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.

Review: Paw Patrol Live: Race to the Rescue at Birmingham

Let me start this review by stating that I had high expectations for this show, mainly due to the popularity/craze that is currently surround Paw Patrol.

We dressed L in her Skye outfit (which her aunt bought for her b'day) and kept the show a secret from L right up until entering the arena.
The stage was set out with just the words Paw Patrol on the drawn curtains.. and then it began!

To say it began is an understatement.. just wow! Ryder appeared on stage with energy and enthusiasm.

 And then enter the pups, one by one they appeared with their signature entrance names.. starting with you know who “MARSHALL”.

The images show exactly what the characters were like.. realistic almost. The best way to describe the costumes, is the actors were quite literally wearing the puppy outfits which from a visual perspective was excellent.

L naturally went crazy when she say Skye “Skye, look mummy it's Skye”. Considering she was one of the few children to dress up for the show, made her extra excited about seeing the pups.

In essence the show follows Ryder and the pups as they race on Mayor Goodway's behalf (she injures her ankle). Unfortunately for the pups their nemesis Mayor Humdinger and the kitten catastrophe crew are out to spoil the race.                                   

This show has all of your favourite characters and has cameo's from Jake, Everest (who appears for the second half), Farmer Yumi and Captain Turbot.

                          
We wondered where the time had gone, due to the fact we enjoyed the show so much.

Paw Patrol live is by far the best live children's show I have seen.

The thought/creativity which has gone into creating this show is superb. The costumes were excellent and it was like watching an episode of Paw Patrol on tv (only live).

Ryder and Mayor Goodway were frequently interacting with the audience, with the mayor approaching some of the kids in the crowd (in person). It is cute to see all the kids go shy! But they are live and being filmed so you can't really blame them..

There is a short break to break the show up and give parents/kids time to eat & rest, but the show soon starts up again with another action/energetic second half. Entertaining throughout..

To summarise, you would be barking mad not to see this show! My expectations of Paw Patrol live were honestly exceeded. 

Something to note- I have paid £30 per tickets and just a couple of weeks prior to the Birmingham show I saw the same tickets advertised at half of its original price via Groupon, something that disappointed me as I could have saved £45, but you guys, can learn on my mistakes! 

So if you have little ones who love Paw Patrol book your tickets now  (currently touring in Newcastle upon Tyne,Leeds, Cardiff, Glasgow) and you will not be disappointed!