Be Like Blippi Tour – Barbican, York

Get ready to see the world more curiously, because Blippi is coming to your hometown in the all-new Be Like Blippi Tour! At the Barbican in York, families are invited to join Blippi and Meekah live on stage for a one-of-a-kind interactive adventure that encourages children to move like, play like, and explore just like Blippi. This brand-new show is presented very much as a rock concert for little people, with song after song ringing out from the stage as young concert-goers dance the hour away. Fan-favourite numbers such as The Excavator Song, Monster Truck, Dino Dance, and Curious Like Me are all packed into a high-energy production that keeps children singing, laughing, and dancing throughout.

Blippi’s signature mix of play, learning, and exploration is at the heart of the Be Like Blippi Tour, and there is no doubt that the young audience thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to see their favourite characters in person. The performers onstage are completely in unison and never miss a beat, delivering a tightly rehearsed performance that runs with professional precision. If anything, the show feels a little too polished. There is limited opportunity for genuine, direct audience interaction beyond the occasional wave, and at times it feels as though the performers are going through the motions rather than truly connecting with the children in front of them. Similarly, there appears to be a lack of authentic connection between the cast members themselves, which slightly diminishes the warmth one might expect from such a beloved brand.

Visually, the production is surprisingly sparse. There is no substantial set on stage, leaving the performance space feeling rather empty and stark, with black curtains at the back serving as makeshift wings. A central projection screen displays footage from the production company, but as the actors on screen do not match the performers on stage – it only highlights that this is not the same Blippi and Meekah that children know from their screens. This disconnect can be distracting and may disappoint those expecting a more seamless translation of the online world to the live experience. From a design perspective, the show could certainly benefit from a more imaginative and immersive approach to staging, particularly given the richness of the Blippi universe and the expectations set by other family-focused live experiences.

In terms of structure, the run time of the production feels notably short. After just 30 minutes of performance, there is an unnecessary 15-minute interval, which interrupts the flow and feels premature, especially for younger children who are only just settling into the experience. While the children in the audience appeared delighted simply to be dancing along and seeing “Blippi” in real life, there is relatively little on offer for parents and caregivers beyond the pleasure of watching their children enjoy themselves. Overall, the Be Like Blippi Tour at the Barbican in York succeeds in delivering an unforgettable adventure full of fun and discovery for its young fans, encouraging them to Be Like Blippi and to get curious together. However, it falls short of its full potential as a live family event, and would benefit from deeper audience connection, richer design, and a more thoughtfully paced structure to truly stand alongside the best contemporary children’s theatre and live experiences.

Reviewed on Saturday 5th September. Touring the UK.