Arboreal Manoeuvres in the Dark

Officially, this is strictly for the kids – but come on, has there ever been a trippier, more psychedelic wig-out of a concept than In The Night Garden? And could there be a more spaced-out setting than in two inflatable space domes in the middle of Sefton Park? If The Coral don’t requisition this for their latest promo tour, they’re missing a cosmic PR trick. Although a stray hot rock in the Green Room would have the entire venue up in flames before you could say Iggle Piggle.

Actually, come to think of it, we’re sure we heard “Makka Pakka akka wakka Pakka Pikka Poo Akka Wakka Nikka Pikka Nicky Nacky Noo” on the Nightfreak and the Sons of Becker re-issue.

So, we say, if Toy Story 3 has reawakened your inner child, head to the park for this, the, ahem, world premier of the Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka roadshow.

The show’s producers promise magical puppets and spectacular panoramic projections in this immersive theatrical experience which guarantees to transport you into a twilight world of magic, mayhem and baby-changing facilities. And a bar selling Calpol shooters.

Let’s face it, since the summer pops has moved out of the big tent, we miss the chance to see make-believe characters  inhabiting an alternative universe for an impressionable audience (but we’re sure The Australian Pink Floyd are just as thrilling in the Arena).

In The Night Garden Live

Runs to 1 August, Sefton Park