UK Fans of the hit children’s TV show Blippi will be excited to hear that the man himself is heading across the pond for the very first time this summer. Following a successful North American tour where it was seen by over 200,000 families, Blippi The Musical is coming to the West End’s Apollo Theatre for just three weeks in August. We caught up with producer, Josh Blackburn to find out all about the show.
Hi Josh. You’re bringing Blippi the Musical to the West End this summer. Tell us a little bit about the show. What can audiences expect?
We are, and 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 and the Blippi buddies!
With 37 million YouTube subscribers and one billion views per month, Blippi is an internet sensation. Why do you think it’s so popular?
Blippi is an adult, but he sees the world through a child’s eyes, and makes learning entertaining and fun while inspiring children’s natural curiosity about the world around them. More and more kids and families fall in love with Blippi every day, and love being invited to explore the world with him and his friends. Blippi The Musical brings the beloved character of Blippi off the screen and onto the stage, giving children the opportunity to see their favourite character in person, while also experiencing the magic of theatre.
What was it that drove you to create the live spin off musical of Blippi?
We saw an amazing opportunity to work with the creators of Blippi to expand the world of the character to live theatre and bring the character of Blippi to stages all over the globe. As you said, billions of viewers tune into Blippi every month, and we knew that his energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity, combined with amazing music and our ability to create world-class productions, would lead to a can’t-miss show that would entertain and enthral children, and give families a memorable event in which they could partake together.
What is next in store for Blippi The Musical, after the West End?
Stay tuned! We’d love to bring Blippi The Musical to families all over the world! The best place to see news and future plans is Blippithemusical.com, or by following us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
What are you most looking forward to about the opening of the show in the West End?
The West End is such a beloved section of London and known for world-class theatre productions, and we’re honoured to be premiering Blippi The Musical here during our first time in the UK. We know audiences have been asking for a long time for Blippi The Musical to cross the ocean from North America to the UK, and we’re excited to delight Blippi fans with this incredible show! We are also very excited for fun new reactions that the UK fans will have, seeing the show for the first time!
And finally, what was your favourite show growing up?
Sesame Street was one of my favourite shows! I always enjoyed dancing along with Big Bird and friends. In fact, one of my earliest memories was going to see Sesame Street Live At our local theatre and my father got pulled up on stage with The Count. Really amazing time with my family that I will never forget.
Blippi The Muscial plays at the Apollo Theatre from 6 August to 4 September 2022. Tickets are available from www.blippithemusical.co.uk & www.nimaxtheatres.com