Brisbane hometown favourite Bluey will star in a brand-new production tonight at QPAC with the world premiere of Bluey's Big Play The Stage Show.
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said it is fitting that the new theatrical adaption of the Emmy® award-winning children's television series will officially premiere in the city where the hit TV show is created and is set.
"Bluey is a little dog with a big heart and it's going to be so exciting to see her on stage.
"We can be rightfully proud of the creative talent we have in Queensland, with producers of the phenomenally successful Bluey TV show Ludo Studio, its creator Joe Brumm and its music composer Joff Bush, all based in Brisbane.
"Bluey's world premiere is a major boost for tourism, local small business and jobs in the arts sector, and is another indication of Queensland's success in opening up our state and moving towards recovery."
Theatre capacities are currently are 100 per cent thanks to Queensland's continued health response, which means more families can enjoy Bluey's debut to the stage.
"After its premiere QPAC season, Bluey will be visiting regional Queensland venues right across the state," Ms Enoch said.
"A national tour is also planned for 2021 which is welcome news not only audiences, but for artists, crew and venues staff.
"Since the onset of COVID-19 the Palaszczuk Government has committed nearly $60 million worth of initiatives to support the arts and cultural sector in Queensland, including the $22.5 million Arts and Cultural Recovery Package," Ms Enoch said.
QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas said QPAC was proud to play a key role in bringing this beloved Queensland story from the screen to the stage for the first time.
"Bluey is special. The very real way the characters live and play together is key to its broad appeal with children and their adults," Mr Kotzas said.
"It will be a big moment, especially for our youngest audience members, when they see the characters that they know so well from the TV program on stage in their hometown."
"Loved by both parents and kids, Bluey is the most-watched series ever on ABC iview, with over 480 million plays across series 1 and 2.*
"The home-grown animated series has enjoyed critical success in Australia and globally, winning a Logie Award for 'Most Outstanding Children's Program' in 2019 and an International Emmy® Kids Award in the Pre-school category in 2020.
Bluey is produced by the Emmy® award-winning Ludo Studio for ABC Kids and is co-commissioned by ABC Children's and BBC Studios. Both series received production support from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland and the Australian Government through Screen Australia.
Bluey's Big Play The Stage Show at QPAC from 22 December 2020 until 10 January 2021. Tickets via qpac.com.au or phone 136-246.
* Source: OzTAM Program Plays 'Begin Event' data, 1/1/2018-5/11/2020
