Entering the theatre, everyone is met with smiles and there is a sense of comfort and fun already. I am handed a colouring competition and directed to tables with colouring pencils. Kids and caregivers alike are colouring and chatting away, establishing a rapport with each other as the actors – Leona Revell, Alan Dingley and Alexia Clark – mingle in their colourful costumes, asking kids questions and beginning to fan their creative spark.

The actors are dressed in the primary colours, a clever and symbolic nod towards the endless combinations and possibilities they are about to create on stage. The pre-show experience starts to build a relationship between the audience and performers from the get-go, setting the stage for an inclusive experience.

If you have or know young ones who watch Hi-Five, Playschool, The Wiggles or similar shows and have always wanted to be a part of it, this show is for them. It is an experience tailored to creative, imaginative children that meets them where they are and appreciates everything they have to offer. Come to the show with an open mind, armed with your favourite animals, your most aspirational job ideas, your funniest character names, and watch them come to life and be woven into a story by these incredible improv-artists. You might discover your favourite animal’s best dance move, and you’ll also discover your own potential.

The colourful, larger-than-life set exudes a sense of potential, like anything could happen on stage – and anything can. I am intrigued by the sparkly ribbons, balloon popcorn on the wall, costumes on coatracks and especially by the large jam sandwich. My mind is already whirring and wondering how it’s all going to be brought together. The upbeat ambient music creates an atmosphere of joyous exploration and puts us all in the mood for what is about to happen next.

I have no idea what the story is going to be about, but that is the point; neither do the performers as they enter the stage. They’re cautious at first – just like a lot of kids in the audience – but ideas from the audience are what help them come out of their shell, and this relationship between audience and actor is mutual. The best part of the show is how the performers make the kids in the audience shine.

When I sit down, I don’t know I will be watching a show about a dog called Bob, who has laser eyes when he gets excited and shape shifts when he gets sad. I don’t know I am going to witness the friendship he develops with a young girl called Michaela as they both train to become part of the police force together. The young boy in the green sweatshirt behind me doesn’t know he is going to make his debut as Bob’s brother Geoff, a police dog who absolutely aces his training tasks –suggested by a young girl in the front row as she gives her teddy the best view of the action on her shoulders.

Audience members are unaware of their own talents at concealing fruit that will be sniffed out by Bob as part of his training, or their expertise at becoming roses in a garden as Geoff gives chase to a rose thief, but we all discover our talents together.

This show creates a safe space for children to explore their ideas, it encourages them to be creative and helps them value their contributions as they can see the impact they have while also appreciating how the input from others in the room helps to shape the story. Every opportunity to make the audience a part of the action is taken and there is room in those actions for all comfort levels.

The actors adapt quickly and keep control of the room while also encouraging the kids to share whatever comes into their heads, giving a sense that anything can happen – this is Imagination Station after all, and we’re all tuned in. There is the occasional giggle or split-second knowing look between the actors as they work out how the whacky ideas suggested by the audience are going to look as the next part of the story, but this only adds to the charm and shows that they are enjoying creating the action just as much as the kids are enjoying watching it.

The ad-libbed live keyboard soundtrack complements what is happening on stage, often embellishing comedic moments with a perfectly timed tinkle on the keys that causes laughter to erupt through the room. A highlight of the performance was the catchy, made up on the spot song about kindness that we were all encouraged to sing at the end. I’m sure I’m not the only one who left the theatre with it still playing in my head.

I am feeling exhilarated and inspired by all of the creativity I have seen and by the way these performers hold their audience in a comforting and constructive way. Adults and kids of all ages will find something to enjoy while watching this exciting and flexible show, it has all the creative ingredients set out and invites the kids to be the chefs who choose how it’s all put together.

What a great idea for a show! What a great theatre company! Make sure you come and see it for yourself; it really is such a privilege and a pleasure to see the magic brought out of those around me. A truly collaborative experience.

The season at Centrepoint Theatre runs from the 22^nd to the 26^th of September, with shows starting at 11am. Saturday the 25^th is already sold out, so get in quick. Come to one show, come to all, it will be a wild and unique adventure each time; just make sure you don’t miss out on this big-hearted and joyous experience!

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