Dinosaur World Live, the Olivier Award winner for Best Family Show 2024, has made a triumphant return to The Lowry, and we couldn’t resist going back for a second round of dino-adventures! Having seen the show in 2023, Alice (6), Leo (5), and I knew we were in for a roaring good time. With new excitement and anticipation, we prepared for another trip to the land of the dinosaurs.
The adventure kicks off as Miranda, our enthusiastic host, invites the audience to join her on a thrilling expedition to an island inhabited by living, breathing dinosaurs. The first dinosaur we encounter is Juliet, a Segnosaurus with a vegetarian appetite and a bit of a stubborn streak. Juliet’s slow, deliberate movements and playful reluctance instantly captivate the crowd, especially when a lucky child from the audience is invited to help Miranda feed her.
Next up is Orlando, the Microraptor, a lively and mischievous dinosaur that darts across the stage, delighting the audience with its speed and fluttering movements. Alice, who’s always loved the Microraptor, was especially thrilled to see Orlando in action again.
Then, we meet Beatrice, the baby Triceratops, who quickly becomes a crowd favourite. Beatrice’s cute, sleepy demeanour charms everyone, especially when a child is brought on stage to gently tickle her awake.
Just as the audience settles into the cuteness, Brutus, the full-grown Triceratops, makes his grand entrance. Brutus towers over the stage, and his impressive size leaves everyone, especially Leo, in awe. He watches over baby Beatrice, creating a protective and majestic moment that brings gasps of wonder from the audience.
The excitement builds as Tam, the baby T-Rex, appears. This adorable little dinosaur immediately wins over the audience’s hearts with her playful growls and charming movements. The chance to meet Tam up close after the show is one of the highlights of the entire experience.
But the real showstopper arrives shortly after—Titus, the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex. His dramatic entrance, complete with earth-shaking roars and towering presence, is one of the most thrilling moments of the show. The lighting and sound effects build the tension as Titus stomps across the stage, causing a few gasps from younger audience members.
Finally, just as the adventure seems to be winding down, the egg that has been resting on the stage begins to crack. Miranda watches in excitement as a baby Giraffatitan hatches right before our eyes. The tiny creature’s emergence is quickly followed by the arrival of its towering mother, Gertrude. The touching reunion between mother and baby brings the show to a heartwarming and memorable close.
This thrilling journey across the island introduces us to a cast of impressive dinosaurs, combining jaw-dropping puppetry with an engaging story that kept Alice, Leo, and the rest of the audience completely enthralled.
The set design by Good Teeth Studio is simple yet effective, providing a backdrop that allows the dinosaurs to shine. The lighting, by John Maddox, brings the creatures to life, especially during dramatic moments like the grand entrance of the T-Rex, where smoke and well-timed lighting effects heighten the excitement.
But the true magic lies in the puppetry. Designed by Max Humphries and brought to life by a talented team of puppeteers, each dinosaur—from the small, mischievous Microraptor to the towering Triceratops—is impressively realistic. The movements, sounds, and interactions are so lifelike that the children (and even some adults) were completely enchanted. Leo’s favourite was the baby T-Rex, while Alice adored the Microraptor.
This year, Lizzie Burder took on the role of Miranda, and her infectious energy kept the young audience engaged throughout. She had a wonderful rapport with the children, encouraging participation and building excitement. The puppeteers, including James Blake-Butler, Kim Scopes, Aiysha Nugent-Robinson and Calum Donald-Bruce, deliver masterful performances, bringing the dinosaurs to life with precision and heart. The seamless teamwork made it easy to forget that these creatures were puppets at all!
For a thrilling, educational, and unforgettable family day out, Dinosaur World Live is an absolute must. The joy on Alice and Leo’s faces was priceless, especially as they learned new facts about each dinosaur along the way. It’s clear that now they’re a bit older, they enjoyed the experience even more this year. The 50-minute runtime flew by, culminating in a beloved meet-and-greet with Tam the baby T-Rex that left us all beaming with delight. From the awe-inspiring puppetry to the heart-pounding moments with Titus, the mighty T-Rex, Dinosaur World Live is a true Jurassic adventure that will delight and engage audiences of all ages.
Dinosaur World Live is on at The Lowry until Sunday 20th October 2024, 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 - Pamela Raith
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review
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