Postman Pat review

Having arranged a couple of hours gap in my day, I went along to Postman Pat at The Royal Opera House with little James and my wife.

The show is well put together. The larger than life characters and scenery all look believable to little eyes and the Postman Pat’s van drives in and out of view to give a good effect of movement through the seamless scenery changes.

We were a few minutes late so we quickly parked up the pram and were led downstairs. Opening the door to the seating we were hit by a room full of little fans, jumping up and down shouting as Pat walked onto the stage for the first time.

"Hello children.” Screams erupt. James points to the stage in glee “BB pat” (that's James' name for him) and jumps up.

We push James into the seat amid protests, pen him in and he stands, points and sings holding onto the chair in front. He loves it, as do all the other kids around us.

“A Very Royal Mission” sees everyone in Pencaster receive a letter from the Palace. Someone special is coming to open the brand new SDS Sorting Office. Mrs Goggins, Ted Glen and Ben Taylor are helping with the preparations, while PC Selby finally has something important to do. But a storm hits Pencaster, throwing the royal visit into doubt. Only one man can be counted on – the Head of the SDS, Postman Pat of course with his trusty sidekick Jess the Cat and his brand new SDS helicopter.

The show is well put together. The larger than life characters and scenery all look believable to little eyes and the Postman Pat’s van drives in and out of view to give a good effect of movement through the seamless scenery changes. Even Jess the Cat is animated, to the delight of the kiddies.

With numerous songs and dances scattered around the action, the young ones have something to get involved in. Many of them even choose to do their very own performances in the aisles.

Just before the interval break, the story reaches its climax as a storm hits the village of Pencaster and causes havoc. Thunder, wind and lightning surrounds the theatre. James is very concerned through the break as the thunder keeps playing over the sound system. This causes runs round the theatre five times chased by a concerned dad.

After the break, the storm has passed, much to James' relief, and Postman Pat flies off in his helicopter to pick up the Queen of England and save the day accompanied by a grand finale of dancing and singing

Every child has smiles on their faces and seemed to love it. The best lunch time out with the family in ages.

Postman Pat is at the Stockport Plaza on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 October 2010,Performance times: Saturday - 1pm & 3.30pm, Sunday - 11am & 2.30pm. Tickets: £12.00. For more information or to book click here.