JOSEPHINE WANTS TO DANCE

Announcement posted by Thurnham Teece 27 Jun 2025

A Monkey Baa Theatre Company Production

JOSEPHINE WANTS TO DANCE

Based on the book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley

Playing at The Civic Theatre, Newcastle on 8 - 9 August 2025

Monkey Baa Theatre Company is thrilled to bring the award-winning stage adaptation Josephine Wants to Dance to The Civic Theatre Newcastle on 8th and 9th August.

Based on the beloved book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley, Josephine Wants to Dance first leapt onto the stage in 2018, winning Best Production for Children at the Sydney Theatre Awards. Since then, it has captivated thousands of young audience members, taking them on a joyous journey of determination and self-belief.

Josephine is a kangaroo who loves to dance. Her little brother, Joey, insists that kangaroos don't dance—they hop. But Josephine doesn't give up. She twirls, leaps, and pirouettes through the Australian bush. When a ballet company arrives in Shaggy Gully, Josephine dreams of joining them. Then, disaster strikes. The prima ballerina twists her ankle, and the understudy is sidelined. Can Josephine step in and save the show?

Featuring original music, ballet, hip-hop and… a dancing kangaroo, this hilarious and heartwarming musical is a must-see for the whole family.

Monkey Baa has assembled an outstanding creative team to bring Josephine's world to life, including Director, Jonathan Biggins (Pete the Sheep, The Wharf Revue); Composer: Phil Scott (Pete the Sheep, The Wharf Revue); Choreographer, Tim Harbour (formerly of The Australian Ballet); Set & Costume Designer, James Browne (The Very Hungry Caterpillar) and Lighting Designer, Emma Lockhart‐Wilson (Where the Streets Had a Name).

"The production brings Australian animals to life in the most imaginative way possible," said Director Jonathan Biggins. "Josephine herself was inspired by a real kangaroo named Fuschia, who lived near Jackie French's home in the bush."

Artistic Director and Co-writer Eva Di Cesare added, "Josephine is full of curiosity and perseverance—qualities we adore. We can't wait to share her story with audiences once again."

Don't miss Josephine Wants to Dance at Civic Theatre Newcastle in August 2025.

Tickets are on sale now and are available here.

What: Josephine Wants to Dance

When: Friday 8th August, 6.30 pm

Saturday 9th August, 10 am and 12.30 pm

For: Ages 3-8 and their families

Where: Civic Theatre, Newcastle

Bookings: civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/what-s-on/all-shows/josephine-wants-to-dance

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Productions Images can be found here:

Trailer can be found here

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