AS WE neared the Mayflower Theatre, it was clear that this show was the place to be for anyone aged six and under. 

Scores of tiny people were waddling towards the Southampton theatre, some clutching blue cuddly toys, others wearing Bluey T-shirts and some wearing blue dog ears. 

The theatre was packed, almost no empty seats, for the 5pm showing of Bluey's Big Play on August 27, a theatrical adaption of the popular kids' cartoon. 

For those without children - Bluey is a Blue Heeler Dog from Australia who lives with her mum, dad and little sister. It's a touching short TV cartoon that's shown on CBeebies and also on Disney+. 

It's gentle, the colours are not as brash as some other kids' shows, and it's relatively quiet on the noisy scale of children's TV. The short programmes always lead with a storyline with a moral, which is scarily relatable for any parent and also touchingly told. It's got humour, and it's the kind of show that adults like watching too. 

Bandit aka Dad Bandit aka Dad (Image: Mark Senior)

The show started in 2018 but it soon swept the world and has become a huge franchise, with Bluey's image appearing on everything from T-shirts to socks. 

Now in Southampton on stage, it was clear to see Bluey's star has not even remotely begun to wane, as literally hundreds of children (mostly) managed to sit still and watch a 50-minute theatre production. An absolutely unbelievable accomplishment for that amount of children at any time of year - and even more so during the school summer holidays on a nice sunny day. 

The show started with a slow build up of birds and gentle music, great to acclimatise the little ones who often don't like the loud starts to theatre shows. 

Through the use of some excellent possibly bigger than life-size puppets, the show told a tale of Dad on his phone, and follows the family as they play, with references to the two sisters. It's an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, with new music by Bluey composer Joff Bush, so it's got all the Bluey hallmarks of quality. 

With Bluey there's always a nice setting up of story, which comes together, and the stage show was no different, with a touching scene at the end exploring sisterhood in adult life - and encouraging us all to put down our phones, be present and maintain relationships with those we love.

It was not quite enough to provoke a tear but it was certainly very touching and prompted an aaaah from the audience before we leapt into the grand finale - a million bubbles, much to the sheer joy of every child. 

Go to mayflower.org.uk to book.  

Bluey’s Big Play is produced by Andrew Kay and Cuffe & Taylor with Windmill Theatre Co for BBC Studios.

It is on at the Mayflower Theatre three times a day until August 30. 

Tickets start from £16. 

Recommended for all ages, including under 2s. For under 2s sharing a seat with an adult, phone the box office on 02380 711811 or visit the box office within the theatre in the hour preceding the show to book.