We go behind the scenes of Bluey's Big Play to see the set, meet the Puppetry Director and find out what he is most looking forward to during his time in Singapore... and what's next for Bluey!
Whenever we watch an episode of Bluey, we usually enjoy a rollercoaster of emotions, from nostalgia, to overcoming parenting guilt, to adding ideas for imaginary playtime to our parenting handbooks. Inspiring, funny, and oh-so-real, this little slice of screentime is often a bonding experience for parents and kids alike. We are some of Bluey’s biggest fans, so when we found out that Bluey’s Big Play was coming to the Sands Theatre stage this June holidays, we jumped at the chance to go behind the scenes! What can we expect from this stage show extravaganza hitting the stage in Singapore this June? Here’s our exclusive chat with Bluey’s Big Play Director of Puppetry, Jacob Williams.
Hi Jacob, thanks for spending time with us and showing us around the set today! Can you introduce yourself and tell us how you found yourself in the Bluey universe?
My name is Jacob Williams and I’m the Puppetry Director for Bluey’s Big Play. I was living in New York and I came back to Melbourne, where I’m from, and I got this phone call out of the blue saying, ‘Would you like to be a part of Bluey’s Big Play?’ I’d been living in America, so I had never heard of Bluey. I said, ‘Sure. Why not? That sounds like fun, good little Summer job.’ And that was about four years ago!
What can you tell us about the show, and what do you think it is that makes Bluey so special?
At the moment I think Bluey is the second most streamed TV show in the world! It’s amazing. Singapore is our first stop with this stage show in Asia. We’re super excited to be here and bring it to a new audience and new region of the world. We have toured America and the UK, and now we are starting in Asia. We played the show today in front of an audience in Singapore, and what it proves is, it’s so relatable. It’s parents relating with their children, and there’s something in there for the adults, something in there for the kids. It really taps into that imaginative play, and taps into something in all of us about how it was when we were children.
Maybe it’s that universal theme of just family and play and having fun, which seems to transcend all cultures?
Absolutely. And I think why it’s so successful overseas. The Bluey show is not only Australian, but it’s Queensland, and it’s Brisbane. So it’s got a really particular flavour to it that some audiences may have never experienced before. There’s the really relatable family themes, but then there’s this really fun, Australian-esque kind of character to it, which people haven’t seen before.
What can you tell us about Bluey’s Big Play? Is it a new story?
Yes, it’s a brand new story. There are some interactive periods in the show, so the audience can really get involved and play with Bluey and Bingo! Joe Brumm, who created Bluey, has written a new script for us. It’s about the girls and they want dad to play with them, but he just wants to sit on the beanbag and read his phone. So I won’t give too much away, but they may steal his phone and hide it. And then shenanigans ensue.
What challenges do you think the puppeteers face in bringing Bluey’s Big Play to the stage? How do they project that emotion and use their body to really bring these characters to life?
Probably the biggest challenge is that it’s a very physical show for the puppeteers and particularly with Bandit, as he’s a very large puppet. There’s certainly some strength and some fitness required by the puppeteers. Then there’s a lot of skill to just bring these inanimate objects into an organic world, so the audience believe that it is actually Bluey on the stage.
I remember when we first started, I was sitting in the audience and there were these two sisters in front of me. And one sister said, ‘I told you Bluey is real!’ So we must be doing something right.
Do you have a favourite moment in the show? Is there a particular part that really tugs at your heartstrings when you watch it?
There is a particular moment right at the end of the show. It’s the very last line, and it’s the subtext of the storyline, which I won’t give away, but it’s really for the adults. And it just leaves a tear in your eye. I’ve seen this show possibly 400 times plus, and it still gives me goosebumps!
Do you have any memorable onstage moments that you’d like to share?
There’s a very exciting moment when two puppeteers jump out of the trench, which is in between the restrooms here that they puppeteer from, and they do this very graceful slide. But sometimes their knees get stuck and they can tumble. That happened to one puppeteer, but as she tumbled she made it look so graceful as if it was choreography that she had always done. She rescued that very well.
Why should families come to see the show in Singapore?
I think families should all come and see the show, because it really is a show for the whole family from the grandparents right down to the grandkids, uncles and aunties, or even if you just want to come along by yourself. There’s so much in there. And it’s just such a joy. Watching children seeing their heroes from the TV screen, live; it really is a joy to watch. And I’ve watched it many, many, many times. And it still thrills me.
How many times have you visited Singapore, and what are you most excited to experience while you’re here?
I’ve been to Singapore seven times in total, and done all the touristy things like visiting Gardens by the Bay and riding the river cruise, which I really enjoyed. But really, I like to get out of the tourist bubble. What I look forward to the most when I come to Singapore is going to the Hawker markets. Not only is it very affordable, but it’s so tasty!
We have one more cheeky question for you. Will there be a new season of Bluey coming anytime soon?
[Laughs] I am so far down the pecking line of knowing such answers and there’s a vault I’m sure you could crack open! But no, I don’t have that power. I’m afraid it’s well above my pay grade.
Even so, we hope there’ll be more Bluey coming to our screens soon! In the meantime, make sure you get your tickets to Bluey’s Big Play before it ends!
When: 13 June – 23 June 2024
Where: Bluey’s Big Play, Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
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