Theatre / Bluey
Review: Bluey’s Big Play, Bristol Hippodrome – ‘A theatrical delight for fans of the show’
Following the beloved canine Heeler family, the Emmy award-winning animated Australian TV show Bluey is lauded for the beautiful simplicity and emotional depth of its storytelling.
Writer Joe Brumm his able to lace every storyline with humour and pathos that leaves all viewers feeling as if it is laser-guided at them, no matter their age.
The deserved success of Brumm’s creation has now led to a remarkable roll-out of its very first theatrical adaptation, currently touring in the US, Canada, Asia and Europe – and resident at Bristol Hippodrome for a nine-show run this August.
is needed now More than ever
Dad, Bluey and Bingo, from the UK & Ireland Tour of Bluey’s Big Play
Concerned fans, myself among them, might be justified in furrowing their brows at this news. Why risk altering the alchemy of perfection?
Well I’m relieved to say they can all stand down. Because this show (running at a gloriously lean 50 minutes – absolutely ideal for family viewing) knows better than to mess with a winning formula.
Bingo with the Walking Leaf
Instead, here we have the usual partnership between Brumm’s writing, and a series of emotionally resonant compositions from Joff Bush.
In front of familiar sets from their (frankly stunning) Brisbane hilltop home, the original cast from the TV series have voiced large-scale puppets of our favourite Aussie dog family, cleverly manipulated by accomplished puppeteers.
Bingo, Bandit, Chattermax & Bluey
Although the TV show proves time and again that Bandit Heeler really is the most brilliant dad in the business, this show reminds that he’s also capable of being just as fallible as the rest of us.
The storyline artfully weaves together sibling conflict with the search for identity, the strength of family and the power of play, rounded off with a healthy dollop of the magic that only live theatre can provide.
Bluey’s Big Play is at Bristol Hippodrome until August 18; times vary. Tickets are available at www.atgtickets.com.
All photos: Mark Senior
Read next:
- Bluey comes to Bristol
- Inside Puppet Place: Bristol’s hub for puppetry and animation
- Ventriloquist clown Lachlan Werner: ‘No one ever holds you responsible for what a puppet says’
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