Bucks &amp; Oxon


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1334" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Bluey-Blueys-Big-Play-Uk-Ireland-Tour-2025-©Mark-Senior.jpg" alt="Bluey's Big Play Oxford New Theatre" class="wp-image-202198" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Bluey-Blueys-Big-Play-Uk-Ireland-Tour-2025-©Mark-Senior.jpg 2000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Bluey-Blueys-Big-Play-Uk-Ireland-Tour-2025-©Mark-Senior-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Bluey-Blueys-Big-Play-Uk-Ireland-Tour-2025-©Mark-Senior-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Bluey-Blueys-Big-Play-Uk-Ireland-Tour-2025-©Mark-Senior-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Bluey-Blueys-Big-Play-Uk-Ireland-Tour-2025-©Mark-Senior-1536x1025.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Mark Senior</figcaption></figure>



<p>Natalie Portman, Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes and Rose Byrne; not the star-studded cast of a new Oscar-tipped film, but a Hollywood handful of big names who are all self-confessed <em><a href="https://www.bluey.tv" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bluey </a></em>devotees. That an energetic six-year-old blue heeler dog and her family could inspire such highbrow global admiration might seem surprising, but the cult Australian show’s awards cabinet is telling of its genius: it’s enjoyed BAFTA and Emmy glory, and for good reason.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The funny, relatable and emotionally on point cartoon was originally intended as a series of satirical shorts on parenting for adults but evolved into a playful programme for kids, with knowing asides and wit kept in alongside the catchy riffs and high-jinx that so appeal to little ones. The very bingeable seven-minute episodes have proved a recipe for success; <em>Bluey </em>was the most streamed children&#8217; s TV show in the world in 2025. You can count our household in that particular stat; as soon as that banger of a theme tune starts up (composed by Joff Bush, who’s also won awards for his earworm <em>Bluey</em> scores), toddler and parents alike are hooked. Us, wondering which parenting dilemma will be deftly and humorously tackled next, my son, eagerly awaiting seven-minutes of silliness with similarly recognisable themes that are right up his alley.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It figures that the show has proved a hit on the stage too; <em>Bluey’s Big Play </em>is an Olivier-award nominated production written by the show’s creator Joe Brumm, with music by Bush. Rip-off adaptation this isn’t; you’re in the very safe hands of the <em>Bluey </em>OGs and it’s a family theatre outing that won’t have you snoozing in the stalls. Here’s why it’s worth a watch.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1334" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Bluey-Bingo-Sisters-Blueys-Big-Play-Uk-Ireland-Tour-2025-©Mark-Senior.jpg" alt="Bluey and Bingo Bluey's Big Play" class="wp-image-202199" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Bluey-Bingo-Sisters-Blueys-Big-Play-Uk-Ireland-Tour-2025-©Mark-Senior.jpg 2000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Bluey-Bingo-Sisters-Blueys-Big-Play-Uk-Ireland-Tour-2025-©Mark-Senior-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Bluey-Bingo-Sisters-Blueys-Big-Play-Uk-Ireland-Tour-2025-©Mark-Senior-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Bluey-Bingo-Sisters-Blueys-Big-Play-Uk-Ireland-Tour-2025-©Mark-Senior-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Bluey-Bingo-Sisters-Blueys-Big-Play-Uk-Ireland-Tour-2025-©Mark-Senior-1536x1025.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Mark Senior</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-you-ll-feel-like-a-better-parent-carer-sibling-aunt-etc">You’ll feel like a better parent/ carer/ sibling/ aunt etc</h2>



<p>Not just for taking the little darlings to the theatre, but because it presents parenting and looking after the kids in a realistic light. The story kicks off with dad to Bluey and her four-year-old sister Bingo, Bandit, craving some Sunday afternoon chill-out time. He simply wants a moment to flop on a beanbag and scroll his phone in peace, but unsurprisingly Bluey and Bingo have other ideas. The fact that even the hyperengaged Bandit gets sucked into a Sunday PM scroll hole will make most of the adults in the audience exhale, and the blend of lively action with quieter, more contemplative moments feels representative of family life. It’s not all 24/7 fun and games, and that’s okay.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-ll-hit-you-right-in-the-feels">It’ll hit you right in the feels</h2>



<p><em>Bluey </em>never shies away from portraying life’s trickier topics, and the stage show is similarly masterful in bringing subjects like family estrangement to the fore, but in a sensitive, age-appropriate way. <em>Bluey’s Big Play</em> is essentially a prequel to the <em>Onesies </em>episode, which features a visit from Bluey and Bingo’s aunt Brandy, who we learn hasn’t seen the family for four years. There are hints that Brandy has struggled with infertility and that this may be the reason that she’s kept her distance from the Heelers, and the play sees Chilli (Bluey and Bingo’s mum) reflecting on her relationship with her sister and resolving to stay in touch. Beyond the impressive puppetry and on-stage games (smartphone hide and seek anyone?), the show offers a poignant, nuanced look at the complex subjects that affect so many of us. It might just make you feel less alone, or inspire you to have a chat you’ve been putting off. Speaking of which…</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1334" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Blueys-Big-Play-scene.jpg" alt="Blueys Big Play puppets" class="wp-image-202203" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Blueys-Big-Play-scene.jpg 2000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Blueys-Big-Play-scene-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Blueys-Big-Play-scene-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Blueys-Big-Play-scene-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Blueys-Big-Play-scene-1536x1025.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Mark Senior</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-a-conversation-sparker">It’s a conversation-sparker</h2>



<p>The play shines a light on sibling rivalry and the little daily annoyances of family life, with Bluey growing increasingly frustrated by Bingo copying her every move. Bingo, of course, looks up to her sister and wants to emulate her, and is left feeling hurt and bewildered by Bluey’s irritation (“I don’t think I’m a very good little sister”). Chilli steps in to explain to Bluey that she has the power to make her sister feel ‘big’ or ‘tiny’, and there are clever parallels between childhood sibling dynamics and the emotional intricacies of adult relationships too. In short, the show presents lots of teachable moments but they’re never heavy-handed or saccharine; they resonate and provide food for thought for everyone involved. Add to that: no one&#8217;s got it all figured out and we&#8217;re all just trying our best out here. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-perfectly-timed">It’s perfectly timed</h2>



<p><em>Bluey’s Big Play </em>covers a lot of ground but with a runtime of 50 minutes (no interval), it’s almost as accessible as the episodes themselves. Enough time to get warmed up and feel like you’ve been transported straight into the Heelers colourful hilltop Brisbane home, but not so long that little ones start begging for snacks or enter meltdown territory.&nbsp;It helps that the true-to-the-cartoon puppets are all voiced by the actual cast, too; kids will be on board from the off. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-an-interactive-energy-burner">It’s an interactive energy-burner</h2>



<p>From the <a href="https://www.bluey.tv/make/blueys-big-play-activity-pack/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">free downloadable activity pack</a> to get kids into the <em>Bluey </em>mood to the giant game of keepy uppy in the theatre at the finale, this is thankfully a theatre outing that’ll wear little ones out in the best way. The mesmerising dance of the ‘bin chickens’ at the beginning has a nigh-on miraculous calming effect on the pre-school crowd before singalong elements come into play. It&#8217;s ideally paced to keep your average pre-schooler entertained but not overwhelmed. They should sleep well after the show, let&#8217;s put it that way.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.bluey.tv/blueys-big-play/?country=uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bluey’s Big Play </a>is at New Theatre Oxford from <strong>Thurs 12 – Sun 15 March</strong>; <a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/blueys-big-play/new-theatre-oxford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">book tickets here</a>.</em></p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



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Why Bluey’s Big Play is the pre-school show that adults will genuinely enjoy

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