Chopsy Baby is Reviewing… Justin Fletcher and Friends at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff 2013
Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
Saturday 13 April 2013
1.30pm
They clapped, cheered and begged for more and that was just the adults. The Justin and Friends Easter Tour at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff was absolutely brilliant.
From the second Arthur Sleep appeared on the big screen encouraging us to ‘swipe’ the youngsters were hooked.
The Friends included Katy Ashworth and Nina from Nina and the Neurons who kept the show upbeat in between the Justin scenes.
As a big mum pleaser, Andy Day was fantastic with his costume and rendition of The Lion Sleeps Tonight.
Steven Kynman’s Robert The Robot with his plummy tones and witty lines is practically a CBeebies star in his own right. Here he is joined occasionally by toddler favourite Little Monster from Justin’s House.
But of course, the biggest cheer was reserved for Justin Fletcher, who had everyone leaping out of their seats each time he appeared. His brand of comedy and slapstick saw his big entrance turn into comedy gold. He managed to walk through the door and get both of his feet stuck in buckets.
Justin’s turns included Nana Knickerbocker and of course, Mr Tumble. When his famous clown character came through the audience the house went wild, with adults and children screaming and cheering.
The general storyline had the TV stars taking us through songs and scenes with great humour and in preparation for a final big show to which a VIP will be coming.
Of course, things go a little barmy along the way. The way the set and story interacted as things became even more out of hand was brilliant.
The forty something ladies behind me were shouting for Cliff Tumble to appear and ‘ooh Sid, I like him,’ in reference to the recently departed Cbeebies favourite.
Another lady in my row admitted to me that she was enjoying it more than her child. And even I was even ignoring my sleeping two year old as I joined in with the Hello song. Perhaps it was me who had come to see Justin Fletcher and brought with me my own children not to look strange.
Having seen hundreds of brilliant and bad theatre shows in the past, the two I have enjoyed the most have Doctor Who Live in 2010 and Justin and Friends in 2013. Interestingly, both based on TV shows and both at the same venue.
The incredibly talented and charismatic entertainer with the universal appeal was as good on stage as he is on TV. The opportunity to see him live on stage is an experience that many will never forget.
10/10