Review: BLUEY’S BIG PLAY, Southbank Centre - Tour

Photo credit: Mark Senior

Bluey, Bingo, and the Heeler family are taking over London, as Bluey's Big Play debuts at the Southbank Centre. Based on the Emmy® award-winning children's television series, which follows Bluey, her sister Bingo, and her parents Bandit and Chilli, Bluey's Big Play is an hour long tale, featuring moments from the show that will delight fans old and young.

While Bandit just wants to rest and sit on his phone, Bluey and Bingo have other plans and hijinks ensue, with cameos from Bluey's greatest hits including; musical statues, Chattermax, keepy uppy, and Janet and Rita's infamous driving shenanigans. Through it all, Bluey learns from Chilli what it means to be a sister. It's a touching tale, with a beating heart at the core of it all that will relate to the whole family.

Heart and music have always been strong points of the Bluey series, and Bluey's Big Play certainly doesn't disappoint as it features a new original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, as well as orchestrations by Bluey composer, Joff Bush, leaving this feeling like a true Bluey story through and through. The show itself is dubbed over with orchestral recordings and Australian voice actors, and the puppeteering work of the cast make for some lovely comedic moments. While there's a distinct difference between a cartoon and live puppets, especially in terms of capability, the puppeteers handle the larger Heeler family puppets with skill and ease, and differences are barely noticeable. There are also plenty of chances for the whole family to get involved, leaving kids engaged throughout.

Bluey's Big Play is an hour of heartfelt fun for the entire family, a true celebration of everything that has made Bluey a worldwide smash, and it's impossible to leave the theatre without a smile on your face.

Heeler family hijinks are sure to delight fans of all ages.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Jack Francis

Bluey's Big Play plays at the Southbank Centre until 7 January 2024, with further information here.