THERE are so many sophisticated shows around that it's often easy to forget they're primarily for little ones. With clever choreography and grown-up humour, we adults feel short-changed if we don't come away with some witty new lines.

Disney Live's Winnie the Pooh takes us back to the days when our pleasure at a live show came from our children's excitement. Even before the performance starts, little eyes are wide at the sight of the colourful set of Hundred Acre Wood and the sound of birds chirping and the wind blowing.

Narrator Tracie Franklin tells the story of the search for the perfect day. With hunny helpers Leo Acton, Ian Caldwell and Anthony Robinette, she revs up the panto-style atmosphere. Youngsters are soon on their feet shouting and cheering.

The show culminates in Pooh's surprise birthday party and thousands of confetti squares float down to mark the occasion, prompting a mass exodus from seats, as anxious parents go in search of their little ones. As we left, little faces were happy and older ones were humming the tunes - the sign of a show enjoyed by all.

Published: 10/03/2005