Something quite magical happens when the characters of a children’s television programme come to life on a theatre stage. Not only do the children watching adopt the excitement and participation adults usually associate with rock concerts but if the subject is done well the adults find themselves participating just as excitably as the children.

Fireman Sam or indeed Sam Tan as he is known here in his native Wales has been a favourite with younger viewers since 1985 so a transformation to the theatre stage by Just Kidding Children’s Shows is the latest in a natural progression for Pontypandy’s favourite fireman.

Fireman Sam was of course joined by his friends Station Officer Steele, Elvis Cridlington, Handyman Mike Flood and café proprietor Bronwyn. All participating in preparing for Pontypandy’s music festival but frequently hindered by the sneaking and peeking of resident naughty boy Norman Price who was doing his utmost to find out the identity of the festivals’ mystery guest.

Children and adults alike lapped up the songs, visual jokes, dancing and the way of interaction which involved everything from shouting out and singing to the audience getting a soaking from a fire extinguisher.

With voices used from the original television series and songs focussing on safety and the importance of the role of a fireman the production, despite its fun element still succeeded in driving home good safety messages to children and parents alike making this one of the best children’s stage shows doing the rounds at the moment.