Half term is almost here. As a mother of three I am always amazed at how these holidays creep up on you. Once you’ve taken a day out to see friends, another to do all the essential uniform and shoe shopping the holidays can feel long and drawn out.
There is always a children’s movie at the cinema but if it is live entertainment is preferable – and face it – what could be better? There are lots of fantastic shows for children at our local theatres over the half term holiday.
After my trip to the delightful Capitol Theatre in Horsham this week, my first recommendation would be How the Koala Learned to Hug on Saturday 23rd May at 2.30pm. Based on the best-selling book by Steven Lee and written especially for parents to enjoy with their children, How The Koala Learnt To Hug is a charming tale about the magic of family and the importance of a nice, warm hug.
Panto-style shows are becoming popular all year round and why not? We love to hear our children squeal with delight at an action packed live show. Here are a couple of suggestions:
On Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May The Pirates of Treasure Island starring Edele Lynch (B*Witched and Celebrity Big Brother) and Sid Sloane (CBeebies and Jack and the Beanstalk) comes to the Concert Hall, Fairfield Hall Croydon. This swashbuckling adventure is considered to be the original pirate tale, packed with treasure maps, bearded one-legged pirates, tropical islands, parrots, mutiny, and the dreaded black spot! This new stage version of the children’s classic by Robert Louis Stevenson, blends the best of storytelling, pantomime and musical theatre, to create a spectacular adventure for the whole family, with a full supporting cast and a 5-piece band.
Audience will be in a quiver this half term as Robin Hood comes to the Capitol Horsham. Join Robin Hood, played by CITV’s Chris Edgerley, as he puts right the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham who rules over the good people of Sherwood, collecting taxes to pay for his own evil plans. Robin Hood will be performed on Weds 27th May and Thurs 28th May.
Our next stop is the Hawth Theatre in Crawley! You may be surprised to know that one of the most popular events searched for on Theatre South East is the Sing-a-long-a Frozen events. Elsa and Anna are back at the Hawth on Weds 27th May. Introduced by a live host to guide you through this interactive screening showing you how to use your free prop bag, warm up your singing voices and teach you some dance moves with the help of a couple of special princesses. So get your little ones dressed up as their favourite character and come and see Sing-a-Long-a Frozen where YOU the audience are the stars.
Staying with the Hawth, favourite local entertainer Tomfoolery brings his show the Beans on Toast tour to the Studio on Fri 29th May at 11am – read an interview with Tom here – he says his madcap show is full of fun and suitable for kids of all ages.
To ease the children back into education the Assembly Halls Theatre in Tunbridge Wells has the answer with the Ministry of Science on Sun 31st May. This is not your ordinary science show – it comes jam packed with fun, laughter and plenty of amazing science and history which includes a fully operational hovercraft, massive cannons with lots of bangs, a push bike that makes the best smoothie ever and look out for Darth Vader playing with plasma! Investigating the inventors and engineers who have shaped the modern world we live in, the audience experience everything from liquid nitrogen flowers to hydrogen bottle rockets, Buzz Aldrin to Virgin Galactic, cat food tins to hovercraft and methane to the invention of the battery. Expect loud explosions and more!
Fancy some thing special? Take a trip to London and see a show there! Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the Railway Children would be wonderful for a half term treat. I heartily recommend them all particularly The Railway Children which I saw last week.
There are more details of all these events and more below.
If you know of a show that you would like adding to the site please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
How the Koala Learned to Hug
The Capitol Horsham – Sat 23rd May 2.30pm
The Pirates of Treasure Island
Concert Hall, Fairfields Hall Croydon- Sat 23rd May 6.00pm
The Pirates of Treasure Island
Concert Hall, Fairfields Hall Croydon- Sun 24rd May 4.00pm
Sing-a-long-a Frozen
The Hawth Theatre, Crawley – Weds 27th May 11am and 3pm
Robin Hood
The Capitol Horsham- Weds 27th May 11am and 2pm
Robin Hood
The Capitol Horsham – Thurs 28th May 11am and 2pm
Tomfoolery
The Hawth Studio, Crawley- Fri 29th May 11am
The Ministry of Science
The Assembly Halls, Tunbridge Wells – Sun 31st May 2.30pm