In The Night Garden… Live!, Birmingham Rep - review

Little boys and girls clutching toy characters from the show could be seen excitedly pouring into The Rep Theatre, as they eagerly prepared for the near hour-long show.

And, when it began, their thrilled voices echoed around the Broad Street venue; each of them crying out with delight as their favourite characters Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka, the Tombliboos and The Pontipines took to the stage.

The sounds of the BBC show’s theme tune signalled the start of the play, instantly capturing the attention of the youngsters who eagerly looked on as a projector cast images of the start of the programme on to a curtain, before Igglepiggle appeared in a boat.

This particular tour told the tale of Igglepiggle’s Busy Day, which saw the blue-coloured main character follow various sounds to find his array of friends in The Night Garden.

Depending on what he was doing at the time, Igglepiggle was represented in two forms - one as a large costumed character, the other a small puppet controlled by people all dressed in green. This was the same for Makka Pakka and Upsy Daisy throughout.

As is the tradition on the show, when each character was first presented on stage, the sound of their trademark tune played over the speakers - giving beaming smiles to their little fans, as they happily sang, clapped and danced along.

The show was made all the more magical for youngsters with small added extras, such as bubbles floating into the air as Makka Pakka washed Igglepiggle’s face, and - most impressive of all - a great flying Pinky Ponk which zoomed over the crowd.

A delightful live production of a beloved show, brilliantly brought to live to delight babies and toddlers alike in beautiful, comfortable theatre.

Isn’t that a pip.