Wackadoo! Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are coming to South Africa in the 2025 winter school holidays! For the first time ever, the hit theatre production Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show makes its African debut at Artscape, Cape Town on Thursday, 26 June, running until Sunday, 06 July 2025. The show then moves to The Teatro at Montecasino, Johannesburg from Wednesday, 09 July to Sunday, 20 July. Tickets are on sale now at www.showtime.co.za and www.ticketmaster.co.za.
Bluey’s Big Play is a theatrical adaptation of the BAFTA and Emmy® Award-winning animated children’s television series produced by Ludo Studio. Now families in South Africa can experience the joy of seeing Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad in their first ever theatre show, featuring brilliantly created puppets, iconic sets, live actors and all-new music – it’s Bluey like you’ve never seen it before, in real life and on stage.
The popularity of Bluey’s Big Play knows no bounds, touring internationally across Australia, UK and Ireland, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Europe and North America. Kiddo Adventures gives Bluey’s Big Play five stars while claiming it’s “A magical theatrical experience for fans of all ages” while Time Out says, “This live adventure for fanatically beloved Australian hound Bluey is as authentic as it comes”. The Guardian best sums up the show by saying “Puppy puppets’ sweet show sets tails wagging”.
Bluey’s Big Play follows Bluey and her family through a full day from sunrise through to bedtime. When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag.
Bluey’s Big Play is an original story from creator Joe Brumm, with bespoke music from Bluey composer Joff Bush. The audio track for Bluey’s Big Play is prerecorded and features original voices from the TV sensation, including the instantly recognisable voices of Dave McCormack and Melanie Zanetti as Dad and Mum. While the larger-than-life puppets are commanded by Bluey’s Big Play’s talented puppeteers, who bring Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad to life on stage.
Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show is presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Co and local live entertainment and show promoter, Showtime Management.
Kate O’Connor, Director of Brands and Licensing BBC Studios ANZ, says: “Following the incredible reaction to the live theatre show in North America, UK, Ireland, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Europe and Australia, we are so excited to bring Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show to fans in South Africa.”
“Bluey’s Big Play has performed to a global audience including sell out seasons across Australia, USA and UK. The response has been extraordinary. We are so excited to now bring Bluey’s Big Play to South African audiences this winter school holidays,” says Andrew Kay, Producer of Bluey’s Big Play.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show to South Africa,” said Tony Feldman of Showtime Management who added: “The response to the show from fans across Australia, North America and Europe has been nothing short of amazing and we can’t wait for families in South Africa to experience all the fun and excitement of having Bluey and her family live on stage.”
The stage show has enjoyed much success around the world, especially in Australia, where it premiered in Bluey’s hometown Brisbane and went on to perform over 500 times across 65 venues, including the Sydney Opera House. Bluey’s Big Play was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Family Show in 2024.
Since bursting on to TV screens in Australia in 2018, Bluey has enjoyed a plethora of critical success at home and abroad, winning a 2022 BAFTA Children & Young People Award in the International category, a 2024 Kidscreen Award for Best Animated Series and picking up its consecutive fifth AACTA Best Children’s Programme award to add to an International Emmy and numerous awards for craft and production around the world.
According to Nielsen, Bluey is 2024’s most-watched series globally on Disney+, and the year’s No. 1 most-watched series on streaming to date through November among total viewers in the U.S., with more than 50.5 billion minutes watched[1]. In Australia, the show goes out on ABC where it is #1 kids show, and it is also rated #1 kids show on CBeebies and Disney+ in the UK[2]. In South Africa, Bluey is ranked #1 on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and CBeebies[3].
Tickets for Bluey’s Big Play are available now and can be purchased at www.showtime.co.za or www.ticketmaster.co.za the official, exclusive ticketing agent. Tickets purchased via any other platform will not be honoured.
Each attendee irrespective of age must hold a valid ticket in any price category to Bluey’s Big Play. A strictly limited number of Meet & Greet Packages are available for each show. The Meet & Greet includes a lanyard and the unique opportunity to meet Bluey after the show. Children are not allowed access without a VIP paid adult.
BLUEY’S BIG PLAY THE STAGE SHOW SOUTH AFRICA 2025 SHOW INFORMATION
CAPE TOWN
Venue: Artscape
Dates: Thursday 26 June to Sunday, 06 July.
Performances:
Thursday, 26 June: 16h00
Friday, 27 June: 11h00, 14h00, 17h00
Weekdays:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 04 July: 11h00, 14h00
Thursday, 11h00, 14h00 and 17h00
Weekends: Saturdays; Sundays 11h00, 14h00 and 17h00
Ticket prices including VAT
Every person irrespective of age MUST have a show ticket.
Babes in Arms/Infants under 12 months. R100
Midweek (Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursdays, Fridays): R200, R250, R350, R400
Weekend (Saturdays and Sundays): R250, R350, R400, R500
JOHANNESBURG:
Venue: Montecasino’s Teatro
Dates: Wednesday, 09 July to Sunday, 20 July.
Performances
Wednesday, 09 July: 16h00
Weekdays: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 18 July, 11h00, 14h00
Friday, 11 July, 11h00, 14h00 and 17h00
Weekends: Saturday; Sunday, 11h00, 14h00 and 17h00
Ticket prices including VAT
Every person irrespective of age MUST have a show ticket.
Babes in Arms/Infants under 12 months. R100
Midweek (Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursdays, Fridays): R200, R250, R350, R400
Weekend (Saturdays and Sundays): R250, R350, R400, R500