Ever wondered what our canine companions are thinking as they get about the world?
Regional NSW creative Sam Paine has created a night of entertaining and enlightening monologues from dogs – or Dogologues! This family friendly show delves into the lives and minds of some very relatable canine characters, and is currently on tour in NSW.
The show is supported by Arts On Tour, toured by Mudgee Performing Arts.
Born out of a love for dogs and a knack for inventive storytelling, Sam Paine has created a show that playfully explores dog-human relationships – from the perspective of the dog.
Dogologues all started with the story of Bruce. Bruce was a devoted self-appointed guard dog, determined to protect his owner and his home against the arrival of a very sexy, and very single plumber. Like all good best friends do!
Bruce was so beloved by audiences that Sam went on to create a collection of dog characters who share their funny and heartwarming tales in Dogologues.
“The show uses the dogs’ naive points of view to address very human concerns of love, ageing, compassion, and connection,” says Sam.
Sam performs in Dogologues, alongside Josie McConnell. The two performers take audiences into the minds and lives of seven very different dogs. From a farm dog that ends up in show business, to an anxious dog saving a burning house, a rough-edged dog who stumbles upon love, and a cantankerous old-timer just trying to live his best old life, and, well – you get the picture!
Sam’s scripts have been described as bold pieces of writing that are immensely entertaining and spark conversations about how much dogs bring into our lives.
“Dogs are so full of joy, devotion, and delightful confusion. And there is something about a dog’s point of view that can give us a new perspective on our own lives and quirks,” Sam says.
Josie’s playful acting style won her the ‘Best Actor’ award for her performance as Pippy in Mudgee Shorts 2024.
“Delving into the personalities of some very different types of dogs has been a wonderful acting experience!” says Josie. “I mean, we’ve all wondered what goes on in the minds of dogs as they share their lives with us, right?”
The show’s regional tour has been made possible by Arts on Tour and the NSW Government through Create NSW. The show will tour four country NSW towns including Broken Hill, Blackheath, Rylstone, and another location still being confirmed.
“Broken Hill is our first stop and was on the radar as a place to visit because of its distance, which we understand is often a barrier for touring performers,” says Sam. As part of the tour, the Dogologues team will also be facilitating a youth theatre workshop in Broken Hill.
“Regional touring is really important to us. People living in country towns deserve access to engaging and entertaining theatre from a diverse range of artists,” says Sam. “We are very excited to share our show across NSW and connect with local theatre groups.
Show dates:
- Broken Hill May 2
- Blackhealth Sat 16 May
- Rylstone Sat 30 May
Dogologues Tickets, Mudgee Town Hall Theatre, Mudgee | TryBooking Australia
Picture: Sam Paine from the Broken Hill show.
