Bluey's Big Play Arrives in Perth for Stage Adventure
Bluey and her family have made their grand entrance into Perth, ready to embark on a whirlwind of adventure and playful mischief. The highly anticipated stage production, Bluey's Big Play, officially opened its doors at the Regal Theatre in Subiaco on Wednesday, marking a special moment for local fans of the beloved animated series.
A Fun-Filled Stage Adaptation
This fun-filled stage show has been captivating audiences across Australia after a successful global tour, and now it is Perth's turn to experience the magic firsthand. Bluey, along with her sister Bingo, mum Chilli, and dad Bandit, are brought to life as giant puppets, immersing the audience in their whimsical world.
In the show, when Bandit decides he needs a little afternoon downtime, Bluey and Bingo have other ideas. The audience is encouraged to join in as the sisters use all their games and clever tricks to try and get Dad off his bean bag, creating an interactive and engaging experience for everyone.
Insights from the Puppeteer
Julia Lindberg, the puppeteer who portrays Bluey and has been involved with the production since 2023, shared her excitement about returning to Perth. She studied at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts a decade ago, making this homecoming particularly meaningful.
"It's always fun to be back in Australia and perform for Australian audiences. They truly understand the humour and have a lovely connection to the show," Lindberg said. "I love seeing the kids play in the aisles and in front of the stage—it adds so much joy to the performance."
Original Story with Familiar Elements
Lindberg noted that families who have not yet seen the theatre version, which is also available on ABC iView, should prepare for a lot of hijinks and fun throwbacks to episodes. "There are definitely some familiar faces and characters that make appearances, but at its core, it's an original story. It's a heartfelt tale about sisters and what it means to be a good big sister, especially from Bluey's perspective," she explained.
The production involves multiple cast members operating each puppet, with lip-syncing to a soundtrack performed by the original voice actors, including Melanie Zanetti as Mum and David McCormack as Dad. Lindberg mentioned that one of the best compliments from fans is when they say they did not even notice the puppeteers, despite their visible presence on stage in bright green jumpsuits.
Global Appeal and Universal Themes
Originally from Sweden, Lindberg highlighted why Bluey resonates with people worldwide. "It's written with a lot of heart. My family, who live on the other side of the world, still find it relatable because parental and family experiences have so many universal themes and moments. That's why it has become hugely popular," she said. "The show takes itself seriously while still having a lot of fun and cheeky humour."
Tour Schedule and Future Shows
Bluey's Big Play is currently showing at the Regal Theatre until March 1. After its Perth run, the production will travel to Mandurah on March 4, followed by Bunbury on March 6 and 7. The tour will then head north to Geraldton on March 11 and Karratha on March 14 and 15, bringing the adventure to even more fans across Western Australia.
This stage adaptation offers a unique opportunity for families to engage with their favourite characters in a live setting, blending laughter, adventure, and heartfelt storytelling into an unforgettable theatrical experience.
