It was only a matter of time before Cbeebies’ hit show Octonauts was adapted for the stage, and this touring production has the same appealing ingredients as the original television series, making it a perfect introduction to the theatre for little ones.

The cast features instantly recognisable, costumed characters playing firm favourites - intrepid explorer Captain Barnacles, Lieutenant Kwazii and Medic Peso - whose appearances drew cheers from an excited young audience delighted to see life-size creations of their on-screen heroes.

The cast – speaking in all manner of accents, including three Brummie Blob fish, all called Bob, Welsh eels and Kwazii who reminded me of Joe Pasquale - encouraged audience participation from the outset, and we obliged enthusiastically.

The interaction and catchy songs, with new music from BAFTA-award winning composer Mani Svavarsson, gives the show an upbeat, panto-like tone which was welcome on a cold winter’s evening.

The story stays true to the original themes of friendship and working together as the Octonauts endeavour to explore, rescue and protect other undersea creatures in danger from an underwater volcano. And, like the television show, it also makes a decent stab at being educational about the ocean and its inhabitants.

The underwater stage setting is impressive, particularly the control deck of the Octopod,which looks out onto a changing ocean scene, and the Octopod’s descent through the twilight zone to the midnight zone where puppet sea creatures – vampire squid, angler fish and even a syphonophore - glowed and danced beautifully in the dark.

Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure is produced by Fiery Light, producers of Peppa Pig Live. It was adapted and directed by Richard Lewi, with lyricist Matt Lewis, designer Simon Scullion, lighting designer Matt Haskins, and sound designer Ian Horrocks Taylor.

Octonauts and The Deep Sea Volcano Adventure, Grand Opera House, Wednesday, November 12 and Thursday, November 13