From Bluey to ballet: a summer of fun at Canberra Theatre Centre

Posted on 15 January, 2025

The kids won’t have time to be bored these summer school holidays, because from immersive illuminations to an appearance from Bluey, there’s plenty of fun to be had at the Canberra Theatre Centre.

Curating a spectacular lineup of productions that are suitable for every age, Canberra Theatre Centre’s Summer Holiday Fun program promises to keep the kids laughing and cheering long after the shows are over.

Hosted alongside an exciting program of affordable and free family-friendly arts and crafts, workshops, and interactive activities at the Canberra Museum and Gallery, it sounds like the most fun-filled summer holiday program you can think of.

So, what can you expect? From much-loved children’s stories to comedy concerts, here are six things not to miss.

Storytime Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty

Credit: Rainee Lantry.

Ideal for children three years and older, this narrated version of The Sleeping Beauty will have them dancing in their seats.

Dazzling with glittering tutus and beloved characters – and set to Tchaikovsky’s hum-along score – they’ll be enhanced by this interactive retelling.

Thursday 16 until Sunday 19 January | Book here.

Steve Backshall Ocean

Credit:  Graham MacFarlane.

A must-see for the whole family, this educational mix of stunts, experiments, props, cutting-edge science and big-screen footage will help you to dive deep into the wonderful world beneath the waves.

Led by the renowned explorer and naturalist Steve Backshall it’s a great way for the kids to learn more about what we need to do to save our seas.

Friday 17 January | Book here.

Sea of Light

Credit: Matt Byrne.

This special experience isn’t about looking at art – it’s about being drawn into it.

Enter a mesmerising world of light, music, and imagination in Sea of Light, an immersive and interactive installation by Patch Theatre. With a UV torch as their paintbrush, kids can paint and stencil their own voyage and steer ships that leave glowing paths of light in their wake.

With artworks by Contemporary Aboriginal Visual Artist Elizabeth Close painted in light across the sea floor, it promises to be a beautiful and unique adventure.

Saturday 18 until Saturday 25 January | Book here.

78-Storey Treehouse

Credit: Peter Wallis.

Based on Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton’s best-selling books, this hilarious, high-flying show is not to be missed.

Recommended for children aged six to 12 and their adults, we promise that everyone will be left in stitches after this show.

Tuesday 21 until Wednesday 22 January | Book here.

The Listies: Make Some Noise

Credit: Daniel Boud.

It promises to be a riotous mixtape of silly songs, stupid sketches, and crazy clowning – and apparently, it’s the kids’ show you NEED to book tickets for in 2025. Especially if you’re trying to get some ‘cool’ cred with the kids.

Belting out a bunch of songs in their musical comedy show that will have attendees giggling and singing long after the show is over, while they don’t promise to be in tune (sorry about that), they do promise that both kids and their adults will have a good time.

Friday 24 January | Book here.

Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show

Credit: Photo Co.

Calling all Bluey lovers, this one is for you! Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show, featuring brilliantly created puppets.

This theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series features an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. It’s Bluey as you’ve never seen it before.

Tuesday 21 until Friday 25 January | Book here.

And that’s just the beginning of Summer Holiday Fun.

To make your visit even more fun, throughout the program, the Canberra Museum and Gallery is also hosting free craft activities, storytelling sessions, and more.

The highlights?

You can’t miss the Outer Space Exhibition (running until November 2025), where kids can blast off into the cosmos to explore the wonders of space while celebrating 100 years of the Mount Stromlo Observatory.

Across Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 January, you can book your creative into Treehouse Creations, a workshop inspired by the 78-Storey Treehouse, while until Thursday 23 January, Puppy Puppets will see children get crafty with paper-puppet making inspired by Bluey’s Big Play.

Looking for something a bit more musical? The Canberra Symphony Orchestra Instrument Petting Zoo (running Monday 20 until Saturday 25 January) promises to give budding musos the opportunity to connect and play with the instruments, that they’ve probably never been allowed to touch, as guided by the experts from the Canberra Symphony Orchestra.

Plus – if that wasn’t enough to make parents excited – there will also be some delicious food and drink specials available throughout the program to keep the family fuelled up. And yes, there will be ice cream.

We told you that it sounds like fun.

Feature image: Photo Co. Images supplied.