The Rise of Bluey: From Screen to Stage
Families with young children are likely familiar with Bluey, the lovable cartoon dog who has captured the hearts of kids since 2018. The Australian animated series has now made a remarkable transition from television to the stage with “Bluey’s Big Play,” an Olivier Award-nominated production that is currently touring the UK.
The show will bring the Heeler family—Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli—to live audiences across the country using vibrant puppetry and original music. It features a new story written by Joe Brumm, the creator of the Emmy Award-winning children’s series. This adaptation promises to be a thrilling experience for fans of the show.
A New Story for the Stage
The new story follows Bluey and Bingo as they try to persuade their dad, Bandit, to leave his beanbag chair for an afternoon of games. “Bandit is just a normal dude with some idiosyncratic foibles,” says Dave McCormack, the voice actor for Bandit. “It’s funny because the characters are dogs, but it’s all about being human.”
He continues, “Things don’t always go the way we expect, but we deal with it all with love and compassion. I think that’s what has made the show so relatable to people all around the world. It’s about what we do to get through everyday life.”
McCormack also shares how the show has influenced his parenting. “Sometimes Bandit inspires me to be a better parent. I’ll come home from doing a recording session and I’ll be like, ‘Ok kids, get rid of those iPads, get rid of those iPhones, no devices, let’s do something fun.’”
The Live Cast and Their Roles
The live cast includes Shakira Alleyne, Shea Ellen Roberts, and Laura Wingrove, who will share the role of Bluey, while Shanaye Flanagan, Reanne Hewitt, and Tess Oliver will take turns as Bingo. Bandit will be brought to life by Adam Ryan, Aarod Vawser, and Rhys Wild, with Miroe Fuches, Olivia Rainbow, and Evie Whybrow alternating as Chilli.
The production also makes use of the original voices used in the cartoon, including Dave and Melanie as Dad and Mum. “It feels like a huge extended episode, with the characters played by these enormous puppets, which beautifully bring them to life,” says Melanie Zanetti, who voices Chilli in the TV show. “The sets are incredible, and the music is by Joff Bush, who also does the music for the TV show.”
Lessons from Bluey
“One of the things I’ve learned from the TV show and stage play is not to sweat the small stuff,” adds Dave. “Don’t get hung up on that stuff because time passes so quickly and, as a parent myself, I love that every day brings something new.”
Where to Watch
“Bluey’s Big Play” will be at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury from Wednesday, April 15 to Sunday, April 19. Tickets can be booked online or by calling 01227 787787.
