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From Bush to Ballet Josephine's Journey to Captivate Newcastle Audiences

intouch Magazine
Aug 1, 2025
1 min read

Updated: Aug 13, 2025

Performers on stage in pink tutus and animal costumes, with one in front wearing grey fur and ears, smiling widely. Blue-lit forest backdrop. — Source: Alex Vaughan

Monkey Baa Theatre Company brings the award-winning stage adaptation Josephine Wants to Dance to Newcastle's Civic Theatre for three fabulous shows on 8 and 9 August.

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Based on the beloved book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley, Josephine Wants to Dance won Best Production for Children at the Sydney Theatre Awards in 2018 and has since captivated thousands of young audiences.

Josephine is a kangaroo who loves to dance, despite her little brother Joey’s insistence that kangaroos don't dance - they hop! Determined, she twirls and pirouettes through the Australian bush. When a ballet company arrives in Shaggy Gully, Josephine dreams of joining them. When disaster strikes and the prima ballerina twists her ankle with the understudy sidelined, can Josephine save the show?

This hilarious and heartwarming musical features original music, ballet, hip-hop and a dancing kangaroo. The outstanding creative team includes Director Jonathan Biggins (Pete the Sheep, The Wharf Revue), Composer Phil Scott, Choreographer Tim Harbour (formerly of The Australian Ballet), Set & Costume Designer James Browne (The Very Hungry Caterpillar) and Lighting Designer Emma Lockhart‐Wilson.

"Josephine herself was inspired by a real kangaroo named Fuschia, who lived near Jackie French's home in the bush," said Director Jonathan Biggins.

Don't miss Josephine Wants to Dance at Civic Theatre Newcastle this month! For tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au.

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