LITTLE ones enjoyed a magical show when the hugely-popular Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom came to town.

Colourful, bright and fast moving, it managed the difficult feat of keeping an audience of three-year-olds captivated throughout.

All their favourite characters and songs were there, as well as a surprise birthday party and even a jelly flood.

Youngsters were on their feet, dancing and singing along to the well-known songs.

Ben and Holly live in a tiny world, hidden in the grass and flowers.

Holly, a fairy princess, is learning how to fly and Ben, an elf, flies around on the back of Gaston, a friendly but very messy ladybird.

Tooth fairy Nanny Plum and King Thistle were a joy to watch and all the characters were played with great attention to detail.

It’s a simple show but these things don’t happen by accident.

The young audience is completely unaware that this is a BAFTA award winning TV animation, out of the same stable as children’s TV megastar Peppa Pig.

Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre was busy for the three performances, a testament to how well little ones are treated there.

Staff make a special effort to welcome the children, rather than their parents, and little extra like booster seats to ensure they can see all the action make all the difference to their enjoyment of the show.