KarenHere’s my autumn round up of family theatre in the North West over the next couple of months. Hope it’s useful!
A theatre round up for October – December 2019 will be coming soon, so if you enjoy family theatre, please do subscribe to the blog.
The Lowry, Salford
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
Sat 3 August – Sun 1 September
Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes, plenty of adventure and a few surprises along the way.
See the smash-hit production of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt on tour, direct from the West End, as it returns vividly and noisily in director Sally Cookson’s fun-filled adaptation set to Benji Bower’s versatile lively score.
Join our intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog on a quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud! Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes, plenty of adventure and a few surprises along the way.
Based on the much-loved book picture by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, this mischievous celebration of play is the perfect treat for families with children aged 3 and up.
Tabby McTat
Sat 7 September – Sun 8 September
“Me, you and the old guitar,
How perfectly, perfectly happy we are.
MEEE-EW and the old guitar.
How PURRRR-fectly happy we are!”
Tabby McTat is a cat with the loudest of meee-ews and a best friend with a guitar. Together they sing their favourite songs delighting the crowds, until one day Fred disappears. Separated and alone, Tabby finds shelter and a new life with all the home comforts that any cat could dream of. However, memories of his life with Fred haunt him, and he sets off to search the streets for his long-lost friend.
From the team behind Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales and Zog, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Tabby McTat is a heart-warming tale of friendship and loyalty interwoven with original songs and a sprinkling of magic.
Suitable for children and families of all ages.
Basil Brush’s Family Fun Show
Sat 14 September
Britain’s most lovable fox takes you on a journey of laughs, storytelling and song in show for all the family specially written for the live stage and packed with fun and excitement. Come join in the mayhem!
Jack and the Beanstalk
Sunday 29th September
Fee Fi Fo Fum! It’s a giant of a show, we’d love you to come!
This classic fairytale now gets the Lyngo treatment so expect lots of surprises and beautiful images as Patrick Lynch (from Cbeebies) tells the gripping story of Jack who sells his cow for 5 magic beans and finds himself in the land above the clouds. It’s a show for the over 3’s (and their giants) with something for everyone – enormous shoes, tiny houses, showers of silver and gold and a big, leafy explosion!
For more information and to book tickets for any of these shows, visit The Lowry Website.
Z-arts, Hulme
Family Jam
6th September
Hectic day? Get ready to unwind with some live music right here at Z-cafe.
With a house band, including local young musicians, Family Jam is a chance for you to enjoy a relaxed evening of open-hearted music and amazing jazz vibes.
Family Jam includes free arts activities for the whole family to get involved in – and there’s always food available to buy, including a tasty vegan hotpot.
We’ll be launching this new-look event on Friday 6 September, so make sure you book your place and get ready to chill.
Little Monster
28th September
Little Monster is an inventive, exciting new puppetry show inviting 3 -5 year olds and their grown ups on a magical journey to find the mysterious monster that’s made everyone else run away.
Created by the award-winning team behind acclaimed early years hit Twinkle Twinkle this heartwarming new puppetry treat will entrance young and old with visual invention, magical music and some loveable puppet monsters.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit the Z-arts website.
Waterside, Sale
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
27th & 28th September
A musical play adapted and directed by David Wood, based on the book by Judith Kerr.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea returns on tour, celebrating over 10 years on stage!
The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger!
Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem… expect to be surprised!
Christopher’s Caterpillars
22nd September
Christopher Nibble and his best friend Posie have been busy growing plants and food in their garden whilst taking care of their six hairy pet caterpillars. But when their crawly comrades disappear without a trace the gardening guinea pigs swap their trowels for magnifying glasses and turn detective!
Will Christopher & Posie crack the case and bring their caterpillars home to Dandeville… or have they vanished forever?
Written especially for children aged 2-7 (and their big people too) and told with Topsy Turvy Theatre’s own blend of energetic storytelling, handmade puppets, original music and stunning scenery, Christopher’s Caterpillars is a bright and beautiful tale of minibeasts and mystery!
For more information and to book tickets, visit the Waterside website.
Winter Gardens, Blackpool
Motown the Musical
27th – 31st August
The sensational hit West End musical is bringing its unique sound to Blackpool Opera House and is guaranteed to have you dancing down Church Street in August!
With just $800 borrowed from his family Berry Gordy founded Motown Records and launched the careers of legendary artists including Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Temptations, and many more.
This is the next chapter in Motown’s incredible history and is an experience you’ll never forget. Featuring over 50 classic hits including My Girl, What’s Going On, Dancing in the Street, I Heard It Through The Grapevine and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.
Motown The Musical tells the thrilling tale of the man who broke barriers, fought against the odds to create something more than a record label. Discover the story behind Motown, the personal relationships, the professional struggles, and – of course – the music that made history, defined the sound of a generation and got the whole world moving to the same beat.
Elmer the Patchwork Elephant
29th – 31st August
Based on the classic children’s book series by David McKee, that celebrate its 30th Birthday in 2019, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Show, is a celebration of individuality and the power of laughter!
Elephants, as everyone knows, are big, have trunks, and are grey. But Elmer is a patchwork of brilliant colours! His fun-loving and cheerful personality keeps everyone in a playful mood, until the day he gets tired of being different and tries to blend in with the herd.
Elmer The Patchwork Elephant Show, features a menagerie of 21 lovable puppets, tells the tale of an elephant that stands out – both with his patchwork-coloured skin and his sense of humour – but ultimately realizing that his friends have always valued his unique characteristics.
The show’s subtle message that it is always best to be yourself, combined with the vibrant colour and cheeky humour of the main character, makes Elmer a great show for children of all ages.
The Nature of Why
7th September
Playfully fusing contemporary dance with a cinematic live-score by Goldfrapp’s Will Gregory, The Nature of Why smashes the divide between musicians, dancers and the audience, in a performance bursting with passion and joyous intensity.
Taking inspiration from the unconventional curiosity of theoretical physicist Richard Feynman, The Nature of Why explores his search for meaning in the world around us. The stage itself becomes a site of discovery as constantly shifting action invites audiences to seek out their own unique encounters; resulting in an epic and immersive theatrical experience like no other.
For more information and too book tickets, visit the Winter Gardens Website.
Keep your eye on this post for updated listings.
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