Barney the purple dinosaur, the TV character sure to delight children in live shows over Christmas, will return to the stage in Easter by popular demand.

The dozen sell-out shows have not seemed enough to satisfy the many parents eager to please their young ones. So Curtain Raiser, in collaboration with Premier Stage Productions Ltd and Hit Entertainment have announced that another 10 Barney Live! Let's Go Tour shows will be held between April 12 and 19, 2009.

Barney paid a brief visit to the children's clothing shop Adam's at the Plaza shopping complex in Sliema on Monday. Here no more than 30 children were the privileged bunch given the unique opportunity of meeting, singing and dancing with their favourite dinosaur.

Earlier, kept busy by four of Curtain Raiser's animators, they kept twisted on their heels in excited anticipation. Then, egged on by the animators, a chorus of shrill voices shouted out Barney's name until the big-footed plush character came stomping into the store.

"You're a big part of the show," said Barney to the children who were jumping with glee. "I want you to sing along, dance along and clap along."

As the glass doors shut Barney into the store, children quickly rallied around in awe of the lovable character. A crowd of parents and children were locked outside pressing against the doors in the hope of being let in. Launched last month, all 12 Barney shows were practically sold out in four days, said Curtain Raiser director Patrick Vella.

A few handfuls of tickets remain for the final performance in Malta on January 3, and about 150 tickets are still left for the Gozo show being held at the Astra Theatre, Victoria, on January 4.

Barney will be coming to Malta fresh from the UK, after touring for some 10 months and starring in over 233 performances.

For more tour information visit: www.barney.com or www.curtainraiser.org

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