REVIEW - BLUEY’S BIG PLAY | THE LOWRY | 23/05/2026
- Sarah Monaghan
- May 24
- 4 min read
Updated: May 25
BLUEY’S BIG PLAY AT THE LOWRY – WACKADOO FAMILY FUN FOR BLUEY FANS
As a family, we are massive Bluey fans, so there was no question that we would be heading back to see Bluey’s Big Play when it returned to The Lowry. Ever since the children spotted the poster at the train station, they had been asking if we could go again after loving the show so much during its previous visit in 2024.
Based on the Emmy award-winning animated series, Bluey’s Big Play is an original live stage show written by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, with music by Joff Bush. Produced by Andrew Kay, Cuffe & Taylor and Windmill Theatre Co for BBC Studios, the production brings Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli to the stage in a way that feels wonderfully faithful to the much-loved television series.
Before the show had even started, the excitement around the auditorium was lovely to see, with children chatting excitedly about their favourite characters and pointing out the colourful set on stage.
The story begins with Bandit hoping for a peaceful Sunday afternoon relaxing on his bean bag and scrolling on his phone, but Bluey and Bingo are determined not to let that happen. Deciding that Dad has spent long enough looking at his screen, the sisters secretly hide his phone in an attempt to force him into joining their games instead.
Their mischievous plan quickly turns into a whirlwind of imagination, laughter and complete chaos as Bandit sets out to track down his missing phone while Bluey and Bingo throw him into one game after another. It captures the playful energy of the television series perfectly, with lots of funny moments mixed alongside the more heartfelt family scenes that Bluey is so well known for.
Alongside all the silliness, the production also explores some lovely themes about sibling relationships and spending quality time together as a family. Bluey becomes frustrated by Bingo constantly copying her, leading to some sweet moments between the sisters, while Bandit slowly realises that joining in with his children’s games is far more rewarding than spending the afternoon staring at his phone.
There are plenty of fun surprises for longtime fans too. Alice absolutely loved seeing the grannies speeding around in their little car, while Leo was thrilled when Chattermax appeared on stage. Familiar characters and references are woven naturally throughout the story and had children around the auditorium laughing, cheering and pointing excitedly throughout.
Everything builds towards the hugely entertaining keepy uppy finale, with giant inflatable balls and bubbles flying around the theatre as the audience becomes part of the fun. We were sat in the circle this time so could not fully join in ourselves like we did during our previous visit, but it was still brilliant watching the excitement unfold around the theatre.
Jonathon Oxlade’s set design does a fantastic job of bringing the world of Bluey to life on stage. From the Heeler family home to the garden and play spaces, the colourful set instantly feels recognisable to fans of the television show without trying to recreate everything exactly as it appears on screen.
The lighting design helps create a warm and playful atmosphere throughout, shifting beautifully between the quieter emotional moments and the more energetic scenes packed with games and dancing.
The puppetry is genuinely impressive. Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli are brought to life through large-scale puppets operated by visible puppeteers, yet within minutes it becomes easy to completely forget they are there. The performers work incredibly hard to capture each character’s personality and movement, making every interaction feel full of energy and emotion.
The production also cleverly mixes smaller puppetry moments and visual effects throughout the show which younger audience members seemed completely mesmerised by.
Music from Joff Bush helps maintain the unmistakable feel of the television series, with catchy songs and playful musical moments adding to the fun and helping keep younger audience members engaged throughout.
The huge keepy uppy finale remains one of the highlights of the entire experience, with giant inflatable balls and bubbles turning the ending into one big celebration that had children and adults smiling from ear to ear.
The talented puppeteers deserve huge credit for the success of the production. Bringing such beloved characters to life on stage was never going to be easy, but they manage to capture the charm, humour and warmth of Bluey and her family brilliantly.
The physical performances are full of personality and work seamlessly alongside the pre-recorded voices from the television series, helping the characters feel authentic throughout.
Younger audience members were completely captivated every time Bluey, Bingo, Bandit or Chilli appeared on stage, with constant laughter, cheering and excited reactions throughout the performance.
Bluey’s Big Play at The Lowry is a joyful family theatre experience that perfectly captures the warmth, humour and imagination that has made the television series such a huge success with audiences around the world.
From the colourful set and brilliant puppetry to the laugh-out-loud moments and touching family themes, the production feels like stepping directly into an episode of Bluey. Watching the excitement on children’s faces throughout the show was honestly one of the best parts of the entire experience.
Alice and Leo both left the theatre absolutely buzzing, still talking about the grannies, Chattermax and the giant keepy uppy finale long after the show had finished.
Whether you are lifelong Bluey fans or discovering the Heeler family for the very first time, Bluey’s Big Play is a wonderfully entertaining family theatre trip packed with laughter, heart and plenty of wackadoo fun.
A joyful family theatre adventure packed with laughter, imagination and plenty of wackadoo fun.
Bluey’s Big Play is at The Lowry until Sunday 31st May 2026, you can purchase tickets by clicking on the button below.
If you would like more information about the show click the button below for the show's official website.
Photo Credit - Mark Senior
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review
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