Reviewed by Louise Watts
Children’s television now is far from what it was when I was growing up in the 1980’s! A couple of hours a day after school was our pleasure after completion of the evenings homework. Nowadays, children have dedicated channels 24 hours a day to provide entertainment whenever needed. Milkshake is the children’s section on Channel 5 and is home to some big children’s tv characters including Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam, Shimmer and Shine, Noddy and Pip Ahoy to name but a few. Not only do children get the pleasure of watching these characters on television, but now they also have the opportunity to see these characters on stage along with the Milkshake presenters!
I attended Milkshake Live at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford this morning (17 September 2017) with my 3-year-old son who has been so excited at the prospect of seeing the “real” Fireman Sam and Bob the Builder for a few weeks now. The auditorium was packed out with pre-school children and their parents on this Sunday morning. As the show opened with 2 Milkshake presenters, the kids were visibly excited about what would happen next. I was not too sure how this show would be carried out but was keen to find out.
The show revolves around “Milkshake Monkey” and his desire to become a prince. He travels through various fairy tales throughout the show in his quest to fulfil this desire. As he travels from fairy tale to fairy tale, we get to meet many of the Milkshake favourites and my son was delighted that he got to see Fireman Sam and Bob the Builder during the show. There are lots of songs along the way including some traditional nursery rhymes. All the songs are complimented with dance routines and the children are encouraged to get involved all the way through.
The set was simple and from what I could make out from where I was seated, the bulk of it was inflatable. Extra bits were added to illustrate the relevant fairy tale being told at that time. It worked really well and was bright and colourful yet simple and engaging for the young children.
The atmosphere in the audience was relaxed and it was clear that all the kids were enjoying their Sunday morning treat. The show lasted for approximately 1 hour 45 mins including an interval. The facilities at the Orchard theatre for use before the show or during the interval are brilliant. There is a café for snacks, a merchandise stall and a bar available for drinks. The theatre is always clean and the staff are always polite and keen to help. Parking is easy in the multi storey car park next door and for my trip today it cost me the grand total of 50p to use the car park!
Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable children’s entertainment show where young children were given the opportunity to see their favourite characters live on stage! Absolutely fantastic!
Rating: 5/5
Milkshake Live is currently on tour around the UK, for more information or to book tickets at a theatre near you visit milkshake.tv/milkshakelive.
For other shows at the Orchard Theatre visit orchardtheatre.co.uk.
The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED | 01322 220000
