Dog Man: The Musical – A Tail-Wagging School Holiday Adventure at the Sydney Opera House

Looking for the ultimate school holiday activity in Sydney? Dog Man: The Musical brings Dav Pilkey’s beloved books to life in a laugh-out-loud live performance the whole family will love.  

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If your little one is a Dog Man superfan or has a flair for the dramatic (cue the jazz hands), then this show is going to be their absolute dream come true. My 8-year-old daughter, who’s just as obsessed with musical theatre as she is with Dav Pilkey’s wildly popular graphic novels, couldn’t have been more excited.

She lives life like it’s one big musical number, so when we scored tickets to Dog Man: The Musical at the iconic Sydney Opera House, it was a resounding yes from us. 

Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint.

The perfect setting for a family day out

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Held in the Playhouse theatre at the Sydney Opera House, the space is intimate, welcoming, and just the right size for young audiences. At just over an hour long, it’s also the perfect length – no restless wriggling, toilet breaks, or snack emergencies in sight.

The show is designed with primary school kids in mind, but still managed to hold the attention of all three of my daughters – aged 6, 8 and 10. Safe to say, it’s a winner across the board.

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A story that leaps off the page – literally

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Dog Man: The Musical kicks off with comic creators George and Harold being kicked out of their school’s musical practice for saying the script was boring (cue a cheeky joke for the adults about Annie the Musical, which is currently playing at the Capitol Theatre). 

In true George and Harold fashion, they decide to make their own musical, based on their favourite hero, Dog Man. And just like that, the stage transforms into a child’s imagination brought to life.

This setup gives the musical a gloriously chaotic, kid-made vibe that makes it feel so genuine and relatable for the young audience. Think cardboard buildings, silly sound effects, and a whole lot of creative fun.

While the show is marketed at kids aged 8+, my 6-year-old was just as into it as her older sisters. The humour is silly and smart, and there are plenty of nods for the parents too. Let’s just say the adults were smiling and clapping along just as much as the little ones.

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Clever staging and hilarious puppetry

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I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure how they would bring the wacky, over-the-top world of Dog Man to the stage. But the production team nailed it. The use of puppets, props and playful sets was nothing short of brilliant.

From Flippy the evil cyborg fish to a wearable 80-HD robot made from a giant Swiss ball, the visual gags just kept coming. And let’s not forget the tiny version of Petey floating on a fishing rod above a metre-high volcano – absolutely adorable.

A cast that brings the chaos (and the charm)

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The cast was spot-on. Dog Man himself was a big, goofy delight. Petey was perfectly lanky and mischievous, while Lil’ Petey had the audience wrapped around his tiny paw. George and Harold’s energy was infectious, with songs that got toes tapping and little bums dancing in their seats.

The show may be packed with word-play and silliness, but it also delivers some heart with messages of friendship, creativity, and not taking life too seriously.

Wrapping it up

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Whether you’ve got a young theatre lover, a Dog Man enthusiast, or a child who just loves a good giggle, this show is a no-brainer. It’s an easy, joy-filled outing in a world-class venue – plus, seeing your kid light up at the Opera House is pretty special.

So grab your tickets now – Dog Man is on for the rest of the school holidays (27th April).