Bluey’s Big Play review: Cartoon magic just as intoxicating for real life

The stage adaptation of Bluey has returned to Brisbane for an exclusive run of shows after a global sellout tour that’s reached close to 1 million fans, and it’s no less magical than the cartoon we’ve grown to adore.

Any parent of small children has long known the magic of Bluey.

It’s the Brisbane-made television juggernaut about a family of Blue Heelers that has captured the hearts of the world, snagged an Emmy and countless other awards and smashed entertainment records.

But to truly grasp its power is to experience Bluey’s Big Play and witness the collective unbridled joy it brings to children – and adults.

The stage adaptation of Bluey has returned to Brisbane for an exclusive run of shows at the Playhouse at QPAC over the next few weeks.

And what a homecoming. From the moment the all-so-familiar theme song echoed throughout the walls of the theatre, it was Blueymania.

Excited and adoring toddlers and young kids leapt out of their seats, clapped, danced and giggled their way through the 45-minute show.

Puppeteers Jess Golle and Ellen Bailey at 'Bluey's Big Play The Stage Show' at QPAC Brisbane, Friday, December 29, 2023 – Picture: Richard Walker

My almost three-year-old son was among them as he experienced this type of theatre for the first time.

Like all the kids around us, his eyes were alight with wonder and he was completely engaged and captivated from start to finish.

No small task for a busy, active and non-stop toddler.

It’s everything you love about the small screen version but live on stage with favourite characters Bluey Bingo, Chilli and Bandit brought to life by human-sized puppets, impressively operated by puppeteers with the voices prerecorded by the original Bluey cast.

Lucky’s dad makes a cameo and puppet animals like Ibis and a flock of lorikeets light up the stage.

Bluey creator Joe Brumm has written an original story which is elevated by new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. It feels like just another Bluey episode, only very interactive, and one that resonates.

Bandit is keen to have some time to himself but his daughters, Bluey and Bingo, have other plans as they hide his phone making for fun and games and some great audience interaction.

The puppeteers are seamless as they slide, jump and glide across the stage but after a few minutes, you barely notice they are there. The smallest fans definitely only have eyes for their puppet pups.

Australian animation brought to the stage, Bluey, in Bluey's Big Play. Picture: Richard Walker

There’s nods to popular Bluey episodes like Keepy Uppy (keeping a balloon in the air), Grannies and their favourite toy Chattermax.

True to Bluey, the emotions and lessons leave their mark as Chilli teaches Bluey the importance and power of being a big sister and a family bond – one for young and old.

As much as there is heart, there is fun and games by the bucket load with a giant game of ‘Keepy Uppy’ with large bouncy balls thrown around the audience.

The theatre came alive with infectious laughter and squeals of delight as little arms were stretched out hoping to touch a ball.

This is a show that’s taken the world by storm and it’s not hard to see why.

After a sellout Australian season, it broke box office records around the country performing 447 times in 65 venues.

In 2022, it debuted at New York’s Madison Square Garden and the demand was so overwhelming the 40-date tour extended to more than 150 US cities.

Bluey’s Big Play has already been seen by nearly one million fans and is set to soar with the UK and Ireland tour kicking off last month.

Bandit, Bluey, Bingo and Chilli in 'Bluey's Big Play The Stage Show' at QPAC Brisbane. Picture: Richard Walker

Having it back at QPAC since it made its debut in 2020 feels like a special treat, just kilometres away from where the show is created out of Ludo Studio in Brisbane’s CBD.

Whether you’re a longtime devotee or if you have kids or not, it’s a stage show that’s appeal has no bounds.

As a mum, however, it felt much more significant than taking my son to a fun show but a moment in time I’ll never forget.

Witnessing his reaction as he realised the characters he watches on television, wears on his clothes and who sit on his toothbrush were not only right in front of him but allowing him to join in and be part of something was a moment of pure and overwhelming joy.

Hearing that laughter and joy erupt collectively was another reminder that Bluey allows us all to be part of something and in this theatre, you’re part of the Heeler family.

Bluey’s Big Play runs in QPAC’s Playhouse until January 20, qpac.com.au.