Balamory What's the story review

Balamory 'What's the story'? Live (Arena Tour Cardiff, Aberdeen Glasgow)

YOUNGSTERS NEARLY BRING THE ROOF DOWN AT BALAMORY STAGE SHOW MARK DREVER 09:00 - 20 December 2004

Christmas came early for the hundreds of youngsters who packed into the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre at the weekend to see the big stage adaptation of the BBC's hugely successful Balamory TV show. Millions of children, and a cult following of adults, have watched the residents of the sleepy Scots fishing village rise to stardom, thrashing the Teletubbies and the Tweenies in the ratings.

Balamory What's the Story Live opened in the Press and Journal Arena on Saturday with further performances on Sunday. Such was the demand for tickets for the big budget production that producers had to schedule an additional performance for the Saturday evening. The roof was nearly blown off the building by the cheers when the original eight cast members - Miss Hoolie, PC Plum, Edie McCredie, Spencer, Archie, Penny Pocket, Suzie Sweet, and Josie Jump - made their big song and dance entrance.

Youngsters were astonished at the sight of the stage, which looked like a replica of the multi-coloured village, including nursery teacher Miss Hoolie's house, PC Plum's station, Spencer the painter's house, the Pocket and Sweep shop, Edie McCredie Transport, Josie Jump's bright yellow house and Archie the inventor's castle. So what was the story in Balamory? Well panto favourite Jack and the Beanstalk, actually. The first half of the 80-minute show followed the cast as they tried to agree on a story for their pantomime and the second saw them perform the timeless classic to the delighted audience. The vast majority of youngsters participated in the by now legendary songs and phrases from the show. There were even a few adults joining in with vigour.

Cardiff International Arena Steve Edwards, South Wales Echo 22 December 2004

CHRISTMAS came early for hundreds of children packed into Cardiff International Arena as the characters of Balamory arrived in town. Receiving an ovation normally reserved for pop stars, the cast of the BBC children's smash show proceeded to delight and enthral their captive audience for the next hour and a half.

Performing an original take on Jack and the Beanstalk, the likes of Pc Plum, Spencer, Josie Jump and Penny Pocket rose to the challenge and delivered a thoroughly entertaining show. Children not only got a traditional Christmas pantomime but also heard all the songs from the programme sung several times for good measure. A standing ovation at the end guaranteed that lots of little faces went home with permanent smiles.

The Stage Review 2005

Inevitably the intimacy of the TV studio is lost in the vast expanse of the CIA, which can hold around 4,500. That said, the eight actors from the much-loved CBeebies adapt well to the arena stage with their string of catchy songs, simple jokes, visual gags - special cheers for the Daisy Bus - and lively dances choreographed by Beth Gilding, with music directed by Jane McLaughlin.

Martin Waller keeps the action flowing with plenty of attack, employing standard panto techniques to encourage the children to respond, which they certainly do with enthusiasm. The story PC Plum (Andrew Agnew) chose this time was Jack and the Beanstalk, with Josie Jump, Spencer, Suzie Sweet and Penny Pocket as his cast. This seasonal offering occupies the second half and goes down well, though is perhaps too drawn out for such a young audience. No matter, the sheer pulling power of such a children’s TV programme would gladden the heart of any box office manager.