmentioned relative.

The sets, by veteran Brisbane designer Jonathon Oxlade, are beautiful and simple backdrops that conjure up the whimsical Heeler house and its yard. The large-scale puppets themselves – each manipulated by two performers – are mesmerising, and miraculously, the performers soon become almost invisible to the eye – but if you happen to glance at them directly, the characters’ emotions are written all over their faces even if the dialogue isn’t coming out of their mouths. It’s enchanting.

Bluey's Big Play The Stage Show opened at QPAC on Tuesday. Picture: Richard Walker

The scenes are jam-packed with references, catchphrases and callbacks to the TV show, but carefully crafted, not simply rammed in as in-jokes – and fans of all ages will adore seeing a live game of keepy-uppy, a visit from annoying toy Chattermax, and many more, including a cameo from a cult favourite character, Lucky’s Dad, the Heelers’ retriever neighbour who gets caught up in their chaotic shenanigans every time he jumps the fence to retrieve his footy.

Joff Bush’s infectious music in the show is nothing short of spectacular, and he knows how to please a crowd here too, with an extended version of the show’s theme underscoring a rambunctious game of musical statues at the top of the show, as well as memorable favourite scores from other episodes making an appearance – to say which ones might spoil a surprise or two.

I’d almost given up hope of returning to a theatre at all this year, and I never thought that in December, as the rest of the world battles through ever-harsher lockdowns, I’d be in a packed Brisbane house, watching a Brisbane world premiere of a quintessentially Brisbane success story. Plus, it was my two-year-old’s first ever night at the theatre – and the look of wonder on his awestruck face as a squadron of parrot puppets flew out over the audience on poles was worth every dollarbuck of the admission price. Cheese and crackers, there’s no better show to inspire a lifelong love of the stage in your littlies.

Bluey’s Big Play is at QPAC Playhouse until 10 January, then will be touring regionally and nationally. Tickets via qpac.com.au or phone 136-246.