Ever since it burst onto the crowded children's television market almost a decade ago, Hey Duggee has cemented itself as one of the most popular kids' shows of the moment.

For the uninitiated, the title character is a loveable dog who runs a scout-like clubhouse for an assortment of animals known as the Squirrels - curiously, all of equal size, and none actual squirrels - who work together to earn badges.

It is beloved by millions of children - and grown-ups, thankful for a children's TV show that's fun, educational, and most importantly, not in the least bit annoying.

Hey Duggee has now been turned into a live theatre show, which has just gone on tour, heading to 37 venues across the UK and Ireland including the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.

With its bright, block-coloured scenes and beyond-catchy music (The Stick Song, anyone?), it certainly lends itself to theatre, and adapting the show from the screen to the stage is an obvious move.

With my three-year-old son (and fellow Duggee superfan) in tow, I headed to the Canterbury venue this weekend to see it for myself.

While some of the storylines and songs are lifted straight from the TV show, what sets the stage version apart is the potential for audience participation.

On arrival at the theatre, each child is handed a sheet of stickers - or 'badges' - which they are invited to earn throughout the show.

There's an Egg Badge, an A Capella Badge, a Singing Badge, a Space Badge, a Choreography Badge, a Costume Badge, and of course, a Theatre Badge. They give us a taste of what's to come.

As we take our seats, the narrator - played by Benedict Hastings, with all the charm, humour and gentle authority of his TV counterpart Alexander Armstrong - strides onto the stage armed with a ukelele.

He strums the first few chords of the instantly-recognisable theme tune, and a buzz ripples through the auditorium, which is packed with eager pre-schoolers and their equally-enthusiastic parents.

We're then introduced to each Squirrel puppet one by one, with the familiar line: "Isn't it time for...?" echoing through the theatre, to which they (and the rest of the audience) excitedly reply: "Duggee!"

But it isn't until Duggee - expertly operated by narrator Hastings - enters the stage that the whole room erupts into cheers.

They cram a lot into the hour-long performance, which is plenty for a show aimed at fidgety toddlers.

There's a loose plot involving the Squirrels learning about all the components of making a theatre show, while earning the relevant badges.

Along the way, there's a dance-off - with audience participation strongly encouraged - a fashion show, and a spectacular journey to outer space involving huge inflatable planets bouncing off the stage.

Appearances from some favourite Duggee regulars prove a hit, including Hennie the giant ostrich, Mrs Weaver the singing beaver, Chew Chew the panda and Mr and Mr Crab.

In an impressive feat, they are all played by one actress - Gravesend resident Lunga Anele-Skosana.

Today's performance, however, features understudy Shakira Alleyne, who puts on a great show flitting between the characters - sometimes with only seconds to spare between costume changes.

We were pleased to see our favourite Squirrel, the energetic hippopotamus Roly, given due prominence, with his catchy beatboxing song 'boots and cats' proving an early highlight.

And there were plenty of in-jokes too, including Roly's constant excitement at any mention of the word "stick" - a wink and a nod to the audience, all eagerly anticipating the appearance of the Stick and his rave-inducing song.

To those unaware, its lyrics are "stick stick stick stick sticky sticky stick stick" on repeat, but it's utter genius and you should Google it.

It was, of course, saved for the grand finale, which had theatre-goers of all ages bobbing up and down in their seats with huge smiles on their faces.

Now, there's just time for one more thing... my verdict.

The joy and playfulness of the television show really translates to the stage, with added interaction, personality and humour. It's wholesome, adorable fun, like a big warm Duggee hug.

Hey Duggee - The Live Theatre Show is at the Marlowe Theatre until Sunday, February 19.

Click here for more information on dates and how to book tickets.

The UK tour runs until August.