If there was ever a show that was all-singing and all-dancing, then Madagascar Live fits the bill perfectly!
An energised audience also managed to let off their steam by dancing in the aisles at the end of a perfectly balanced show at the Arena.
Encouraged by the lively cast, we needed little encouragement to get on up and "move it, move it" to one of the animated film's catchiest tunes.
Dazzling costumes and amazing sets took the production way above the usual fare for children's stage-show entertainment.
And having a familiar story worked to the show's advantage as it retold the tale of the group of New York zoo animals who seek a little adventure on the other side of the bars.
The action-packed musical follows Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo on their unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien's Madagascar.
The crack-a-lackin' adventure slows a little at times but then so does the blockbuster DreamWorks Animation movie.
Fortunately, there are some nicely-worked set-pieces to keep us hooked, especially the cheeky, plotting penguins and a pink-haired love-starved newscaster.
Both leave the stage for a little interplay with individual members of the audience, bringing their characters to life up-close and personal.
The dance numbers are well choreographed and it's a relief to hear real singing.
With no voice track or miming, it's a pleasure to appreciate the talent of the "animals" performing in front of us. They're clearly enjoying themselves, which is infectious in the amphitheatre created by using just half of the Arena.
We're treated to 25 characters in all – which is no mean feat in a touring production where everyone has to squeeze themselves into costumes that really do reflect the characterisation of the animals they play. Neat stage tricks help transport us from zoo to the subways of New York, then on board ship and into the jungles of Madagascar.
The show-stopping numbers come right at the end and it's something of an abrupt stop when the story finally draws to a close.
But wait... maybe the show doesn't stop there for the youngsters: You know it's worked out well when you spot kids of all ages singing the best-known songs on the way out!
