For many parents, Hey Duggee is more than just another children's TV show—it's a beloved part of daily life. The CBeebies favorite, with its charming characters and clever, offbeat humor, has won the hearts of kids and adults alike. So, when Hey Duggee: The Live Theatre Show appeared on our radar, we knew it was a must-see. But could the live stage adaptation capture the magic of the show? The answer, thankfully, is a resounding yes.
In this charming live show, Duggee and the Squirrels embark on an adventure to earn their theatre badges by putting on their own play. The storyline closely follows the show's format, with the Squirrels exploring various aspects of theatre, from costumes to acapella singing. Highlights include a delightfully silly scene involving chickens and eggs, and of course, the interactive elements that had the kids earning badges right alongside the Squirrels. The sticker sheets handed out at the beginning were a huge hit, keeping the little ones engaged as they matched their stickers to the badges displayed on stage.
The set design was a feast for the eyes—bright, colourful, and instantly captivating. From the moment we entered the auditorium, the lively stage setup promised a show that would do justice to the beloved TV series. The puppets, crafted by Yvonne Stone and Daisy Beattie, were skilfully handled by the cast, bringing Duggee and the Squirrels to life with their familiar charm. The standout scene for us was the space sequence. With the lights dimmed, a rocket launched, and enormous balloon planets bounced around the audience—seeing my little boy’s face light up as he touched one of the planets was priceless.
The cast delivered outstanding performances, with each member skilfully operating and voicing the puppets while keeping the energy high throughout. Benedict Hastings, as Duggee, captured the calm and reassuring tone of the original narrator, and Lunga Anele-Skosana was a whirlwind of talent, switching between multiple roles with ease. Their ability to maintain the whimsical, light-hearted feel of the show was impressive, and their enthusiasm was infectious, keeping the young audience fully engaged.
Hey Duggee: The Live Theatre Show at The Lowry is, without a doubt, one of the best children's shows we've attended. It’s the perfect mix of engaging storytelling, interactive elements, and a dash of the show's trademark zaniness. Ideal for kids under five, the show manages to captivate even the youngest audience members while offering plenty of laughs and joy for the adults. Whether you're a longtime fan of the TV series or just looking for a fun family outing, this show is a must-see. Five stars all around! Don't miss it when it returns to The Lowry from August 31st to September 2nd—definitely a highlight of our family’s theatre experiences.
Hey Duggee: The Live Theatre Show is on at The Lowry until Sunday 26th March 2023, you can purchase tickets by clicking on the button below.
Hey Duggee: The Live Theatre Show will be returning to The Lowry from the 31st August - 2nd September2023, you can purchase tickets for these shows 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
Comments