Jennifer Butterworth

Really disappointingly woke. A travesty to Enid Blytons’s series, which always transported me in my childhood, into a world of mystery and comforting excitement. The TV adaptation was irritatingly acted in places, by peculiar parody characters, and OTT storylines, in a bid to satisfy today’s sensationalistic hungry kids. This resulted in the production of a pantomime style programme, leaving the ethos of the Famous Five dead in the water.

An enjoyable evening, but paled in comparison to Varekai. It fell a bit flat at the end and it didn’t feel as though people were ready for it to be over - as though we were sold a bit short. The performers were incredible, but it lacked the high octane feel of the previous show. The pole work artistry was incredible, as were the high flying gymnasts, the couple on the spinning ariel discipline and the spinning hoops at the end. I didn’t leave buzzing though and for that I am disappointed. Some of the ‘comical’ parts were protracted and the wedding in a box could be removed. It was an irritating filler that just made you think, go away and bring me some adrenaline skills. I don’t want my review to take away the risks and skills of the athletes performance’s - they were incredible, I just needed more value for money. Next time I will review check before purchasing tickets. If you can’t afford CDS, go to Gandy’s circus. It’s incredible!