Bluey’s Big Play, the stage adaptation of the Emmy Award-winning animated television series, has already delighted audiences across the world—and now Bluey, Bingo and the rest of the Heeler family are back on tour across the UK and Ireland. Bringing the magic of the small screen to life, the production combines beautifully crafted oversized puppets, an original story and the instantly recognisable voices of Dave McCormack and Melanie Zanetti as Dad (Bandit) and Mum (Chilli).

Speaking to us ahead of the tour, Dave and Melanie are quick to explain why the live show is such a special experience for fans.

For Melanie, Bluey’s Big Play feels like “a huge extended episode”, but one elevated by the scale and energy of live theatre. The puppets, she says, are extraordinary, bringing the characters to life in a whole new way, while the sets and music—composed by Joff Bush, just as they are for the TV series—add to the sense of spectacle. With no interval and a 50-minute runtime, the show is designed as a fast, joyful ride, telling a brand-new story not seen on television. Melanie recalls seeing the show at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden, where the atmosphere was so electric it felt “like being at a rock concert”.

Dave agrees wholeheartedly. Watching the show in huge venues such as Madison Square Garden and back home in Sydney, he was struck by the sheer excitement in the room. It’s loud, joyful and communal, he says — an experience where kids and parents are swept up together.

While careful not to give away spoilers, both actors describe a story rooted in what fans love most about Bluey: family life, playful mischief and gentle lessons. Melanie hints at “cheeky” schemes driven by the girls’ wants and wishes, while Dave explains that Bandit’s familiar forgetfulness leads him into a series of funny and relatable situations. All the favourite characters appear, there’s singing and dancing throughout, and the use of puppetry gives the whole production a fresh theatrical twist.

Reflecting on how their Bluey journeys began, Dave admits he never imagined where they would lead. A musician and composer rather than an actor, he was recommended for the role of Dad through a friend. At the time, his daughters were four and six, making the material instantly relatable. He recorded the voice thinking it was a fun one-off, only to later see the finished animation and realise just how special it was — from the colours and music to the emotional depth of the storytelling.

Melanie’s path was equally unexpected. Already working in voiceovers, she was invited to record a few lines for a new animation that had technically already been cast. Months later, after further auditions, the creators returned to her with the news that she had been “perfect all along”. That was the beginning of Chilli.

Neither of them could have predicted they would still be voicing these characters years later. Dave says the show’s success lies in its heart—it’s warm, honest, joyful and sometimes sad, without ever talking down to children. Melanie describes it as the "funniest job ever," praising the scripts, the people behind the scenes, and the fact that what began as a small show from Brisbane has become a global phenomenon.

While Melanie suspected early on that Bluey was something special, she admits she never imagined its worldwide reach.

Though deeply Australian in tone, the show captures something universal about parenting young children — something creator Joe Brumm distils with remarkable precision. Dave, meanwhile, remembers wondering how a seven-minute TV episode could ever translate to a live stage show. Seeing it become a fully interactive touring production has been nothing short of astonishing.

When asked whether Bandit and Chilli are good role models for parents, both are emphatic. Melanie loves that Chilli is not just warm and intuitive but also imperfect — someone who makes mistakes and apologises. Dave describes Bandit as “a normal dude” with his own quirks, pointing out that although the characters are dogs, the stories are profoundly human. It’s this honesty, compassion and relatability, he believes, that has resonated so widely.

The voice-recording process itself is surprisingly simple. Dave records remotely, receiving scripts with his lines highlighted, often completing several episodes in a single session. He won’t see the finished product for up to a year, making it all the more rewarding when it finally airs. Melanie’s setup is even more nomadic: she records wherever her acting work takes her, from Australia to New York, LA, Latvia or Florence. As she jokes, Chilli may live in Australia, but she’s certainly been on a world tour.

Both actors draw on real life for their performances. Melanie channels her own mother—one of six children raised by a parent who recognised each child’s individuality. Dave, meanwhile, admits Bandit is essentially just himself. In fact, voicing the character has sometimes inspired him to be a better parent, encouraging more imagination, play and device-free fun at home.

Asked about their favourite Bluey games, both cite the iconic Keepy Uppy. Dave recalls playing it growing up in Brisbane with his brother, while Melanie fondly remembers it from school days, along with the imaginative dress-up games that showcase the girls’ creativity.

Ultimately, both believe the show — on screen and on stage — reminds families of the magic in everyday moments. Melanie speaks beautifully about the importance of presence, imagination and learning together, while Dave reflects on how Bluey has taught him not to sweat the small stuff, especially as time with children passes so quickly.

As for the forthcoming Bluey movie? Melanie laughs that she can reveal absolutely nothing — except that it will be amazing. Dave agrees, keeping his lips firmly sealed but clearly confident in the creative team behind it.

One thing is certain: whether on screen or live on stage, Bluey continues to strike a joyful, heartfelt chord with families everywhere.

Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are back by popular demand in the Olivier Award-nominated live stage show Bluey’s Big Play to find out more and for tickets visit blueylive.com.