Tyne and Wear

Bluey Stage Show Brings Puppet Fun To Sunderland

By

Karen McGinn
16 February 2026, 1:49 pm

The family puppet stage show Bluey’s Big Play will run at the Sunderland Empire in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, from March 25 to March 29, 2026. This live production brings the characters from the popular television series to the local stage, offering families a child-friendly activity during the spring holidays.

The show features an original story by series creator Joe Brumm and new music from composer Joff Bush. In this performance, characters Bluey and Bingo use various methods to try and get their father, Bandit, to put down his phone and play with them on a Sunday afternoon.

According to the official Bluey website, the production uses human-sized puppets that are operated by a team of puppeteers to bring the characters to life. The show lasts about 50 minutes and does not have an interval, which is designed to suit the attention spans of younger children.

The Sunderland Empire is a historic Edwardian theatre that first opened in 1907 and frequently hosts major touring productions. This visit provides local residents with a chance to see a professional stage show without needing to travel to other major cities.