Review - Milkshake! Live, The Magic Story Book

Malvern Theatres

SO it's freezing outside and our little girl is suffering with a stinking cold.

Can we fix it? Yes, we can!

A trip to the theatre to see Bob the Builder and friends was just what the doctor ordered. And this colourful live show from Channel 5's Milkshake!, featuring music, singing and dancing, soon had our three-year-old bouncing about.

This is the fourth nationwide tour from Milkshake!, starring kids' favourites including Bob, Little Princess, Noddy, Fireman Sam, Shimmer and Shine, Pip Ahoy!, Winnie and Wilbur and Wissper, as well as the Milkshake! Monkey.

Set amongst Milkshake’s magical bookcase, bubbly presenters Jen Pringle and Derek Moran took us on a journey through some of our favourite fairy tales, including Dick Whittington, Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, Jack and the Beanstalk – complete with a giant inflatable beanstalk – and Aladdin.

A Fairy Godmother's spell made the magic story book appear and Jes and Derek were transformed into the lead roles for each fairy tale, such as Cinders and Buttons, from Cinderella.

Audience members were encouraged to join in with songs - I found myself tapping along to 'Boots, Belt, Hard Hat' during Bob the Builder's time in the limelight - while games kept the youngsters involved and helped to promote positive messages.

In Dick Whittington, Fireman Sam rescued stuck Alice (Pringle) from a drainpipe, while the Little Princess encouraged youngsters to tidy up during a smart Cinderella dance routine.

Both Jes and Derek were excellent in helping things to run super smoothly, even when some of the pyrotechnics went off prematurely during the second half, sending a cascade of metallic confetti shooting over the front few rows before the finale.

And what a finale it was, with all the characters on stage for one last singalong where everyone was encouraged to join in. All that was left was to brave the winter chill outside, but with a warm glow from a fun-packed show.

Milkshake! Live, The Magic Story Book, is touring now until the end of April. Catch it if you can.