Josh Blackburn is the producer of Blippi The Musical, a live show inspired by the global TV and internet sensation seen by over 200,000 families this spring in the US and Canada.
Blippi The Musical brings the curious and fun character Blippi off the screen and onto the stage with world-class production, audience engagement and amazing music. Blippi encourages learning through doing, playing and exploring – inspiring a child’s natural curiosity about the world around them. In the live show they will continue to learn about the world around them while singing and dancing along with this one-of-a-kind show.
The show will premiere in the West End at the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, for a strictly limited season from 16 August to 4 September 2022.
Blippi The Musical is coming to The Apollo Theatre, what can you tell us about the show?
We are thrilled that Blippi The Musical’s premiere in the UK will be in the West End! The show has been delighting audiences in North America since 2020, and we know it will be a big hit with the London audience as well. Children and families can expect lots of fun and excitement, and plus tons of singing and dancing along with Blippi, Mo The Mechanic, and the Blippi buddies! Kids and families will be up out of their seats dancing, jumping, and imagining.
What was it about the show that made you want to be involved?
The Blippi brand came to Round Room in 2019 and we were immediately drawn to how the Blippi character appeals to children at their level without ever talking down to them. Blippi has amassed a large audience by taking kids on journeys through the real world around them and engaging with their local atmosphere.
It’s already been a huge success in the US and Canada, will there be any changes for UK audiences?
Blippi’s appeal is global! Children around the world are dressing up in Blue and Orange to explore their worlds. Blippi the Musical has had great receptions all around North America and we are excited to bring the show straight to the West End!
What excites you the most about bringing early years education to the theatre?
Going back to some of my own earliest memories seeing my favourite characters on stage made a lifelong impact on me and launched my love for live theatre! Showing children how much fun live entertainment can be, while also helping them to learn about the world around them is an extremely rewarding experience.
How do you think Blippi The Musical will influence the future of entertainment for kids?
Blippi The Musical is a very early example of taking a brand that kids engage with primarily on YouTube and putting it on the live stage. Most live kids shows are based on hit movies or TV shows, but with YouTube and streaming now creating brands and driving so much engagement you are quickly seeing more of these brands transformed to the live space.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming along to see Blippi The Musical this summer?
Seeing Blippi The Musical live in the West End is an experience that you and your family will not soon forget! Dancing, stretching, singing, exploring are all in store!
