Playtime with Bluey to pull big crowd

An Australian children’s favourite is set to be the first touring show to grace the Queens Park Theatre stage in 2021, after its doors were shut due to the global pandemic.

Bluey’s Big Play has been confirmed as the QPT’s first touring show for 2021, for what are sure to be packed-out performances on May 29 and 30, which will be more than a year after COVID-19 forced the theatre doors to shut.

Bluey, an animated television series for preschool-aged children about a cartoon Blue Heeler puppy, has captured the hearts of Australian families since 2018 when it premiered on ABC Kids.

The show has since gone on to gain an international audience and win 11 awards.

The QPT has been booked for other events including the Midwest Economic Summit on February 18 and the Perth Airport WA Regional Tourism Conference on May 3. A handful of other smaller community events were held at the venue last year since it was closed by the City of Greater Geraldton from March 18, but Bluey’s show will be the first large-scale production at QPT since COVID-19 restrictions came into effect.

City of Greater Geraldton chief executive Ross McKim said while Bluey’s Big Play hadn’t sold out of tickets, sales were on hold to allow for current ticket holders to be transferred to the show’s new date.

“Bluey’s Big Play’ has changed dates twice due to COVID-19, and as a result current ticket holders are being contacted by the QPT team to transfer their sale into the new sessions,” he said.

“Once all ticket holders have been contacted, any existing tickets will be available for purchase on the QPT website and the usual tickets outlets.”

He said. the City was working to schedule more shows this year.

“The City continues to follow and adhere to the latest health advice from the State Government and modify services and facilities subject to easing of restrictions,” he said.

“QPT staff are working with show presenters and promoters in an attempt to lock in more shows for 2021.

“Entertainment and the arts add a lot of vibrancy to our community and we look forward to having more shows here when it is safe to do so.”