Noddy, the fictional little boy who is a favourite among children across the world, took a step closer to his young fans in the Capital on Wednesday by kicking off a series of five theatrical musical shows packed with loads of joy and excitement.

An estimated 1,600 students from three schools in the Capital, as well as a group of 50 underprivileged children who had gathered at the Siri Fort Auditorium to enjoy an encounter with ‘Noddy in Toyland’, witnessed from up close the antics of the lovable little hero with his signature big eyes, droopy cap and red jersey.

The character of Noddy was created by Enid Blyton, the late author famous for her books for children and young adults.

The event, which will run till July 22, is being presented by the UK’s Premier Production in association with the Hindustan Times’ Fever Entertainment.

As the lights at the venue faded out, the students of Banyan Tree School, Bal Bharati Public School (BBPS), Pitampura and Raghubir Singh Junior Modern School (RSJMS) embarked on their rendezvous with Noddy and his friends Big Ears, Mr Plod and Bumpy Dog.

A loud roar went up from the audience when Noddy made an appearance in his car. The plot woven by naughty goblins Sly and Gobbo to spoil the party of Noddy and his friends in the jungle had everyone in splits.

Even those members of the audience who had little clue about Noddy were spellbound by the pulsating music, colourful attires, flawless acting by the cast as well as the colourful props.