Bluey is coming to the Middle East, with season one launching on Spacetoon Kids TV and a stage show coming to Abu Dhabi.
BBC Studios Kids & Family has shared that the Emmy and BAFTA award-winning animated series Bluey is set to expand its presence in the Middle East in 2024.
For the first time, the show will be available to watch on free-to-air platform Spacetoon Kids, while the theatre show, Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show, will makes its debut in Abu Dhabi following sell-out shows across the US and Australia. Bluey merchandise is also set to grow in the region following the appointment of Spacetoon International Agent as licensing representative.
Spacetoon Kids TV will air season one of the TV series, created and written by Joe Brumm and produced by the multiple Emmy Award-winning Ludo Studio.
The series is made by Ludo Studio and jointly commissioned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and BBC Studios Kids & Family, with BBC Studios owning international distribution and licensing rights outside Australia.
BBC Studios appointed Spacetoon International Agent as the licensing representative for Bluey to oversee the expansion of the Bluey licensing programme in the Middle East. Spacetoon International Agent have just added Hollywoood Magic to the local roster of licensees, which will see Bluey apparel launch later next year. Toy Pro will be launching musical toys and puzzles and the master toy line from Moose Toys is distributed locally by Playtrend Trading.
Daisy Griffiths, BBC Studios senior licensing executive EMEA, said: “We are delighted to partner with Spacetoon, working together to increase the presence of Bluey in the territory and grow Bluey’s fanbase in the Middle East in 2024. It is going to be an exciting year. The launch of the Bluey licensing programme marks a significant next step in the global expansion of Bluey following huge success across multiple regions including North and South America, UK, Europe and Australia/New Zealand.”
Bluey’s Big Play is a brand new theatrical adaptation of the television series and will make its Middle East debut in Abu Dhabi from the 30th August 2024 at the Etihad Arena. With an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm and new music by Bluey composer Joff Bush, audiences of all ages will get to see Bluey, her younger sister Bingo and Mum and Dad as they’ve never seen them before, starring puppets, live actors, and iconic sets.
It features original voices from the TV series, while the larger-than-life puppets are commanded by the stage show’s talented cast.
Bluey’s Big Play is produced by Andrew Kay and Theory Eleven with Windmill Theatre Co for BBC Studios.
Sia Farr, managing director at Theory Eleven Entertainment, said: “We are thrilled to bring Bluey’s Big Play to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Another world-class entertainment show, Bluey’s heart-warming and relatable stories make it a perfect addition to our line-up of family-friendly experiences.”
The stage show has enjoyed much success in Australia and is currently in the US, where it’s played at the Hulu Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and the iconic Chicago Theatre. There is also an upcoming UK and Ireland premiere tour starting this December until summer 2024.
