We can't wait to bring Bluey to life on the North East stage
“It feels like a huge extended episode, with the characters played by these enormous puppets, which beautifully bring them to life,” says one of the stars of Bluey’s Big Play.
The theatrical adaptation of the Emmy Award-winning animated television series with play at Sunderland Empire from Wednesday 25 – Sunday 29 March 2026.
It features a troupe of puppeteers and actors who bring to life the stories of Australian Blue Heeler puppy Bluey and his family.
The play Bluey’s Big Play features the original voices from the beloved TV series, including the recognisable voices of Dave McCormack and Melanie Zanetti as Dad and Mum.
Speaking about why Bluey fans should see the stage version, Melanie said: “It feels like a huge extended episode, with the characters played by these enormous puppets, which beautifully bring them to life.
“The sets are incredible, and the music is by Joff Bush, who also does the music for the TV show. It’s 50 minutes with no interval and it’s a really fun ride, with a story that you won’t have seen on TV. I’ve seen it three times so far, including at The Theater at Madison Square Garden where the energy was so frenetic it was like being at a rock concert.”
Dave, the voice of dad, added: “Melanie’s right. That’s exactly what it’s like; it’s like a rock concert for kids and parents, because you’re in a big room with a lot of people making a lot of noise and it’s really exciting. I saw it at Madison Square Garden and in Sydney, and both times the reaction was incredible.”
Speaking about voicing the characters all these years later, Dave said: “Who could have known that? But I’m happy that it’s been so successful because it has a good heart.
“When you watch it it’s warm, it’s real, it’s happy and it’s sad. It’s got all the bits and pieces that make up our lives, and it doesn’t speak down to kids.”
Melanie added: “I don’t think anyone could have known how it would take off. It was just this little show coming out of Brisbane, Australia. But it’s the funnest job ever, getting to work on excellent scripts with amazing people. It doesn’t get much better than this.”
Bluey’s Big Play will be at Sunderland Empire from Wednesday 25 – Sunday 29 March 2026. Tickets available online now at ATGTickets.com/ Sunderland