Let's hand it to them, Disney do know how to create an atmosphere and this show is immensely successful as a result.
We took our two young lads to this (Tom 4 and a half and Harry nearly 2) and weren't completely sure how three shows based around the major Princesses in the Disney archive would go down.
My sons generally prefer Star Wars or In The Night Garden but nonetheless this show held their attention throughout. And that is a mighty achievement in it's own right as the show lasted, with a fifteen minute break, for about 1 hour 40 minutes!
The break was as much about merchandising as anything and there were heaps of gifts and memorabilia to tempt all ages. Some of these were pretty astronomical, for instance the glossy A3 program for £9!
Still, we left with a good feeling in our bones, so what went right?
Firstly, the use of tried and tested characters such as Mickey, Donald and Goofy involves the kids from the very first moment and acts as a great scaffold on which to hang the three main stories. Secondly, the actors are dubbed. Although not obviously a great idea it does work really well for the consistency of the vocal leads lends the whole show a cinematic feel which places the audience -child and adult- in their comfort zone. You have the excitement of a live show but never feel as though anything could go awry, something added to by the fabulous cast who were as professional as you would expect but who added an athleticism and energy that was hugely attractive.
I was expecting this to be something I had to go through for my sons and so was pleased to find that I wasn't bored in the slightest. This is aiming mostly at the female audience (and there were zillions of little Princesses all over the arena as if to prove this) but The Beauty and The Beast section -by far the best in my view- held my sons in awe and ended the show on a major high!
The show wasn't cheap but it was a great afternoon out and a fantastic introduction to live shows for Harry, my youngest. After an initial panic over giant mice and ducks he calmed considerably and was hooked as much as Tom by the end. He even felt brave enough to wave at Goofy by then! This was fun, exciting and gripping; a huge, all-singing, all-dancing, smooth success from the all-time master of entertainment.
Dave Fouracre aka Dave The Dad
April 2010
Dave went to see Disney Live in Brighton. | 
Our Day At Drayton Manor
