In the past few weeks dog walkers and joggers have stopped in their tracks to gawp at the huge Igloo-like show domes which appeared as if by magic in Sefton Park.
Is it a bird, is it a plane? No... it's Igglepiggle and his red blanket!
A couple of months ago the words "In The Night Garden" meant little to me, until I discovered my nephew was amongst its legion of tiny fans as Liverpool was announced as location for the live tour's world premiere.
Parents of any toddler in the land will be aware of the antics of Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka in the enchanting wonderland that is "In The Night Garden."
A bedtime storybook brought to life for television, it has achieved world-wide success, broadcast in over 35 countries. The live show is an ambitious attempt to introduce under 3s to live drama, using a purpose-built theatre to ensure the experience is ultra family friendly. Accessible toilets, baby changing area and pram storage, along with refreshments and merchandise geared at little ones.
Scores of parents and tots have flooded into these mysterious domes for back-to-back performances of the two stories on offer: The Ninky Nonk and The Pinky Ponk.
Entering what seems to be a giant upturned bouncy castle, surrounded by dozens of tiny Makka Pakka-crazed youngsters, was truly a uniquely enjoyable experience.
The ampitheatre style seating allowed children the freedom to wriggle as required, but I would recommend bringing a cushion to any adults looking for a spot of comfort during the 55 minute performance.
The content of the show is, as you would expect, entirely for kids, but it was astounding to see the joyous reaction on the face of every child in the crowd, and with it, every parent's. Transfixed, shouts of rapture came screaming from the tots' mouths at regular intervals as Igglepiggle appeared, Makka Pakka washed his face and the Ninky Nonk dashed across the stage.
You cannot fail to be impressed with the attention to detail that has gone into recreating the characters for the live production. The actors must be applauded for their stamina alone, energetically taking turns to adorn presumably stiflingly hot giant suits, with their fixed smiles showing unfaltering patience as they delivered painstakingly slow puppetry. Five times a day.
The production had met with some criticism that tickets were over priced but I can assure you, it's absolutely worth it. Eyes wide with wonder, my nephew gleefully yelped, pointed and clapped as each character appeared before him. Tangible excitement filled the air (along with the smell of a few freshly filled nappies...) and it's clear this live show delivers the same buzz to kids as any musical legend of choice could stir up in an adult. And, like many such adults, they probably won't remember it the next day, but it's all about the experience.
The plot doesn't get much thicker than counting Pontipines, climbing aboard the Ninky Nonk or finding Igglepiggle's lost blanket. Yet the show is strangely hypnotic, and when it was time to put the Tombliboos to bed I was happily ready to crawl in beside them.
As the show came to a close a powerful swell of emotion built as mums and dads applauded, but one little girl's shout of "I don't want to go!" as floods of tears streamed from her eyes confirmed that we'd just witnessed something very special.
The three week run at Sefton Park has now finished and the Igloos are on the move again. If you're kicking yourself for missing it (and rightly so) the show is to tour the UK until the Autumn.
Meridian Gardens at The O2, London - 14 August to 30 August.
Glasgow Green, Glasgow - 11 September to 26 September.
Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham - 9 October to 24 October.
To book ticketst (prices range from £5-£20) visit www.nightgardenlive.com or call 0844 581 1251.
Post a comment