Josephine Wants to Dance
Based on the book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley
A hilarious Australian musical based on the hugely popular picture book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley. Touring nationally in 2025 and created for the stage by the team that brought you the award-winning Pete the Sheep, this delightful work by Monkey Baa Theatre Company brings to life a tale about a bush kangaroo you’ll never forget.
★★★★ - “A complete delight.”
ABOUT THE SHOW
She's bold. She's bouncy. She's
back!
A hilarious musical about the importance of believing in yourself and realising your dreams and... a dancing kangaroo!
Based on the picture book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley, this delightful musical is a must see!
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?
Best Production for Children
– 2019 Sydney Theatre Award –
REVIEWS
"If you have children to
take, then, take them. If you don't, still go. Don't be shy. Just, go, go, go.”
Kevin Jackson, Kevin Jackson Theatre Diaries
"The show is sharp and
funny and the songs suitably witty, appealing to all ages… I strongly advise
that you take your children."
Bronwyn Fullerton, Arts Guide Sydney
"...a must see for anyone
with a sense of wonder, whether 4 or 40 or even older. With a delightful
message that anything is possible if you work hard.”
Jade Kops, Broadway World
Illustrations by Bruce Whatley. Production photos by Heidrun Lohr from 2018 national tour, featuring Rebecca Hetherington, Chloe Dallimore, Amanda Laing and Hayden Rodgers.
Touring
Touring 2025
CREDITS
Based on the book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley
Adapted for the stage by Eva Di Cesare, Sandie Eldridge, Tim McGarry
Illustration by Bruce Whatley
Director Jonathan Biggins
Composer Phil Scott
Choreographer Tim Harbour
Set & Costume Designer James Browne
Lighting designer Emma Lockhart-Wilson
Sound Designer David Bergman
Musical Director Michael Tyak
Cast Lily Baulderstone, Nina Carmen,
Hannah Gwatkin, and Brodie Masini
If you are interested in touring get in contact!
Arts on Tour
02 8038 1880
touring@artsontour.com.au
Arts on Tour is based in Redfern NSW and we respectfully acknowledge the Gadigal people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the unceded land on which we work.
As we tour artists and productions across these vast lands, we pay our respect to all First Nations Elders, past, present and future.
We celebrate their continuing connection and contribution to culture, country and community, and thank all First Nations peoples for their wisdom in caring for the land, the sky, the rivers and the sea.