Monkey Baa Theatre Company’s award-winning stage adaptation of Josephine Wants to Dance returns to The Joan, Penrith for a limited season, 20 – 22 March 2025.
Based on the classic Australian picture book by Jackie French OAM and Bruce Whatley (Diary of a Wombat) Josephine Wants to Dance first hopped onto the stage in 2018, winning Best Production for Children at the Sydney Theatre Awards. Since then, it has captivated young audiences, 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 heart-warming 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 and Costume Designer, James Browne (The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show) 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,” Director Jonathan Biggins said. “Josephine herself was inspired by a real kangaroo named Fuchsia, 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 The Joan, 20 – 22 March.
REVIEWS
★★★★ “A complete delight.” – Jo Litson, Daily Telegraph
“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 Theatre Diaries
“Wonderfully whimsical and utterly inspiring…a must see for anyone with a sense of wonder.” – Jade Kops, Broadway World
CREATIVE TEAM
Adaptors: Eva Di Cesare, Sandie Eldridge and Tim McGarry
Director: Jonathan Biggins
Composer and Lyricist: Phil Scott
Choreographer: Tim Harbour
Set and Costume Designer: James Browne
Lighting Designer: Emma Lockhart-Wilson
Sound Designer: David Bergman
Musical Director: Michael Tyack
Remount Lighting Designer: Veronique Benett
Costume Cutter: Marianne Close
Cast: Lily Baulderstone, Nina Carmen, Hannah Gwatkin, Callum Slater, Teo Persechino
KEY DETAILS
Dates & Times:
Thursday 20 March at 6pm
Friday 21 March at 11am
Saturday 22 March at 10am
Accessibility:
The show on Saturday will be presented as a relaxed performance.
Venue:
Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre,
597 High Street, Penrith.
Tickets:
A Reserve Standard $39, Groups (4+) $35
B Reserve Standard $33
A fee of $5 applies to all bookings.
Photos by Alex Vaughan