Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review
CBeebies House Party Live was like entering the CBeebies house. There was so much colour. The theatre was buzzing with anticipation and in front of us was a bold, bright and oversized set. The large screen was playing familiar songs and clips that the children interacted with while waiting for the show to start which was followed by an enthusiastic countdown with Justin Fletcher to the start of the show.
Our trio of CBeebies hosts, Rebecca Keatley and Evie Pickerill and BSL interpreter Emma Jane Mansfield took to the stage with energy, dressed in bright and comfortable clothing, taking us on an hour-long CBeebies adventure; prepping, partying and raving. Care was taken to give children a sense of belonging by hosts greeting children up and down the aisle, including a personalised birthday greeting and a sung happy birthday to all celebrating a special day.
There were plenty of rhymes and chants to bring the audience together as one throughout the show. Whilst Justin encouraged us, at the start of the show, to stand up to sign and dance the British reticence in the adults to do so prevented full participation. Ongoing reminders to take part throughout the show might have encouraged more audience singing and dancing. We loved the anticipation as we chanted “Whose at the door now? Which friend?” speculating which of our much-loved CBeebies celebrities was going to enter the stage next. Even if your favourite star didn’t appear live we loved the video interaction of other celebrities, whether it be painting imaginary pictures with Mr Maker or laughing at Mr Tumbles mishaps and I think the biggest cheer went to Duggee as he arrived on stage.
The lighting was ever changing, supporting the playful performance; awakening brighter lights, colourful lights flashing around the theatre, supporting the dancing and singing and as the party drew to a close we settled down with Andy Day for a Bedtime Story. We sang the customary bedtime song as the lights dimmed to create a calming atmosphere. The story ended and we loved the twist of words in the song, bringing back the energy into the theatre, that it wasn’t bedtime at all!
Whilst we had THE BEST TIME our 5-year-old’s verdict was of disappointment in not being able to access the interactive details. With a little more thought from the producers in manipulating the large balloons to ensure they didn’t bounce in the first few rows and return to the stage, and stronger water guns to help the wider audience participate in the excitement of getting wet would ensure all children leaving the theatre giggling about the memories created as happy party goers.
CBeebies House Party Live is full of chaos, energy and is a sheer delight. The singing, streamers, bubbles, balloons and familiar faces is the perfect introduction of live theatre for young children. It is fun, interactive and inclusive - I had a great time and so did my little audience members.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
CBeebies House Party Live plays on tour until September 5th 2026. For tour dates and venues visit https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/cbeebies-house-party-live
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