Quality time with my girl, Florence, 4, at Gabby’s Dollhouse Live last week was just what the doctor ordered after 6 weeks of excruciating pain due to 2 slipped discs. I’m not fully recovered but I was finally well enough (with thanks to pain relief) to venture into Leeds city centre from Harrogate, where we live.
The First Direct Bank Arena with its statement dome is a super venue for both adults and children alike and provided the location for the Leeds leg of Gabby’s Dollhouse Live’s UK wide tour.
Despite the arena’s size, it never feels overwhelming as it’s easy to navigate and still feels intimate, so off we went and bought popcorn, soft drinks and an official bubble light wand Florence is still playing with (yay for refillable items) before the show and proceeded to laugh and sing together enjoying every minute of this dynamic, a-MEOW-zing musical show.
The storyline was simple yet engaging and the stage design and lighting, as you can see from the few pics I grabbed before the curtains went up were truly spectacular.
So what’s it about?
Gabby unboxes the cutest acorn I ever did see that needs the magical touch of a rainbow to grow. But when CatRat causes a colour cat-astrophe and breaks the rainbow, Gabby and the Gabby Cats must find the colours again so the acorn will grow into a friendship tree. Educational, musical and oh-so-fun, the joy in Florence’s eyes at seeing Gabby, Pandy Paws and friends was a memory I will always cherish.
The excellent ensemble cast (most operating huge lifelike puppets) travel to the Cat-O-Sphere, Mermaid-Lantis and some favourite Dollhouse locations in search of the colours in the story, that will make rebuilding the rainbow possible.
They teach the young audience the importance of resilience, ambition and friendship as they embark on this heartwarming journey together.
With favourite songs including “Sprinkle Party”, “Hey Gabby”, “Music In You”, “You Can’t Spell Meow Without Me” and many others new and familiar, Florence was dancing and singing along, even if my back wouldn’t allow me to join her with my mum moves, on this occasion.
It’s well worth booking to see the show, you’ll leave with a full heart and memories for life.
Please Note: Actors from the DreamWorks Animation series do not appear in the live stage show.
We were offered complimentary tickets but as always, my views are honest.
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Greek Myths, Folktales & Legends for 9-12 year olds
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