Freddy's latest Play Patrol Mission from Bigjigs was to put the fun of the Magnetic Theatre to the test, helped by his big sister Kizzy. So it was time for them to raise the curtains and let the drama begin!
The Magnetic Theatre comes complete with a theatre, decorations, 15 figures and 2 magnetic sticks. The theatre is constructed by slotting the thick cardboard curtains and scenery into slots on a wooden base. The scenery and decorations are interchangeable, giving the backdrop for four exciting fairy stories.
The assembly of the theatre was very straightforward and Freddy was able to build it himself. The 15 figures provide all the characters needed to put on plays of Pinocchio, The Three Little Pigs, Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood. There is a story sheet included so children can remind themselves of the stories.
The hand painted wooden figures each have a magnetic base, which allows them to be controlled using the magnetic sticks from underneath the stage.
The characters were quite easy to control once Freddy got used to how to use the sticks without knocking down the whole theatre. (It took a little while but he got there!) He really enjoyed the fact he could make the little figures move around the stage using the power of magnetism! Magnets always fascinate Freddy and it was good to see him understand how the movement of the figures was controlled from underneath the base of the stage with the force going through the cardboard. He had some fun experimenting with the movement both on and off the stage.
Using the magnetic sticks and moving the characters around the stage helps develop a child's dexterity as it requires quite a deft touch. Constructing the stage and matching up the backdrops with the stage decorations is also something that children could do independently.
The figures and the stage scenery help unleash a child's imagination and they will soon be immersed in a world of storytelling, as they act out their own plays. They can stick to the traditional tales or make up their own exciting tales featuring princesses, wolves, piggies, old grannies and handsome princes! The stage direction is in their hands!
Freddy and Ella decided to keep it traditional for their big performance as they acted out the tale of the Three Little Pigs. Piggies 1, 2 and 3 are really cute with their snouts and beady eyes. Mr.Wolf has a long snout and pointy ears, perfect for starring roles in both the Three Little Pigs and Red riding Hood!
Here is a 30 second theatre performance demonstrating the fun of putting on a play with your big sister!
I love that the Bigjigs Magnetic Theatre is a prop to imaginative storytelling and role play. Both help a child's communication skills and boost their confidence. Putting on a show is always fun to do and having the figures from four different stories adds to the variety of plays that a child can perform. There are no scripts, so little ones can act out plays from memory or just invent their own tales.
Freddy absolutely loved putting on a show! He particularly enjoyed the fact that I filmed it and he can watch his performance as the rather terrifying big, bad wolf whenever he likes.
The Bigjigs Magnetic Theatre is suitable for ages 3 and up and retails for £16.99, which is great value.
It all packs back into the slimline box once showtime is over, making it easy to store away.