Bluey is an animated television series created by Joe Brumm that premiered on ABC Kids in Australia in October 2018. Since then, it has become a global phenomenon, attracting legions of devoted fans of all ages with its heartwarming stories about family, childhood imagination, and Australian culture.
One of the ways fans can experience Bluey beyond the screen is through the Bluey live show. This stage adaptation brings the popular characters to life with puppetry and interactive theatrical elements. Naturally, fans want to know exactly what they can expect when attending the live show, including crucially – how long the show lasts.
The Basics of the Bluey Live Show
Bluey live shows began touring Australia and New Zealand in 2019 and have continued in various productions since. The shows are produced by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Company.
The live theatrical show features puppeteers bringing the characters of Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli to life on stage. The storylines and dialogue stay faithful to the charming family dynamic of the TV series. Music, singing, dancing, audience interaction, and imaginative play are all incorporated into the live show as well.
Sets, props, puppets, and puppeteering techniques are used to create an immersive experience for the audience. State-of-the-art technology and audiovisual elements enhance the visual spectacle.
What Is the Runtime of Bluey Live Shows?
Most Bluey live productions last approximately 55 minutes, or just under one hour. This gives audiences a substantial slice of the Bluey universe to enjoy, while keeping the runtime digestible for younger viewers.
Some specific examples of Bluey live show durations include:
- Bluey’s Big Play – 55 minutes
- Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show – 50 minutes
- Bluey’s Big Play – 60 minutes
So while there is some variation, most shows fall right around that 55 minute mark.
Content Covered in 55 Minutes
In a brisk 55 minutes, the Bluey live theatrical show is able to pack in a satisfying, self-contained story arc and plenty of fan-favorite elements from the world of the show.
Some of the content and highlights audience members can expect from a 55 minute Bluey live show include:
- An original storyline following the Heeler family on one of their everyday adventures, rendered in live puppet form
- Appearances from favorite characters like Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, Chilli, Aunt Trixie, Uncle Stripe, Radley, Bob Bilby, Mimi Mouse, and more
- The Heeler household brought to life on stage with sets, props, and interactive elements
- Iconic imaginary games like “Hospital” and “Keepy Uppy”
- Catchy songs and dances
- Heartwarming family bonding moments
- Life lessons about patience, compassion, cooperation, and resilience
- Comedy and hijinks in the unique “Bluey” way
The writers and producers have become masters at crafting stories and characters arcs that feel complete and satisfying in the compact 11 minute runtimes of the TV show. These same skills translate well to the live stage, where they must tell an engaging 55 minute tale.
Why 55 Minutes Works Well
The 55 minute runtime hits a sweet spot when it comes to engaging young audiences while delivering a fulfilling experience. Some key advantages of this length for a live production include:
- It’s long enough to establish characters, settings, and story arcs.
- The variety of songs, dances, puppet theatrics, and audience interaction prevent it from feeling repetitive or dragging at this length.
- Young children are able to remain engaged and attentive for this block of time, especially when broken up by interactive moments.
- It fits neatly into an evening out without overextending bedtimes or nap schedules.
- The creators can craft a story to fit the time constraints, allowing for natural narrative pacing.
How the 55 Minute Runtime Compares to Other Kids’ Shows
Many other popular stage shows for young audiences stick to a similar 55 minute run time. For instance:
- Peppa Pig’s live shows are 55 minutes
- PJ Masks Live is advertised at 55 minutes
- The Wiggles concerts run about 60 minutes
- Sesame Street Live is 60 minutes
- Disney Junior Live On Tour is 60 minutes
This demonstrates the wisdom learned over time when it comes to capturing the attention spans of little ones. The Bluey team has wisely adopted this successful model.
Intermission Options
While a straight-through 55 minute runtime works for most young viewers, some venues and productions choose to include a brief intermission.
This allows for a short break halfway through the show, which can be helpful for especially young or restless children. It also provides a natural interval for grabbing snacks or using the restroom.
The Bluey live shows that incorporate a quick intermission tend to split the runtime into two roughly 25-30 minute halves.
Why Live Theater Runtimes Differ from TV
It’s useful to note the contrast between the shorter 11 minute segments of the Bluey TV show, and the 55 minute runtime of the live adaptation.
Some key factors leading to this difference include:
- TV shows segment content into discrete episodes primarily due to broadcasting logistics and commercial breaks. The stories are not constrained creatively by those 11 minute chunks.
- In live theater, audiences expect a longer continuous story arc and fuller experience for their time and ticket money.
- Scene changes, musical numbers, puppet maneuvers, and audience interaction elements will naturally extend the live runtime.
- Younger kids have shorter attention spans watching passively on screens than they do watching a stimulating live performance.
- Theatrical conventions like an establishing Act One, climax, and denouement lend themselves to a longer narrative.
So while the 11 minute TV episodes work perfectly for at-home viewing, the creative team smartly expanded the runtime for translating Bluey magic to the stage.
Bonus Content
Some live productions have begun offering extended shows with bonus content beyond the standard 55 minutes.
For example, The Big Play tour advertised a 25 minute preshow add-on called “Fun Time with Bluey” featuring bonus songs, games, and character interactions.
This allows die-hard fans to immerse themselves even longer in their beloved Bluey worlds. But the core 55 minute show remains the standard experience.
Conclusion
In summary, the standard duration of a Bluey live theatrical show runs approximately 55 minutes. This provides audiences with a satisfying Bluey story brought to life through puppetry, music, audience participation, and imaginative adventure.
The 55 minute runtime hits the sweet spot of keeping young viewers engaged without taxing their attention spans. It has proven a success when compared to runtimes of other popular stage shows for kids.
While the short 11 minute TV episode format works brilliantly for at-home viewing, the Bluey team has cleverly adapted the stories for a 55 minute stage runtime. This gives audiences a richly immersive live theater experience exploring the worlds and relationships of their favorite Australian Heeler family.