Paw Patrol Live: Race To The Rescue In Wembley Arena review. A delightful treat with the chickens

This was the 17th stop of a national tour. There were three show times available, so it was easy to fit in between nap time – winning). The great franchise was also the first live show experience of many people like my son who were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was an incredible first live show experience! Ryder, Paw Patrol leader, was the star of the show as he introduced all his pups.

As Chase, Rocky, Zuma, Marshall, Rubble and Skye (later joined by Everest) sprung across the stage, you had to marvel at the costumes worn by the puppeteers – they move their pup’s eyes, mouth, ears and even tails so convincingly you soon forgot they were there.

Ryder and his pups raced in vehicles with lights. It was truly amazing.

The plot is quite simple and can be seen as a longer version the Nickelodeon cartoon.

Mayor Goodway, the inept official in charge Adventure Bay, where Paw Patrol lives, will take part in a race against Mayor Humdinger (a savage from nearby Foggy Bottom).

But there’s one hitch – Goodway has hurt her foot, so calls on the Paw Patrol to take her place.

While some might argue that replacing one human with a group of highly skilled dogs does not constitute a fair race, the kids were lapping it up so let’s just go with it.

The audience is encouraged to help the pups solve clues. They can also boo Humdinger as he tries unsuccessfully win them all.

Goodway, despite her injuries, is still there to help with moral support and the leaderboard. She is joined by her cheerleading birds. It’s a fantastic and theatrical first.

My toddler was eager to get some exercise and stretch his legs. The 15-minute period arrived. It was difficult to find nappy changing facilities. I searched unsuccessfully for them and so I quickly made one with my denim jacket I found on the toilet floor. Perhaps the producers of this tour show would ensure that adequate signage is provided.

My little one was tired around 10-15 minutes before show time. Not bad though, given the 75-minute runtime and thankfully a dance opportunity was coming up which we fully embraced as *spoiler alert* the Paw Patrol were about to win the race.

Adventure Bay was named the winner. Bright streamers shot across the arena to cheers and relief from parents.

The only challenge remaining was to escape without running into another merchandise stand, or risk the demand for an official spinning light-up toy, £28, or a picture with the Paw Patrol super imposed in the background – that will set you back £15.

Parents may struggle to get their children to share, but everyone gets a free cardboard pompom or maze when they enter the arena. My son smiled and said that it was worth it when the Foo Fighters performed live as we returned to the station.

pawpatrollive.com