The much-loved Blue Heeler family from Brisbane are known worldwide for their relatable dynamic and cheeky wit.
We’ve seen them splashed across our TV screens since 2018, and now Bluey enthusiasts – both young and old – will have their chance to witness Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli for real life – one more time.
Bluey’s Big Play, which premiered in Brisbane in 2021, will take over QPAC from December 30 to January 20 in an exciting return season.
Featuring original music by Bluey composer Joff Bush, Bluey’s Big Play is a theatrical adaptation of an original story from Bluey creator Joe Brumm, brought to life by brilliantly created puppets and their 12 incredibly talented puppeteers.
What has now become a cult favourite for children and adults alike, Bluey is so much more than just a TV show. For parents it’s a relatable, hilarious and clever take on the ups and downs of parenting, while for kids it’s a visually entertaining, playful and heart-warming tale of a funny family of dogs.
And for an overwhelming number of critics, Bluey is one of the best TV shows ever, period.
Ranked in the top 10 streaming programs in the US, with more than 20 billion streamed minutes and a new ground-breaking immersive experience called Bluey’s World coming to Brisbane in August 2024, it’s safe to say Bluey has taken the world by storm.
One person who has felt the full force of Bluey fandom is Jess Golle, who has been a puppeteer in Bluey’s Big Play since 2021 – though Golle’s journey with Bluey didn’t begin in 2021.
“I started with Bluey in late 2019 doing meet and greets,” Golle explains. “The first one I ever did was for an ABC Open Day. I didn’t have any lines or queues or anything. The plan was to just put Bluey out there and see what happened. Instantly kids were running at me from all angles wanting to get as close as possible.”
That first glimpse into the impact of Bluey led to discussions about bringing our favourite Blue Heeler from the screen to the stage.
“We knew this was something special and much bigger than what we thought, so from then on I was lucky enough to help with the development of the Bluey live stage show,” adds Golle.
Despite Bluey’s Big Play taking Golle all over Australia and the US, returning for shows in Bluey’s (and her own) hometown of Brisbane is an unbeatable experience.
“I’ve performed all around the world, but there is something extra special about coming home,” Golle says. “I’m so excited for Brisbane families to experience the show, as they will recognise the purple jacarandas, rainbow lorikeet’s, bin chickens and everything that’s so familiar to us and represents home.”
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After working in the children’s entertainment industry for more than 10 years, Golle says the impact of Bluey is unlike anything she has ever experienced.
“The moment we skip on stage with Bluey you hear the cheers and roars from the audience and instantly feel the love and joy that the show brings. Bluey is relatable and honest.
“The themes of play and everyday family life are so universal and something people of all cultures can relate to. I think that’s why Blue has been able to reach so many people – the simplicity and realness is what sets it apart.”
If you’re well-versed in the TV show you’ll know a box of tissues are a must when watching Bluey, and the stage show will be no different.
“Expect lots of dancing and plenty of shenanigans, laughs and maybe some tears from mum and dad,” adds Golle.
Bluey’s Big Play runs at the Playhouse, QPAC, December 30 to January 20; Tickets at QPAC website
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