On a typical Thursday afternoon, I ventured into the prehistoric world of dinosaurs at The Lowry with my two young dino-enthusiasts, Alice (5) and Leo (3). The atmosphere at the Theatre was buzzing with anticipation and the excitement in the air was palpable. From the moment we arrived, the experience was smooth, from easily accessing the theatre via the tram to efficiently storing our pram at the cloakroom. The children were bursting with excitement, ready for their first encounter with life-sized dinosaurs.
The show was introduced by Miranda, our energetic host, who captivated the audience with a tale of her family discovering a mysterious island inhabited by dinosaurs. While the story took a little time to build, especially for the youngest audience members who were eager to see the dinosaurs, it was engaging and laid the groundwork for the main attraction. Miranda kept the children involved by encouraging them to interact, whether by shouting out when the dinosaur egg moved or by joining her on stage to feed or groom the dinosaurs.
The set was simple yet effective, allowing the dinosaurs to take centre stage. The lighting was expertly used to create dramatic moments, especially during the appearance of the T-Rex, where the combination of smoke and lighting made for an unforgettable experience. However, the true stars of the show were the puppets. Each dinosaur, from the small but lively Micro-raptor to the enormous Triceratops and T-Rex, was brought to life with stunning realism. The puppeteers, hidden in plain sight, moved with such skill and precision that the dinosaurs appeared to breathe, roar, and interact with the audience as if they were real.
Miranda, played by Selin Baglcioglu, was a delightful and engaging host. She effortlessly kept the energy high and the audience involved, especially the children who were thrilled to be chosen to interact with the dinosaurs. The puppeteers deserve a special mention for their outstanding work. They not only controlled the dinosaurs’ movements but also provided sound effects, adding to the authenticity of the experience. My children, like many others in the audience, were convinced they were seeing real dinosaurs on stage.
"Dinosaur World Live" is a fantastic family show that strikes the perfect balance between education and entertainment. The 50-minute runtime is ideal for young children, keeping them engaged without overstaying its welcome. The post-show meet-and-greet with a baby dinosaur was a highlight, though it was a bit rushed and crowded. Despite the initial slow start, the show delivered a thrilling and memorable experience that had my children talking about it long after we left the theatre. Leo, in particular, couldn’t stop roaring like a T-Rex, and Alice, despite being a little scared at times, thoroughly enjoyed it. At £18 per ticket, it’s reasonably priced for a show of this calibre. If your little ones are dinosaur fans, "Dinosaur World Live" at The Lowry is a must-see.
Dinosaur World Live is on at The Lowry until Saturday 18th February 2023, you can purchase tickets by clicking on the button below.
If you would like more information about the show click the button below for the show's official website.
Photo Credit - Robert Day
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review
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