AS we hurtle towards the end of the school summer holidays (yes, that's right, nearly there...), there seemed to be no better place for a treat night out than at the opening of Madagascar the Musical at the Mayflower Theatre.
The theatre in Southampton was packed with families all keen to 'Move it Move it' to hits from the popular story.
The film, released in 2005, is a family classic. Despite being old enough for us to actually own the physical DVD, its story, following lovable animal friends as they escape from New York's Central Park Zoo has stood the test of time.
It's quite a simple storyline, making it easy to follow for young fans. Zebra longs for something more, achieves it, then releases that the grass is not always greener on the other side, bringing his friends along with him on the journey.
It's also a story with a nice moral. Friends sticking together, appreciating what you've got, that sort of thing.
There are gags along the way, and of course a few musical numbers, including the big hit I Like To Move It , which remains as captivating for young boys in 2024 as it was when Zig N Zag covered it when I was at school.
While nothing else quite tops I Like To Move It, other notable numbers in the show include Alex the Lion singing about how much he loves steak in the aptly named Steak, the cheesy Best Friends and the fun Relax Be Cool Chill Out.
While mostly it's fun for kids, there are a few concepts that need explaining a little to the younger ones - such as why Alex the Lion wants to eat his Zebra friend.
It is recommended for age 5+, and I'd say that's right, my five year old daughter sat through it and enjoyed the experience, albeit with a few cuddles and bribery sweets to sit still. My seven-year-old son loved it, however was too embarrassed by his mum dancing enthusiastically to Move It at the end to join in.
Its run time, 45 minutes then an interval, then back for another 45 minutes, was ideal for families. Jude's Ice Cream in the interval is always a highlight of visiting the Mayflower Theatre (although make sure you have a card as the theatre is now totally cashless).
Madagascar the Musical is largely true to the film, with actors dressed up in costumes for the main characters, and some smaller creatures played by puppets. It's bright, fun and easy to watch.
At our show, on August 21, King Julien - who rules the lemurs and the island of Madagascar - was being played by Connor Keetley, from Southampton, after big name star Karim Zeroual was off due to injury. He was great and really stepped into the role - on his knees!
Joseph Hewlett played a lovable Alex the Lion, Francisco Gomes plays Marty the Zebra, and Joshua Oakes-Rogers plays giraffe Melman (props for holding up that big heavy stick for nearly two hours), while our favourite character Gloria, a hippo, was played by Jarneia Richard-Noel.
The penguins were also pretty cute and funny too.
Overall a nice family show. It runs at the Mayflower Theatre Southampton until August 24. Tickets start at £15.
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