All the favourite characters were there with Noddy’s car attracting much interest and the children loved to shout out as they recognised Big Ears, Mr Plod and Tubby Bear.

It could have gone either way – and, predictably, it went the worst way possible. Joe, the dreaded two-year-old, started to cry the minute we walked into the auditorium.

Noddy is a great favourite in our house and we had prepared well. So why did we last about 10 minutes? Well, it was a full house at the Theatre Royal so the noise level was high and once the show actually started, it was incredibly loud.

All the favourite characters were there with Noddy's car attracting much interest and the children loved to shout out as they recognised Big Ears, Mr Plod and Tubby Bear.

The set was colourful and your typical fairytale type and the costumes were equally garish.

Nobody seemed to have a clue what the storyline was – it was meant to involve a treasure trove – and the sound quality wasn't that brilliant.

As we headed into the foyer with Joe's sobs gradually receding, he managed to tell me that it was “too loud” and there were “too many people”. Yet as we watched the monitor he became his usual boisterous self and later proudly told his father that he really enjoyed the show.

In general, you want your children to experience all the arts, especially live theatre, and it should be, and indeed was for the majority of youngsters there, great fun. But for those with sensitive souls, think twice. However, we'll try again – maybe the Christmas panto!