CBeebies at the Theatre

Published Friday 4 April 2008 at 16:50 by Emma Harlen

This production must be a dream come true for the very young. Aimed at pre-schoolers, CBeebies at the Theatre has everything to introduce children to live performance.

Singing, dancing and audience participation are in abundance and the fun is led by Jenny Jumble (Kerry Newell) and Balamory policeman PC Plum (Andrew Agnew). Both are on stage for the duration of the show and it is clear to see that this pair have experience - both possess strong singing voices and they move the proceedings along nicely by introducing a host of CBeebies characters.

Old favourites, including Postman Pat, join more recent additions to the channel, such as Tommy Zoom (but where is his trusted sidekick Daniel the hound?) and Jakers. Most of the toddlers in the audience could not contain their excitement and had great fun shouting for their favourites.

All the characters help to implement the theme of the show - the importance of recycling. There is even a friendly, talking recycling bin that makes new things from old and these are incorporated into the set.

As you would expect from a BBC production, the set (designed by Ben Dickens) and costumes (designed by Sarah Burton) are colourful and fun.

The silly dancing of Bill and Ben, the flowerpot men, was a highlight that had the children giggling.