PAW Patrol Live, Arena Birmingham - review

Ryder and his team of pups took to the stage along with a host of other special guests from the hit TV series as Adventure Bay celebrated Pirate Day.

There was laughter, singing, dancing and more to get everyone joining in the fun as the PAW Patrol rescued their friends and found the treasure before the dastardly Mayor Humdinger could ruin their plans.

It was all paws on deck as Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, Zuma and Rocky raced to uncover the clues with the help of Mayor Goodway, Chickaletta and Tracker.

Though there are obvious limitations with a stage show compared to an animated series, the use of lighting, backing video and props - my kids loved seeing Chase’s police car and Rubble’s bulldozer on the stage - helped overcome these easily to tell a compelling story that was still easy for little ones to follow.

The two halves of 35 minutes each kept the audience’s attention for long enough without feeling too short and the performers - on stage for the third time that day - made sure the energy was high, particularly Ryder and Cap’n Turbot, who led from the front and knitted the whole show together perfectly.

And there’s nothing quite the look on your little ones’ faces when they see the pups hit the stage for the first time!

The word puppets does not do them justice - they are the most impressive puppets I’ve ever seen.

Flags were handed out to everyone before the show starts, encouraging more audience participation, and everyone in the crowd felt a part of the show, even though thousands were packed into the arena.

So it’s pup treats all round for everyone in the making of this wonderful stage show - my kids would certainly give it five ruffs out of five!