The audience was packed three times over at the Friends of the Library’s (FOL) Real Dinosaur show last Thursday.

Originally booked for two performances and delivered by the FOL holiday program, the demand was so great that a third show was booked very quickly – and it still booked out.

Friends of the Library member, David Westphalen said this show had proven to be so popular with the kids (and some parents) that a third performance was squeezed in.

These shows were fully funded by the FOL to the tune of $4000 with the money raised through the ‘Good Shop of Reads’.

“Without the sales and support through this shop we could not fund activities like these,” Mr Westphalen said.

The Real Dinosaurs entertainers - Adrian Eaudolfo and Josh Cairns - said their dinosaur costumes were incredibly life-like and crafted from the highest quality materials.

“We at Real Dinosaurs are dedicated to making your parties and events - like the one at Mansfield - extraordinary with a thrilling and interactive dinosaur performance.

“We have a variety of dinosaurs for hire such as the powerful T-Rex, the speedy Velociraptor or the deceivingly adorable baby T-Rex,” Adrian said.

Star of the Mansfield performances was ‘#Tobythetrex’ – the carnivore was reported to have roamed the world more than 64,000 years ago – hence he was hungry and looking for a suitable ‘meal’ amongst the audience.

Thankfully Adrian kept Toby under control with the help of the audience all shouting to either ‘stop’, ‘back up’ or ‘pause’ at which Toby was very obedient.

The audience participation was great and had the kids not only laughing, shouting but dancing to tunes that Toby joined in with.

“Our dinosaurs are so life-like they leave audiences in awe,” Adrian said.

“They walk, talk, blink, breathe and roar, so they look and sound just like real prehistoric monsters.

“We’re an enthusiastic team with a passion for the performing arts,” he said.

“We love bringing smiles to our audiences’ faces."

Adrian has been performing with Real Dinosaurs and other children’s entertainment for the past 10 years and travels around Australia performing - usually with his wife Lisa - at events such as Mansfield’s as well as at agricultural shows and festivals.

He has also taken on acting roles for about 15 varying characters including one as Batman.

The next event to be funded by the FOL will be the Seniors’ Magician Extraordinaire with Elio Simonetti to be held at the Masonic Hall next Monday 13 October at 2pm. Bookings are essential through Liz Clarke on 0417 358 746.