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Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and me…
No parent with a child under five can say they know nothing of the magic that is In the Night Garden. When I first encountered the programme I can honestly say it freaked the hell out of me, especially the hypnotic effect it seemed to have on any child plonked in front if it. But as my sweet baby turned into a very ‘vocal’ toddler, I’m sure I’m not the first parent to take advantage of its calming effect!
So with the news that a stage version of the BBC programme was coming to The O2, I jumped at the chance to gain some brownie points with my little one – and between the two of us, I’m not sure who was more excited at the thought of seeing the show! Although I wasn’t quite sure how she (or I!) was going to react to seeing larger than life-sized versions of her television favourites….
Performed in The O2’s Live Quarter, the excitement starts as you approach to see huge inflatable Haahoos outside the entrance. My two year old fluctuated between silent awe and astonishment, to being one of the most vocal in joining in with the songs and pointing out the characters on stage – loud enough for those in the very back rows to hear. A mixture of puppetry and costumed characters, I can’t say there was a particular moment when she became bored or tired of the action on stage. Of course, it’s not perfect viewing for adults, but seeing the pleasure experienced by younger members of the audience definitely makes it worthwhile.
The day was topped off with a meet and greet with Igglepiggle (you can also chose to meet Upsy Daisy), and despite her initial reservations about the lifesize blue character, my daughter ended up giving him a hug and smiling for a family snap. Although my own reservations weren’t helped by having Igglepiggle rest his arm on my shoulder, while he gave me a glass-eyed stare…!
It’s not a cheap day out, but if your child is a fan it’s a treat they”ll definitely appreciate.
Media Mummy rating? 4 out of 5 stars.
In the Night Garden Live is at The O2 until June 9 before continuing on its UK tour.
www.nightgardenlive.com
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ The Musical – competition
HANDS up who remembers reading The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole as a child?
Well now the much-loved novel by Sue Townsend has been adapted into a stage musical and is running at London’s Ambassadors Theatre – and you could be there watching it with your family!
Set in 1980s Leicester, the adaptation of the best-selling book is described as ‘a timeless tale of teenage angst, family struggles and unrequited love, told through the eyes of tortured poet and misunderstood intellectual Adrian Mole.’
For a chance to win a family of four ticket, all you have to do is sign up to follow my blog via email and follow my Instagram account @themediamummy for an additional entry.
Sue Townsend’s The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13¾ – The Musical runs until 12 October 2019
Ambassadors Theatre, West Street, London WC2H 9ND
Terms and conditions – Ticket competition for a family of four ticket to be redeemed on a Monday-Thursday show, subject to availability during July & August. Name to be drawn on Thursday 27 June, 11pm (UK time).
Review: VIPs get first look at Norm of the North
With a voice cast boasting the likes of Rob Schneider, Heather Graham, James Corden, Bill Nighy and Colm Meaney, it’s no surprise a crowd of VIPs and their children braved the cold to enjoy a Sunday morning screening of latest Lionsgate offering Norm of the North.
Singer Una Foden stepped out with her three year old mini me, daughter Aoife Belle – the pair clad in matching denim ensembles.
Other celebrities taking part in the ‘fun in the foyer’ activities included Cherry Healey, Justin Lee Collins and former X Factor contestants The Brooks, before TV presenter Kate Garraway introduced the film to a packed screening room at London’s Empire Leicester Square cinema.
In the film Schneider voices a dancing polar bear who can speak to humans, tasked with saving his Arctic home from property developers.
My six year old enjoyed the film but a big part of that was probably due to the soundtrack – which included Walk to the Moon’s catchy Shut Up and Dance – rather than any riveting storyline.
While the animated offering is not on a par with Disney’s Frozen which is of course loved by children and adults alike(!), I did find myself sniggering at some of the jokes. And judging from the reaction of children at the screening, they also seemed to find the film amusing.
Norm of the North hits UK cinemas on March 18.
Jessica Ennis-Hill: ‘My son is my motivation’
She may be a gold medal winning Olympic athlete, but when it comes to parenting Jessica Ennis-Hill is just like any other mum.
Joined by her mother Alison Powell and presenter Gabby Logan to launch P&G’s #ThankYouMum at London’s Savoy hotel, Jessica revealed her one-year-old son Reggie keeps her going.
She said: “Reggie was my motivation at Beijing and he will definitely be again this year.”
Speaking as the 100 day countdown to Rio 2016 began, the sporting superstar hosted an afternoon tea event to mark the role her own mother has played in her success.
“It’s not until you become a mum that you kind of really understand everything… until you experience it first hand. You want to do everthing you possibly can to make sure your children get the best out of life. Reggie is just my 100 per cent number one focus.”
Jessica, 30, added: “I really don’t believe I would have been able to achieve any of my World, Olympic or European medals without the support and strength of my mum throughout my life.”
As part of the campaign P&G created a video titled ‘Strong’ (which you can watch here: www.supersavvyme.co.uk/tag/rio-2016-olympic-games) and have published ‘The Mum Report’ which details what it’s like to be a modern day mother.
And a massive ‘good luck’ to Jessica as she prepares for Rio. The yummy mummy is still deciding whether she’ll be bringing Reggie along for the ride but if he does sit this one out there’ll be lots of face-timing and photos promises grandma Alison!