MARVEL Universe Live is perfect for little superheroes venturing into the world of the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy for the first time.

The special effects extravaganza, produced by Feld Entertainment, is currently touring the UK and we brought Ethan, six, and his friend William, five, to the Liverpool Arena show.

They seemed the ideal age for the production which saw them surrounded by other mini fans dressed in Spider-Man, Iron Man and Captain America costumes.

But most parents would probably confess they were having just as much fun too.

Comic book heroes and saving the world is one of those rare, universal things that has a cross generational appeal.

And more than a decade of connected Marvel movies has taken that to another level so it is no wonder the show has become so popular.

Marvel Universe Live also seems to take its cue from the films in terms of style and pacing.

Warrington Guardian:

Packed with more than 25 heroes and villains, the new storyline sees the Avengers – and friends like Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, Black Panther, The Wasp and Iron First – team up with the Guardians of the Galaxy to stop a powerful artefact called the ‘Wand of Watoomb’ falling into Loki’s hands.

That is all you need to get to grips with in terms of the plot which basically just sets the scene for a series of showdowns from New York City to a lost civilisation to deepest space.

The choreographed brawls were a joy to watch unfold and the sets were simple but effective, such as an iconic New York City taxi cab that was used to set the scene before being incorporated into the battle itself.

Crash mats were cleverly disguised among the setpieces too, allowing the characters to fall from the heights without ruining the illusion.

The curtain at the back of the stage was also used to excellent effect with images projected onto it, such as heroes approaching in the distance who then seamlessly entered the fight.

Think a high budget theatre show but with added pizazz.

Adding to the spectacle was pyrotechnics and fire effects. Each zap of a blaster came with sparks and just wait until you see what Rocket has in his arsenal.

Captain America, Black Widow and Spider-Man’s motorbike scenes were just as fun as you might expect too with some stunts thrown in for good measure.

Characters would swing or rappel onto the stage with some nifty rope work and in a particularly memorable scene the mystical Doctor Strange made his heroic team disappear in a puff of smoke.

Painstaking work had obviously gone into the costumes to make it look like the Avengers and co have jumped out of the screen and onto the stage.

And that extended to the humour and many quips that are synonymous with the Marvel Universe during an energetic hour and 45 minutes that kept the kids enthralled and constantly pointing out their favourites.

If you have young children that love superheroes, it is hard to beat.

Marvel Universe Live is at Liverpool Arena until November 3. Visit

It will next be in the area for its visit to Manchester Arena from November 28 to December 1. Visit marveluniverselive.com