For a second, one would have thought that the unusual traffic on the major roads around the National Theatre last Sunday was because of a faulty vehicle, but that was not the case.

All the cars were heading towards the National Theatre, where for the first time ever the dancing, singing and adorable purple dinosaur Barney performed to the delight of over six thousand children and their parents.

The 7-foot dinosaur whose arrival had been announced weeks before the occasion was probably the best gift organizers of the show could give to children and their parents.

Each time Barney’s presence was announced on stage, the kids stood on their seats and cheered with loud shouts of “YEAH” and generously clapped amid giggling and laughing to the delight of their parents.

While still standing, the kids sang word-for-word with Barney, raised their hands when they had to, danced accordingly and joyously turned around as some of the songs called for; and for the over-enthused kids who needed extra space, they took over the aisles in the auditorium, dancing and singing their hearts outs to the amusement of Barney, who was obviously astounded at the profound love exhibited by the Ghanaian kids.

Interestingly, the curious kids went the extra mile and gathered around the stage wanting to feel and shake hands with the huggable and friendly costumed dinosaur, defying all orders to leave that arena; the kids would simply not budge.

As if the excitement in the auditorium was not enough, there was a Santa Claus Grotto right in the foyer of the venue where one could spend sometime with Santa while receiving giveaways.

There were lots to eat and drink as well as toys, kids clothing and accessory stands where parents could buy the perfect Christmas gift for their children.

Away from the main entrance of the auditorium were mounted bouncy castles on which vibrant kids played tirelessly: For them, it was a rare fun-filled day!

An interview with the organizers, Charterhouse, they indicated that for a show intended to give children something ‘magical’ this Christmas, most companies approached for sponsorship should have given it the needed support.

According to the Executive Director of Charterhouse, Mrs. Theresa Ayoade, most of the companies her outfit visited for sponsorship did not give the event the necessary support.

“However, on request, we will bring Barney again to town in Easter next year and we are appealing to companies to give us a ‘push’ when we knock on their doors. This will help us slash down on the charge for the show in Easter,” she said.

Barney Live in Ghana was sponsored by Virgin Nigeria, Vitamalt Plus, Cresta Atlantic Resort and Bournvita.