Liverpool Sefton Park to host BBC Children's hit In The Night Garden Live

The world premiere and nationwide tour of BBC's IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE promises to be a spectacular musical theatre experience for the whole family.

This dazzling new show will be launched in Liverpool with a two-week run in Sefton Park, Saturday 17 July to Sunday 1 August, tickets are on sale now.

Visually stunning, IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE will be created in an inflatable, purpose-built touring theatre made up of two impressive, state-of-the-art show domes which faithfully recreate the magical world of this hugely popular children’s television show produced by Ragdoll Productions.

These all-weather domes will take up temporary residence in public parks across the UK this summer in a four-city tour which also includes London and Glasgow.

The show domes will have all the facilities of a regular theatre (in the smaller dome) – including box office, toilets and catering points – but these will be uniquely family-friendly with buggy parks, baby-changing areas and microwaves to heat up baby food.

The auditorium (in the larger dome) will have just 500 seats, providing excellent sight-lines and proximity to the stage for all audience members.

Families will have the choice of two shows, each with a different story, during the run, with up to five performances a day to suit every family’s schedule.

IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE is written by celebrated creator and composer of In the Night Garden, Andrew Davenport, directed by acclaimed choreographer and director, Will Tuckett, and produced by theatre producer Andrew Collier of Minor Entertainment.

This is the first time that children and parents will be able to see the iconic In the Night Garden and its much loved characters Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka in a live event.

The characters will be brought to life with full-size costumes, enchanting music, magical puppets and spectacular panoramic projections, creating an immersive theatrical experience to make audiences feel they are actually entering the magical world of In the Night Garden.

Andrew Davenport, creator and composer of In the Night Garden said: “I’m thrilled at plans for an IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE experience for children and their families that sets out to match the celebrated quality and high production values of the television series.

"I hope that IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE will become a memorable experience for children up and down the country.”

Producer Andrew Collier added: “We’re delighted to be bringing IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE to Liverpool for the world premiere.

"Liverpool is a fantastic city with a strong cultural legacy from its time as the City of Culture – it’s the perfect destination for this world-class event.”

In the Night Garden has been a phenomenal success in the UK with high ratings, awards and press accolades since its launch in Spring 2007. The show has won multiple awards (Best Preschool Programme 2010 Broadcast Awards, BAFTA’s for Best Preschool Live Action 2007 and 2008) and has sold over 1 million DVDs, 2.5 million books and 4.4 million plush toys in the UK alone. TV sales now total 35 countries including Canada, Australia, Spain and China, with this truly global show being translated into 19 languages.

To book tickets visit www.nightgardenlive.com or call 0844 581 1251

Listings Information
Saturday 17 July – Sunday 1 August 2010
Sefton Park, Aigburth LIVERPOOL L17 1AP
Performance times: 9.30, 11.15 a.m., 2.00, 3.45 & 5.30 p.m.
Tickets: £5 - £20

* In answer to a reader's question: the promotors say: "Yes, all children must be paid-for. There are no "baby-in-arms" tickets available". (Click Liverpool Newsdesk)

Comments about Liverpool Sefton Park to host BBC Children's hit In The Night Garden Live