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A whimsical illustration of a kangaroo donning a pink tutu, looking cheerful and ready to dance.

Josephine Wants To Dance Monkey Baa Theatre Company

3 - 15 January 2025

In the Playhouse

Kids & Families

Ages 3+ | Josephine is a kangaroo who loves to dance. Despite the protests of her little brother Joey, Josephine ventures into town where the city ballet is performing Swan Lake. With the prima ballerina out injured, will all her dancing dreams come true?

Based on the book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley
Adapted by Eva Di Cesare, Sandie Eldridge and Tim McGarry

Illustrations: Bruce Whatley

 

If you have children to take, then take them. If you don’t, still go. Don’t be shy.

Theatre Diaries

Jump into the tutu-tastic adventure of self-discovery, ballet and... kangaroos

The beloved Australian picture book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley bounces onto the Opera House stage as Sydney's summer blockbuster musical for the family.

Josephine is a kangaroo who loves to dance. Her little brother, Joey, tells her kangaroos don't dance, they hop - but Josephine continues to point her toes and leap through the air. When a ballet troupe comes to the sleepy town of Shaggy Gully, Josephine desperately wants to dance like the ballerinas in pink tutus and silk ballet shoes.

On the day of the first performance the ballet company is in trouble. The prima ballerina twists her ankle and the understudy has a splinter in her toe. Who can dance the lead role? Josephine's talents are called upon to help save the day. Can she do it, and more importantly, does it matter that she's a kangaroo?

Sydney Opera House presents a Monkey Baa Theatre Company production

Watch the trailer


About the company 

For over 26 years Monkey Baa has presented award-winning theatrical experiences that inspire and empower audiences across Australia. They are one of Australia's widest touring companies, with over 29 national tours to 135 regional and remote communities, 5 international tours and 4,000 performances reaching more than 1.5 million young people. 

Monkey Baa empowers young people to shape their lives through inspiring theatre and creative experiences. They create, present and tour performances powered by imagination, with eye-opening ideas and boundless fun. 

Their vision is a world where all young people are emboldened by creativity and their mission is to empower young people to shape and navigate their lives through inspirational theatre and creative experiences. 

Photos by Heidrun Lohr Photos from 2018 national tour featuring Rebecca Hetherington, Chloe Dallimore, Amanda Laing and Hayden Rodgers

Other information

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