Review: Doctor Who Live, at the Birmingham NIA

Monsters, aliens, humans – and The Doctor – descended on Birmingham and the audience was the bait in an elaborate plan to trap the Timelord in a galactic menagerie.

Yes, the nefarious Vorgenson, a type of carnival impresario, had created a weapon called a Minimiser.

This is a glove-like device, with which he has trapped the most dangerous creatures in the universe – from Cybermen and Oods to the Weeping Angels. And he wants to add The Doctor to his collection.

But is there a greater power at work, with a more sinister agenda – extermination.

Doctor Who Live is a fast-pace blend of music, live action, pyrotechnics and big screen video and plays, when the audience warms up, a bit like a Christmas panto.

Characters from the TV series roam the aisles, to the delight of most of the kids, one of whom dressed as a Dalek for the occasion.

Participation is actively encouraged. At intermission a gang of mini-Doctors, sporting bow ties, delighted in chasing a Scarecrow around the NIA.

Matt Smith appears via video link to great effect and visuals from the TV show form the backdrop to what is ultimately the star of the show – the music.

Musical director Ben Foster does a superb job of conducting his 16 musicians through nearly two hours of action-packed entertainment.

It’s all fantastic family fun.