Review: The Jungle Book Musical by Immersion Theatre

Few weeks ago we were invited to see  a brand new musical adaptation of family favourite- 'THE JUNGLE BOOK' ( Immersion Theatre production) at the Palace Theatre in Redditch. 

"You are invited to join Mowgli and his friends, Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther, on a madcap jungle adventure as they meet and attempt to outwit a slithering snake, some cheeky monkeys, and the fierce tiger, Shere Khan!"

As we sat down to see the show I was pleasantly surprised to see a very cosy venue with colourful decorations on the stage. With few minutes to spare before the show L and I spoke about the characters from the Jungle Book to refresh her memory and prepare for what was about to commence. The moment the show started and Baloo the bear appeared with his 'unbearable' jokes and enthusiastic personality I knew the show would be a success! 

The show follows the familiar story line from the book with few twists to suit versatile audience. There is a lot of dancing, adult jokes and singing involved along with some audience interactions which was quite fun! I found myself smiling throughout the show as you can see how much effort and preparations goes in the show! 

This "Jungle Book" adaptation will blow your mind with it's "pantomime" alike script, upbeat songs, amazing actors' transformations (from a suede looking Bagheera suit jacket to tall elephants, from caring Raksha- mother wolf to Kaa with a northern accent, oh watch out for King Louie- it will blow your mind!).

During the break I had a quick chat with the lady who sat next to us, she booked tickets for herself and a friend, she thoroughly enjoyed the musical which just shows that the production is suitable for all ages!

At the end of the show we were invited to the foyer where we could meet Mowgli herself (yes you read that right), Shere Khan and Baloo and pose for a picture with them. A special credit to Mowgli (Rachael Stratton) as she managed to quickly calm little L as someone jumped the queue, thank you, Mowgli!

The show is around 1hr 30 min including interval which seems to be a sufficient amount of time for pre-schooler or an adult and ticket prices start from £12.

To find out more about the show and book tickets, check out the Immersion Theatre website tour dates for the rest of the show are:

MONMOUTH (BLAKE THEATRE)- 24 MARCH
HAYES (BECK THEATRE)- 25 MARCH
LOUGHBOROUGH (LOUGHBOROUGH TOWN HALL)- 28 MARCH
CARMARTHENSHIRE (LYRIC THEATRE)- 31 MARCH
PAIGNTON (PALACE THEATRE)-1 APRIL
EXMOUTH (EXMOUTH PAVILION)- 2 APRIL
GREATER LONDON (RADLETT CENTRE)- 4 APRIL
BASILDON (TOWNGATE THEATRE)- 5 APRIL
WINCHESTER (THEATRE ROYAL)- 7 APRIL
BARKING (BROADWAY THEATRE)- 8 APRIL
LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY (BROADWAY THEATRE)- 9 APRIL
CROMER (CROMER PIER (PAVILION THEATRE)- 10 APRIL
GRINSTEAD (CHEQUER MEAD THEATRE)- 12 APRIL
HERTFORD (HERTFORD THEATRE)- 13 APRIL
KNOWSLEY (KNOWSLEY LEISURE & CULTURE PARK)- 14 APRIL
SHEFFIELD (MONTGOMERY THEATRE)- 15 APRIL
STOURPORT (CIVIC THEATRE)- 20 APRIL
EVESHAM (EVESHAM ARTS CENTRE)- 21 APRIL
TAUNTON (TACCHI-MORRIS ARTS CENTRE)- 22 APRIL

Disclaimer: We were offered tickets to see the show for the purpose of this review. However all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Meet Santa and his Antarctic creatures at The National Sea Life Centre Birmingham this Christmas

The Sea Life Centre is a great and momentous attraction to visit anytime of the year, but throw in a chance to meet Santa (experience and visit is available to book until 23rd December) and it turns into a magical visit. All admission tickets  (starts from £12.75) to the Sea life Centre include Meet Santa experience with children under 3 going for free!

Our family has visited the Sea Life Centre a few times in the past but this time everything seemed much more exciting.

 As your enter the first segment of the attraction- the Gentoo penguins! However unlike previous visits they seemed to interact with us more than before, even though they are through the glass. L and I were particularly elated as one penguin took a liking to her and decided to move when she moved, like a cute mirror image.

I personally found the penguins elegant in the way they moved, with an element of playfulness and cuteness.

The general layout of the Centre is the same with some superb fishes and underwater creatures to see through the looking glass, ranging from "Nemo"- as L calls them (clownfish) to the streamline sharks and rays.

                                     
We also gave the starfish a stroke! A staff member was offering passing visitors the chance to touch the sea creatures. They vary so much to the touch, the first I stroked had a hard and rough surface, but the other starfish was soft and delicate, very interesting as I have never had the chance to stroke underwater creatures before, so definitely an experience I will not forget.

                                        
As we continued our walk we passed "Dory" and "Nemo" and the wonderful, yet slightly creepy giant octupus. L seemed too excited to stand still so it was a matter of taking a look when we had the chance whilst she dragged us to each window!

Next up were some very cool white and black spotted rays and a very strange fish with crab legs, it was very interesting and the topic of conversation for several minutes with L. As she too found it bizarre but that makes sea creatures so interesting.

We then passed the jellyfish which are elegant when you look at them in their glowing tanks.

Halting at something which we noticed people queuing for- a chance to have a 4D Polar Express experience. Now I am yet to have experienced anything in 4D, so this opportunity was not to be

missed. We were given prior warning of what to expect: loud noise, lighting and the possibility of water! I would say this experience would be more suitable for older kids as some of the noises and effects might seem too loud and frighting for little ones.

Back up the winding path passed the cute little frogs and turtles, we knew what was coming next- the awesome 360 Ocean tunnel with sharks, rays, fish and a turtle. You simply do not know where to look, there is so much going on around you that you end up spinning on the spot and forgetting to walk forward.

Eventually when we did manage to pull ourselves away from the brilliant tunnel, we arrived at a queue. We knew what this queue was for, but tried to keep it a secret for L for as long as possible, it

lasted about 10 seconds. L was very excited to see Santa in his "Antarctic" cave!! She already had a list of what she wanted, but tried to lower expectations a little. Just before we meet the man himself, there is a final opportunity to see the penguins again through a glass window whilst waiting to see Santa.

Santa was sat on his sleigh surrounded by Christmas trees, and it looked great! L got a little shy but happily interacted with us for the pictures and when Santa gave L a cute crab plush toy. The experience in general was brilliant and seemed to build on our previous visit.

Just to add- you can purchase the images (inc. a keyring and other printed items) for £20, which seemed reasonable.

Once we said our goodbyes to Santa we had a choice of either let L have a run around in the indoor play area or do some painting with her (2 separate rooms), we opted for soft play room as this seemed small enough to be able to watch L without following her everywhere.

L was quite literally drained of energy when we left the Sea Life Centre, exhausted by her incredible and energetic experience she had at this truly memorable attraction!

Would I recommend it on a normal day, yes, however add Santa into the equation and you have a "definitely"!

Disclaimer: I was offered to visit the attraction with my family for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Our week away in St.Ives, Cornwall

Last week we have spent in a place all of us were looking forward to visiting- St.Ives, Cornwall. 

What was meant to be a 4 hours drive took pretty much the whole day, with lots of traffic but this wasn't the only surprise, parking was another obstacle on our way, with few scratches at the front and back of the car we have finally parked the car and helped my family-in-law to do the same and off we went to enjoy the sea just 3 minutes away!
                              
The weather was so weird, it could be raining (blowing in your face) but yet so warm. We were taking off our raincoats and putting them back up, others who are more used to this weather would just carry on walking in t-shirt and shorts.

For the first few days I couldn't relax at all neither could L, she would wake up the moment I tried to leave the room or wouldn't sleep at all as was disturbed by creaky floorboards and seagulls outside. Eventually when L got used to this noise and I had some help from in laws it felt more like a holiday. 

I have never been in a town with such narrow roads, but such blue sea. I would hate pushing the stroller along the pavement and be forced to go on the road by other tourists but would totally adore the sea view. 

We have tried to make the most of it and spent some time on seaside when days were warm and sunny, tried seafood ( crab and lobster, I will be preserving their shell ), fudge, Cornish scones and clotted cream, veg and meat pasties and of course ice creams in local cafés and restaurants. 

On one of the days we drove to St. Michael's mount, where we walked across the discovered path when the tide was out. Thankfully I have borrowed baby carrier for L otherwise it could have been a disaster (pushchair are only allowed to cross the path and once ticket to visit the castle is purchased you will be asked to leave your stroller behind on the allocated area). It was quiet a walk, the right footwear is essential, I had my pumps on and could feel every stone I stood on and as L was on me the only way to go forward was to hold on to the rail, certainly could seem like a doddle for fit people! 

Once we made our way to the the castle, each room had it's own history and again fantastic views. For a moment I completely forgot that we are still in England!

Upon reflection, we had such a great time in St.Ives! Would be lovely to repeat it one day, maybe when L is older and can truly appreciate beautiful views and sea!

Days Out: Countryfile Live at Blenheim Palace

Last Sunday  (courtesy of my lovely husband) we have visited Countryfile Live show, which was a big hit and brought lots of happy moments to my little L.

"Enjoy a major new live event celebrating the very best of the British countryside".

The show started at 9:30am, we decided to arrive a little bit later just after 10 am allowing enough time for L to mess around and then have a nap and not to arrive at the peak time. 

Countryfile Live show had all sorts if activities going on, we didn't manage to see it all but the ones we have visited are as follows:

- Co-op tent where we have treated ourselves to free berries, cheese, salmon sandwich, flapjack and ice-cream. L was mesmerised by sensory tube and played with a jumbo puzzle which had some interesting facts about fish.

- toy tractor ride ons/ball pool zone for kids was a massive success, there was a bit of a queue to ride little tractors but once L was on one she didn't want to go anywhere else.

- farm animals zone was by far our favourite spot. We have seen little piglets, ducks, cows, incredibly cute bunnies and chicks which we were allowed to have. 

Even though it was well fun to hold tiny chicks it did break my heart to see through how many hands they had to go through.

-we have peeked at horses show and tent with birds and ferrets but there just wasn't enough space for everyone. 

I remember seeing Tractor bouncy castle, tepees, messy zone for kids, sushi wrap stall, funfair traditional rides and more.

As you can see we did lots of child friendly activities, which we all enjoyed and probably would enjoy next year. Having mentioned all positives and things we did the show was lacking something for me and my family: changing facilities, there seemed to be too many food stalls in comparison to activities and zones where you can eat the food you just bought ( not to mentioned the steep price for the tickets), not enough space in tents for parents with pushchairs and it seemed too chaotic at times. 

Would we go again?! Oh yes, next time stopping by Blenheim Palace too!

The post in written in collaboration with guest poster- my other half.

Days Out: Yu Kids Adventure Soft Play Attraction at Quest, intu Merry Hill

For those of you that have no idea what Quest is (initially I was the same), it is a fun packed adventure play area right at the far end of Merry Hill (nicely tucked away from the main shopping area).

"With six unique attractions to choose from there is something for all ages at Quest. Yu Kids is where it's at for under 6's, plus an extra special play space for under 2's. Junior adventurers can try Sky Tykes, a low ropes course made especially for little dare devils. For those 6 and over we have a whole heap of action and adventure. Dare you conquer Altitude, Europe's highest indoor ropes course? Or experience the thrill of one of our Nerf Blaster attractions".

Quests play area consists of several zones: main adventure area, under 2's soft play area, a rope climbing area (which is above ground) and a fun blaster/game area.

As we were visiting with L, we could only really experience the soft play areas (as there was also a height restriction for the other areas). Entry for the zone we have visited costs £4.50 during weekend and school holiday and £3.50 weekday term time).

The main play area had a reception desk (and food/drink stand), where you will be greeted by some great attentive staff members, who explained the basics to us (no shoes, supervise your child etc.).
There was also seating for the tired adults (which I guarantee you will be) and shelving to store your shoes.

Once we were in the Yu Kids zone L decided to go for a bouncy balloon experience first. Imagine soft steps leading you up to a bouncy castle, with loads of balloons and four fans blowing the balloons into a fun blinding frenzy.. well that is exactly what L experienced, and she absolutely loved it (you could tell from the excitable noises she was making, that she was enjoying running 
wild in there).                           
                                     
As you can imagine, we revisited the balloon area several times with L and it was evident that this was her favourite area.             
                                   
The second area was on the ground level with a colourful display of spinning and twirling obstacles (I think that is the best way to describe the climbing bits). There was a very colourful 360 spinning tube/hamster wheel which you put your child in and imagine they are in a washing machine (not literally), but it is the best way to describe it! L seemed to think it was funny and was a a bit like a trapped mouse stopping itself from falling over. Quite amusing from my perspective as well.. a good way to test your child's stability/co-ordination.

Onwards we go to what was my favourite area (and I couldn't even have a go!) a massive bouncy slide.

                        
Initially L remained at the top and did not venture towards to edge (to slide down). I am actually rather happy she was cautious as it shows L likes to think about things before chucking herself down the edge of the slide. However, she did it on the second attempt after requesting to be taken out.. very proud parent! And as with every child, she went crazy after that, wanting to go again and again.

There was also a small slide, which was see through with water flowing inside. Very cool looking slide, my only issue with this slide was that the slide surface seemed hard and the slightest slip/fall (which can happen), may have caused a hefty bump. 

A bouncy water floor area which similar to the slide, had a see through base with water. 

The sides of the floor had different lights, which illuminated the water/floor and made it look quite majestic and fun for L. A very nice sensory touch to the bouncy water floor (that's what I am calling this area).

The under 2's soft play area was another zone of the Yu Kids attraction we have visited. One could say more suited to L (due to her current age), but strangely she did seem more keen to run back to the main play area.

We were able to maintain L's attention for long enough to allow her to enjoy elements of the under 2's area.                               
                          
The only area which L ventured into was the traditional ball pool area, which needs no introduction. A natural addition to any soft play area, and L knows exactly what to expect from the ball pool. From my perspective it is usually a case of rescuing L from sinking within the ball pool and stopping her running off with all the balls.

I did see some people walking above on the ropes (you need the be a certain height and have the equipment), it did seem quite fun and each person participating looked to be having fun, but it wasn't to be this time around.

On a side note, we saw the Quest staff interact with children (on numerous occasions), which made the experience much more enjoyable (it is the attention to detail which makes a place great).

What a fun, enjoyable, tiresome but truly memorable play experience for L!

Disclaimer: I were provided with a free entry for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Days out: Bluestone National Park Part 2 #bluestoneblogger

On our second day at Bluestone we took L to a softplay (presumably for kids over 5) at the Adventure Centre. We gently bounced her up and down on the front section of a bouncy castle or played for a bit in a ball pool. Whilst she enjoyed both for a couple of minutes, it was difficult to encourage her to enjoy the experience. 

Having said that we had a lovely time playing "crazy" golf (until my golf ball flew towards someone seating on the sofa) and putting L's name on the Lego board.

Tip: if you have a little one with you and no relatives to hand a baby carrier could be your saviour if you want to play mini golf, shootout or air hockey.

We wanted to explore Circus Zone room which is another soft play room for under 5's, but at that time there was a baby sensory class and we were advised to wait, but as L is on a strict sleeping routine we couldn't wait too long and opted to follow a nature trail instead (we had a choice of 2: steep one and pushchair accessible one).

I didn't pre-booked any classes such as messy play and sensory class, as L can sleep from 30 minutes to several hours and as it's hard to guess when she will be ready to do things we had to miss on the opportunity, but opted to go for a long walk and to enjoy the fresh air.

Few months before our visit I have looked at the activities that I can book online, and at first I thought that navigation was a bit difficult, I was going back and forth trying to find free and paid activities for babies but in the end (30 minutes later) I got the hang of it.

On a third day we decided to venture outside of Bluestone, we went to Folly Farm, which is a fairly local zoo/farm, which is a great day out and I would also recommend visiting Tenby, which is 15 minutes continuation from Folly Farm. 

We did both Folly Farm and Tenby in one afternoon. I did not know much about Tenby beach, but the sand and view across the sea was lovely.

Tip: prepare to pay 5p for a single carrier bag if shopping in Wales or if buying fish and chips and want them wrapped.

The second venture away from Bluestone was to Pembroke docks, which was on the day 4. We decided to eat out at the local Marston's pub Y Cerrig Glas (postcode SA72 6JY) as we particularly enjoy their BBQ chicken & ribs and had gift vouchers. What a nice place to eat! Newly opened restaurant, nicely decorated, clean, has an activity corner/play area for kids, which L loved. 

She has spent few minutes playing with bead mazes whilst we were waiting for our order. After a quick meal we headed towards Asda which is just across the road (postcode SA72 6DA). 

Similarly to Tenby we just loved the view across the docks!

Even though we didn't do many activities we thoroughly enjoyed water park, (a lot of) walking and finding new trails or places to see at Bluestone. 

Blue Lagoon water park

We were really looking forward to swimming as it was L's first time. Changing rooms had a very comfy baby changing tables, which I liked a lot and looked like L was comfy sitting on it. I must admit I have never been to a water park before and expected a proper swimming pool with lanes, how little did I know that water park is so much more than just a swimming pool! 
We absolutely loved the wave machine, bubbles in the shallow pool for younger children and the lazy river! The only negative was the warmth of the water, I didn't think it was warm enough, thankfully L had a baby warmer on.

Tip: bring some bath toys with you to entertain your little one in the water and towels. It helped L to feel comfortable in the shallow pool and kept her occupied for a while.

The Bluestone village looks slightly different to the rest of the resort, different coloured cottages ans shops, play ground, the milk machine (I have never seen one before!) and the information centre where you can pick up maps or book an activity for yourself or your little one.

The lake is close by to the village centre and a very peaceful place with cute little ducklings floating with mum and dad.

Walking vs Buggy

Generally Bluestone is not so big and we thought that it was quite accessible without a buggy, you can also use a free shuttle bus but we haven't seen many people using the provided service and it seemed that it wasn't frequent anyway. 

The only 2 steep hills were on the way to the village and the path to Camp Smokey and the rest was walkable.

Recommendations:
- Even though Bluestone is a car free resort it would be nice to see more road directions i.e. one way road, dead end, exit (that one was very confusing) as we thought that signs are not clear or obvious. We have noticed too many land rovers driven by staff members, it would be ideal to see them driving buggy.

- I have felt a little bit uncomfortable when was changing L in the ladies room at the Adventure Centre. Facilities were open for everyone to see us, it is not discreet and the lady behind me could clearly see L's private parts. Also the fact that the changing facilities were in the ladies room make it less appealing for male gay couple.

- Trail stones/pebbles were my worst nightmare, pushing a pushchair was at times impossible (Camp Smokey trail, Lake path) and I wish there were less of them as they were more of an obstacle.

- I was really happy with the location of our lodge, with L waking up from any noise, it was an ideal, quiet area far enough from hassle and bustle of the village. It would be great to see an option to book an accommodation in a specific area by choosing the lodge on the map, that way you stay in control of your own holiday. 

Disclaimer: We were offered a 4 night stay at Bluestone National Park for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.