Few children's entertainers have enjoyed the meteoric rise of Blippi. What began as a series of educational YouTube videos has grown into a global phenomenon, amassing billions of views, spawning multiple actors in the iconic blue-and-orange outfit, expanding into spin-off shows with best friend Meekah, and becoming a staple of preschool life for families around the world.

As a dad of two children aged nine and five, I've lived through the Blippi phenomenon for several years. I've watched the character evolve, seen the actors change and the educational content broaden well beyond construction vehicles and colours into science, nature and all things curiosity-led. Now, with my youngest still firmly in the target audience, it was finally time to experience Be Like Blippi live.

Heading into Connexin Live in Hull, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect—although my daughter, Skye, clearly had a much better idea than I did. It's a shame the performance was noticeably undersold because those who stayed away missed a thoroughly enjoyable hour that's perfectly pitched for its intended audience.

Blippi is joined on stage by his ever-enthusiastic bestie Meekah and four energetic friends who keep the action moving through songs, dance routines and an interactive quest packed with fun facts and gentle learning. It mirrors the television show's winning formula: encouraging children to be curious, ask questions and get involved rather than simply sit and watch.

The production wisely keeps things moving at a brisk pace. There are colourful visuals, plenty of audience participation and enough opportunities for children to sing, dance and wiggle along without ever feeling overwhelming. Parents may even find themselves joining in before long.

Musically, fan favourites The Excavator Song and The Blippi Wiggle unsurprisingly receive the biggest reactions, with children around the auditorium enthusiastically throwing themselves into every move. Other familiar numbers help maintain the energy throughout and ensure there are very few quiet moments.

The obvious comparison is The Wiggles. While Be Like Blippi perhaps doesn't quite possess the same level of theatrical polish or slick production values, that's almost beside the point. Preschool audiences aren't looking for West End perfection—they're looking for fun, familiar faces and the chance to sing along with characters they adore. On that front, the show succeeds with ease.

The highlight of the afternoon, however, came after the curtain fell. Skye was absolutely thrilled to meet Blippi and Meekah during the post-show meet and greet, a lovely touch that rounded off the experience and created a memory she'll be talking about for some time.

For families with children in the Blippi age bracket, Be Like Blippi delivers exactly what it promises: an energetic, educational and engaging adventure that celebrates curiosity through music, movement and play. It may not reinvent children's theatre, but it doesn't need to. Judging by the huge smile on my daughter's face from start to finish, it's doing exactly what Blippi has always done best—making learning feel like one big adventure.



Upcoming Northern Shows:.

05/09 - Barbican, York
19/09 - M&S Arena, Liverpool