AS a little girl I loved Sooty (well, actually Sweep was my favourite) and remember my dad taking me to the theatre to see the show. Now, 40 years later, it was my turn to take my daughter.

We were there to celebrate Sooty's birthday. With lots of audience participation, the gang of Richard, Sooty, Sweep and Soo got ready for a party where the special guest was to be Mr Slater, owner of the holiday camp where they live and work. As expected, chaos ensued.

Cake making resulted in flour and cream on faces and an explosion in the oven; balloons had to be blown up, sending Sweep flying round the stage; and in typical girly fashion, Soo changed her dress every five minutes, prompting an "ooo for Soo" from the audience.

The highlight for my daughter was Sweep's rendition of Gangnam Style and Lady Gaga's Poker Face.

There were jokes for everyone, including some that would have been totally lost on the young. When a prop fell off stage, for "technical reasons" Sooty couldn't go with Richard to retrieve it. My daughter is adamant the puppets all have legs!

Technology may have moved on in the 60-plus years Sooty has been around, but judging by the laughter from the children in the audience, you can't beat a good bit of silly slapstick fun.

Such good fun, I was asked this morning when we could go again! And I must admit I did find myself laughing out loud on occasions; just don't tell anyone!

- Lisa Guest