Children’s Theatre

Bluey’s Big Play

Leave a comment

Reciewed by Jodie, Bridie and Hetty Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


It would be quite the understatement if I were to say that we are fans of Bluey in our house. With a five year old and a seven year old to keep entertained each day of the schools holidays, Bluey can often be our saviour and the reality is that us adults love it as much as our kids do. So the excitement levels that we all felt when we heard we would be reviewing Bluey’s Big Play, were through the roof.

I honestly couldn’t think of a better way to spend a morning than watching this show. It has all the ingredients of a classic Bluey episode: a story with a strong emotional undertone, a lesson to be learnt, some questionable dance moves and some of the greatest Dad jokes of our time. 

I wasn’t sure how this firm family favourite of ours was going to translate onto the stage and the answer is that it does so perfectly. 

These puppets are so engaging! You stop seeing the puppeteers (who do an amazing job by the way) and you just get fully engrossed in the lovable, familiar characters. 

The show tells the story of a scenario that I’m sure we are all faced with as parents, at times. Dad wants nothing more than to sit down and check through an article on his phone, in peace and quiet. But, Bluey and Bingo have other plans. They conspire to steal and hide Dad’s phone so that he has no choice but to play with them. Dad is determined to get his phone back and we are taken on an adventure of laughter, music and dance with our favourite canine family. Until, eventually the phone is found and returned to Dad, who realises that actually there will be plenty of time for sitting on his phone later. Cue – an epic Bluey finale for us all to get involved in. 

My children loved this production so much and, I’m not ashamed to say it, so did I! 

This is the perfect show for fans of this Aussie cult classic. We will be talking about this show for the remainder of the school holidays and I’m pretty sure that there’ll be a return visit, even if it’s just to get involved in the giant game of keepy uppy! 

It also needs mentioning that the Lowry is such the perfect venue for this kind of production. It’s such an accessible space that is managed so brilliantly. It’s always a joy to take the children along to a show here. 

This is an absolute “ripper” of a show, as our friend Bandit would say! For real! And yes, I’m “cereal”!

Bluey’s Big Blue House is on at The Lowry until Sunday 11th August tickets are available here.

In The Night Garden Live

Leave a comment

ITNG 3

Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In The Night Garden Live has been enchanting children since its very first tour in 2010; there’s nothing quite like seeing the faces of little ones light up when they realise their favourite characters are right there in front of them. For 2019 the show is even bigger and better as it moves out of the purpose built showdomes and into theatres across the country in an all-new & completely charming adventure; Igglepiggle’s Busy Day!

The much-loved characters Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka, The Tombliboo’s and The Pontipines all feature in this wonderful celebration of the original CBeebies show brought to vivid life by an outstanding team of actor/puppeteers.

ITNG 2

The story written by Helen Eastman is told beautifully through song, dance and gentle music as Igglepiggle goes about his busy day bumping into his friends along the way. With the helpful addition of narration from Derek Jacobi, (the voice of the TV show); the story flows at a gentle pace ensuring even the youngest of audience members can follow the action in this joyful show.

The life-size versions of each character particularly captivate the little ones. There are both squeals of delight and frantic waves as one by one they each take to the stage. The whole experience feels magical, the perfect opportunity for little ones to have their first experience of the theatre. There are no loud bangs or unexpected surprises here just an enchanting & professionally executed show which will no doubt become a regular fixture in theatre schedules across the country.

ITNG

The set features familiar animations & bold visuals which further add to the immersive feel of this show as the much-loved characters whisk us along on their colourful ride. At around an hour long this is just the right about of time for the little ones who lap up every bit of the action.

My youngest guest who is 3 and a half announced upon entering the theatre & seeing the stage “I am so happy” I can confirm his smile was even wider by the end of the show. His Mum who has been to the shows at the showdome many times really enjoyed the experience of seeing the characters take to the stage in the theatre while her older son (age 5) really enjoyed the experience of going to the theatre with his baby brother and said of the move into the theatre “It’s not just for babies now but boys and girls too”

In The Night Garden Live is a huge hug of a show, joyous, magical family fun.

Further ticket and tour information can be found here.