CHILDREN are often described as the harshest critics when it comes to stage shows.

If youngsters do not like what they see they will simply switch off. And with Milkshake Live coming to the Parr Hall on Saturday, parents might be panicking about their little ones fidgeting, leaving their seats or losing interest half way through.

Presenter Amy Thompson described it as a responsibility to create a show that gets it right for kids. The 35-year-old will be on stage for about 60 of a run of more than 100 shows where she will team up with the likes of Bob the Builder, Noddy and Fireman Sam in various fairytale worlds.

She said: “It is pretty much every weekend and when the holidays kick in we do week days as well when the kids are off school. There are six of us who do the show with two people on each date. It’s quite full on.

“The story needs to be really strong so you can capture their imagination so you need a great script with a lot of energy.”

The script has been written by Miranda Larson. She has previously penned episodes of Fireman Sam and Thomas and Friends, and always has parents in mind too when she works too.

Amy, who grew up watching Live and Kicking and Ant and Dec on SMTV Live, added: “It’s been written beautifully by Miranda Larson. It’s a very funny script so hopefully it’s fun for the adults as well. We try and make it a bit like pantomime.”

Amy also presents Channel 5’s Milkshake TV show but admitted there is something more special about being on stage as it takes her back to her theatre roots.

The Hull resident said: “With the TV work you’re reaching out to lots and lots of people.

“I never try and think exactly how many are watching because it would probably freak me out.

“But there is something about being on a stage for me because I started out as an actress.

“The theatre for me is the most precious part of the job because you’re there, you see the audience and you feel the energy. It’s all live, you’ve got one shot, the audience is interacting with you and you can see it, feel it and feed off them. There is nothing like the power of a live audience that is there with you.

“You can see their faces and you can see them dancing along with you and smiling. It reminds you how worthwhile the job is.

“I got hooked on the theatre bug from a very young age because my parents took me to see shows. And I sometimes think to myself this show might be the first time these kids have been in a theatre. If you can get them when they’re young that’s magical because they then might have a love of theatre based on that experience.

“It’s quite a responsibility really to get it right. It’s very special to be a part of that.”

Amy made her professional debut in John Godber’s Thick as a Brick after graduating from the University of Hull.

She continued to have a good working relationship with John who went on to cast her in Teechers, Muddy Cows, Christmas Crackers, Wrestling Mad and Salt of the Earth.

Amy added: “My first vivid memory of watching a show was the Snow Queen at Hull Truck Theatre. I was seven or eight and I had my professional debut on that same stage so it feels really special.

“I grew up studying John’s stuff at school so then to meet him and work for him was really special. I love presenting but still in my heart I want to be an actor so I feel very lucky getting to do both.

“I did Emmerdale a few years ago and then last year I did a couple of episodes of Coronation Street which was great. I’d love to do some more TV like a good drama or a comedy.

"I love Sheridan Smith because she’s a fantastic actress and does a bit of everything so if I had to aspire to have a career like anybody it would definitely be her. She’s amazing.”

  • Milkshake Live comes to Parr Hall this Saturday with shows at 11.30am and 3pm. Visit pyramidparrhall.com for tickets