When a children's TV programme appeals as much to parents as it does to their little ones, you know it will be a smash hit.

Bluey is the kind of show you continue watching after your child has lost interest and wandered off.

The Australian cartoon follows the charming adventures of six-year-old Blue Heeler dog Bluey, her four-year-old sister Bingo and their far-too-relatable parents Bandit and Chilli.

It's hugely popular - and with good reason - so when it was announced the new stage version was coming to the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury this week, it's unsurprising tickets were snapped up - so much so, that extra shows had to be added.

Bluey's Big Play, in all its pastel-coloured glory, opens with the sun rising to rousing music familiar from the series, as skilled puppeteers meander a flock of birds across the sky.

Within minutes, you forget about the half-a-dozen humans busily working on stage as you become captivated by the human-sized puppets they're operating.

The packed auditorium of excitable young children and their equally (if not more) excited parents start shuffling in anticipation as the instantly recognisable opening notes from the Bluey theme tune ring out.

We're then introduced to the characters in true Bluey style - with a lively game of musical statues, which gets everyone wiggling in their seats.

Similar to the TV series, there are lessons to be learned but plenty of fun to be had. We're taken on a tale of one dad's battle for a bit of Sunday afternoon time out, relaxing on a bean bag and looking at his phone, while his energetic children beg him to play.

It's a scene that will be familiar to parents everywhere - balancing the desire for just a few minutes of 'me time' with the near-constant demands of young children.

And it's this relatability that makes Bluey so endearing. With their seemingly endless supply of playfulness and patience, Chilli and Bandit display some serious parenting goals. But they're also refreshingly flawed, making plenty of mistakes along the way – which they’re not afraid to own. And while Bluey and Bingo clearly adore each other, they experience all the typical sisterly spats. They're just so very human - which is a strange way to describe a family of cartoon dogs.

There's plenty of audience interaction as Bandit desperately searches for his phone, hidden by the mischievous Heeler pups. And later, many jump up on their feet to join in as Bandit shows Bingo some dance moves.

Another highlight is a riotous scene involving Bandit and his neighbour Lucky's Dad as they attempt to dodge a toy car being driven across the stage by Bluey and Bingo, dressed as grannies Rita and Janet from a popular episode.

The 50-minute show delves into some serious life issues, including parent guilt, sibling rivalry, the pressure to be a good role model and even navigating a painful family rift. But it still manages to be fun, hilarious, life-affirming and at one point, tear-jerkingly moving. Let's just say I didn't expect to be dabbing away tears at a lighthearted show for preschoolers.

But there was little time to wallow, as it was time for the grand finale - a huge game of keepy-uppy with giant balloons and millions of bubbles filling the theatre. Truly magical.

As the Heeler family took a bow and waved goodbye, my awestruck four-year-old son clapped and shouted "I love you so much!", which is pretty much the best review you can get.

Bluey's Big Play is at the Marlowe Theatre from Thursday, April 4 to Sunday, April 7.

For more information and to book tickets, visit the Marlowe Theatre website.

Shows are at 10pm, 1pm and 4pm on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, and 10pm and 1pm on Friday.