From Bones To Brawn: See Walking With Dinosaurs: The Live Experience

Exhibits of prehistoric bones, assembled into the massive skeletons of creatures who walked the Earth millions of years ago, have intrigued and entranced hosts of museum visitors for at least a couple of centuries. Children and adults alike find a unique fascination with these almost mythical beasts. Now, Walking With Dinosaurs brings them to life in a way that has never been possible before.

In this incredible show, the minds and hands of scientists, artists and technological wizards have collaborated to bring us, literally, the Biggest Show on Earth! Inspired by the highly acclaimed and hugely successful series produced by the BBC some years ago, this production has reached heights only imagined before. The ‘virtual reality’ of the spectacle is unmatched, and kudos go to designers Sonny Tilder and Trevor Tighe, among countless other contributors.

This experience is unquestionably ‘educational’ for young and old alike. It is narrated by a khaki-clad paleontologist, who strides boldly about among the cast. He serves not only to explain some of the characteristics of each dinosaur and its habitat, but also to illustrate the size of the beasts! While a few are no bigger (or even smaller) than he is, the largest stars of this show tower three stories above him, and it is very easy to imagine their immense weight and power. In fact it is really easy to imagine him becoming a snack for one of the mighty carnivores! That is how incredibly life-like these man-made marvels appear.

Narrators have their place, of course, but the stars of the show you’re going to see are ‘high profile’, to say the least! Both the giant animatronic creations and the smaller Julie Taymor-style puppets are wonderfully authentic in their appearance and actions. These are some monstrous creatures: hear them roar! Watch and marvel (and sometimes cringe!) as they do their Dinosaur Thing. It is quite easy to imagine them having lunch with our narrator as entr?e!

Roaring, snarling, stomping or leaping all over the stage, these fantastic reptiles are utterly convincing. There is a ferocious (and extremely noisy!) battle as a mother Tyrannosaurus defends her young. There’s even some comedy, including a dino-dump at the conclusion of the argument between a Taurosaurus and its opponent. You may find yourself saying, “Wow!” so often you’ll need another word – like “AWESOME!” Never has that word applied more aptly to a show staged by humans.

The show is even “interactive”, with brachiosaurus swinging his (or her) long, long neck out over the viewers. There is a ferocious and fearsome battle between a mother Tyrannosaurus and the smaller predator attacking her young ones. Roaring and growling in what could only be true dinosaur fashion, these marvels of nature and technological ingenuity capture the audience in a way that has never been done before. It is hard to determine who is more enthralled – the children or the adults.

All in all, Walking With Dinosaurs is grand entertainment for the whole family. It actually succeeds in being both educational and thrilling, and that’s quite a feat. No one who has ever had any interest in these gigantic and wonderfully diverse creatures can fail to be impressed – hugely impressed! For everyone who has ever been fascinated by the Age of the Dinosaurs, this show is one you must see!