Dinosaur World Live At Lighthouse Poole, Review

Reviewed by Lisa

What child wouldn’t want to see ‘live’ dinosaurs?! When I mentioned this show to my 6 year old son, he was so excited about going to the theatre and not only seeing, but meeting some dinosaurs. As the day approached, he asked questions like ‘how do they make the dinosaurs move?’ and ‘which ones will they have?’ I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but it did not disappoint. We took the train as Poole Lighthouse is only a 10 minute walk from the station, giving me extra parent points – train and dinosaurs on the same day! On arrival there was different merchandise that could be purchased – my son bought a tube of miniature dinosaur toys (£8) and I bought a programme (£3.50) which was very useful in telling the background story and how the dinosaurs were created. It also turns in to a huge poster!

We took our seats and we had a great view as the seating is tiered, (plus bumpers were available for smaller children so they could have a better view) and eagerly awaited the start. A lady called Miranda (played by Selin Balcioglu) came on to the stage and explained that her parents had taken her to an island near South America when she was young and after staying there for 25 years she has returned with several dinosaurs to show us! The first one to come on stage was a Segnosauras. The puppets were created by Max Humphries, and were completely powered by people. I was amazed at how lifelike they all were, and the people inside them were so skilled, making the sounds as well as working together to move the dinosaur in a very convincing way – it really looked like they were alive! We also saw a Microraptor, a Triceratops, a Giraffatitan, a baby T-rex and then for the showstopper, the big brother came on to the stage! We all had to roar and use our arms to stop him from eating us!

All the way through there was audience participation, with a handful of children being chosen to go on stage, but also with us all watching an egg until it cracked and shouting for Miranda every time it moved. Selin was great at keeping the audience engaged and we learnt some interesting facts about dinosaurs as the show went on as well. The set looked simple but brilliant with boxes set up that could have dinosaurs in, and it didn’t need a lot as it was the dinosaurs that made it! When the big T-Rex came on stage there was smoke and coloured lights to add even more effect. The show was very clever and lasted 50 minutes, and then at the end they took a row at a time to walk past the baby T-rex and stroke him. Photo’s were allowed throughout, and I think the show was perfect for children over 3 (they might get too scared under this age) and for whole families to go along to. My son said he had a ROARSOME time and gave it 10/10, so we would definitely recommend it!

Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £14.58 to £18
Dinosaur World Live is at Poole Lighthouse from 30th May – 1st June and on tour afterwards.
For more information or to book tickets please go to www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
Theatre address – Lighthouse, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG.