Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Gulidjan and Gadubanud peoples; the Traditional Owners and Elders of the land on which COPACC operates.
We acknowledge their connection to creative practice on these lands and extend our respect to First Nations people throughout our communities.

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A Monkey Baa Theatre Company production JOSEPHINE WANTS TO DANCE

Next date: Tuesday, 29 April 2025 | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

COMING IN 2025!!!

A hilarious musical about the importance of believing in yourself and realising your dreams and... a dancing kangaroo!

Based on the book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley
Adapted by Eva Di Cesare, Sandie Eldridge and Tim McGarry

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?

Adaptors Eva Di Cesare, Sandie Eldridge and Tim McGarry

Please note that the 5.30pm performance on Monday, 28 April will be adapted to be more accessible and welcoming to a wider audience. It will be AUSLAN interpreted and feature a relaxed setting. Please get in contact with the COPACC Office on 03 5232 9450 or via engagement.copacc@colacotway.vic.gov.au for any further accessibility needs you might have, and we will do our best to accommodate these.

Excellence in the Performing Arts – 2019 Glug Award | Best Production for Children – 2019 Sydney Theatre Award

“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

Audience Reviews

"The show was brilliant and I'm already telling other grandmothers like me! My 6-year-old grandson loved every minute of ''Josephine", and it prompted him to read the book all by himself. He tells me and his parents about the scenes we laughed in.
Thank you to all the clever people behind the scenes as well as the versatile actors."

"My 5-year-old loved the experience. She was only disappointed that she wasn't going to the next show at 12.30pm too!"