Josephine Wants to Dance
Brisbane Powerhouse
Last updated: May 13, 2025
Featuring original music, ballet, hip-hop and a dancing kangaroo, Josephine Wants to Dance is a must-see production for the whole family at Brisbane Powerhouse these school holidays, on July 8 & 9.

Monkey Baa Theatre Company's hilarious, heartwarming and award-winning musical is based on the beloved picture book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley, and adapted for the stage by Eva Di Cesare, Sandie Eldridge and Tim McGarry.

Josephine Wants to Dance first leapt onto the stage in 2018, winning Best Production for Children at the Sydney Theatre Awards. Since then, it has captivated thousands of young audiences, taking them on a joyous journey of determination and self-belief.

Josephine is a kangaroo who loves to dance. Her little brother, Joey, insists that kangaroos don't dance - they hop. But Josephine continues to point her toes and twirls, leaps, and pirouettes through the Australian bush.

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.

Then, disaster strikes. On the day of the first performance, 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?
Good to know - The performance contains haze. There is an Auslan performance on July 9 at 10am.
Need to know - The venue is cashless
Brisbane Powerhouse is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com
Josephine Wants to Dance
Powerhouse Theatre
119 Lamington St
New Farm
Jul 8 10am & 12:30pm
Jul 9 - 10am (AUSLAN Performance) & 12:30pm
Admission - $36* / Group 4+ $32*
*$7.20 transaction fee
3358 8600