THEATRE

Y our Guide to Family & Children ’s S h owsTheatre

We have tried to give as up to date picture as we can, but things can change at short notice. We advise you to book in advance and then check again before you go.

Brewhouse

Box Office 01823 283244

Coal Orchard, Taunton

The Selfish Giant

Saturday October 29

Grinter is a giant who lives happily alone. She shuts out the world, because long ago, the world shut her out, and so she hides, safe and quiet in her peaceful, icy home. The world outside has changed with very little green left. One day children climb into her garden changing the course of the children’s and Grinter’s lives forever. For 3 year olds and above at 11am and 2pm, tickets £9.

Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre

Box Office 01823 414141

School Road, Taunton

Beauty and the Beast

Thursday December 1

Ballet Theatre UK tell the story of Belle whose father is imprisoned in a mysterious castle. Belle’s attempt to rescue him leads to her capture by the Beast, a grisly and fearsome monster. At 7.30pm, tickets £17.

Octagon Theatre

Box Office 01935 422884

Hendford, Yeovil

Justin Live:

Sunday October 23

CBeebies Justin Fletcher live on stage in an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza. A show for all the family packed full of well-known songs, lot’s of dancing, hilarious comedy and plenty of slapstick fun. For 2 to 7 year olds at 11am and 2.30pm. Tickets £18, £20, children £16, £18.

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever

November 9 & 10

Peppa Pig is excited to be going on a day out with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig - it’s going to be her best day ever. Join them on a road trip full of adventures with songs, games and laughter. Times vary, tickets £18, children £16.

Wednesday November 16

Ballet telling the story of the Princess Aurora, cursed at her christening by the evil Carabosse to prick her finger one day on a spindle and die. Both presented by Moldovan Ballet Theatre at 7.30pm. Tickets £37, children £21.

Rhythm of the Dance Christmas Special

Wednesday November 23

Join in this festive journey and let the magic of Christmas begin with all your favourite festive songs being performed live by world class musicians, star vocalists and world champion dancers. At 7.30pm, tickets £27.50, £29.50, concs £26.50, £28.50.

Peppa’s Best Day Ever at Octagon Theatre, 9 & 10 November.

Princess Theatre

Box Office 01278 784464

Burnham-on-Sea

Top Secret

Saturday October 15

Fusing the mystery of magic with wondrous and miraculous feats of science. Hang on to your seats as the theatre is transformed into a real life science laboratory. Experience the non-stop action packed interactive magical science experiments that will capture the

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The Nutcracker

Tuesday November 15

Snow flurries, sweets, princes, magic, and love are just some of the elements that will be brought together in this highly accessible ballet, full of familiar music.

Sleeping Beauty

Theatre

imagination. At 2pm, tickets £11.

The Dinosaur Show

November 3 & 4

Join Hunter and Shelly as they step back 65 million years on their mission to rediscover the Lost Kingdom of the Dinosaurs. A host of pre-historic creatures come to life with the opportunity for you to see them up close, but beware there might be a T-Rex on the loose. For 3 year olds and above. At 4pm, tickets £12.

Jack and the Beanstalk

December 1 - 3

Re:ACT Performing & Production Arts present The rags to riches story of a boy who sells the family cow for a handful of beans, leading to rather dramatic consequences. At 7.30pm, Saturday matinee at 2.30pm, tickets £14.50.

Tobacco Factory Theatre

Box Office 0117 902 0344

Southville, Bristol

The Snow Queen

December 1 - January 15

Join Gerda on her quest to the frozen north as she tries to save her best-friend Kaj from the icy, wicked clutches of The Snow Queen. Times vary, tickets £16, children £12.

Theatre Royal

Box Office 01225 448844

Sawclose, Bath

October 22 & 23

A joyous, energetic, roller coaster of a show about the fun times we spend together, and how these memories stay with us forever. For 5 year olds and above in the Egg at 11.30 and 3pm, ticket £10

Fisherman’s Friends

November 1 - 5

The true story of the Cornish chart topping buoy band. When a group of Cornish fishermen came together to sing the traditional working songs they’d sung for generations, nobody, least of all the fishermen, expected the story to end on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury. At 7.30pm, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets from £27.

The Dinosaur Show at Princess Theatre, 3 & 4 November.

Jina and the STEM Sisters

November 9 - 12

Join lost budding scientist Jina on her adventure home, empowered by some of history’s super-STEM women including Ada Lovelace, Hedy Lamarr, Marie Curie and Mae Jemison. For 7 year olds and above in the Egg. Times vary, tickets £10.

Sing-Along-A Gareth

Sunday November 20

Join Gareth Malone, together with his band and a group of stellar singers as he guides you through an evening of song. Whether you go with a choir or as sing-along solo, all are welcome to join Gareth in this celebration of community and song. At 2.30pm, tickets £32.

Animals Unleashed at The McMillan Theatre, 15 October. Box Office 01278 556677

Lower Bath Road, Bridgwater

Animals Unleashed

Saturday October 15

A show packed with animal effects, music and laughter, designed to both entertain and educate using no live animals, stunning puppetry and special effects to bring incredible life-like and size animals and dinosaurs to the stage right before your eyes. For all ages at 2pm, tickets £14, £16.

A Stripy Evening

Wednesday November 2

An evening of thrills and spills, shocks and surprises built around the tiger. Martin Hughes-Games (BBC Springwatch) will show us how filming tigers (and other wildlife) has changed dramatically since he started at the BBC 45 years ago. Pauline Kidner will give a 20 minute ‘behind the scenes’ on the badger. At 7.30pm, tickets £18, children £15.

Pop Princesses

Saturday November 12

This is the children’s pop concert with a big difference. A musical spectacular starring four fabulous Fairy tale Princesses who just love to sing. At 2pm, tickets £18. VIP Meet and Greet 1 hour before performance, £43.

The Smartest Giant In Town

Saturday November 19

George wishes he wasn’t the scruffiest giant in town. So when he sees a new shop selling giant-sized clothes, he decides it’s time for a new look: smart trousers, smart shirt, stripy tie, shiny shoes. Now he’s the smartest giant in town . . . until he bumps into some animals who desperately need his help – and his clothes. At 1 and 4pm, tickets £14, children £12, family £48.

Saturday November 26

Spectacular production bringing you an array of show-stopping songs from the greatest stage and screen musicals of all time. At 7.30pm, tickets £19, children £17.50.

The Playhouse

Box Office 01934 645544

Weston-super-Mare

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever

October 19 & 20

As the Octagon. Times vary, tickets £16.50 - £198.50; children £14.50 - £16.50; 6 - 12 months £11.50.

The Swan Lake Ballet

Tuesday November 15

Crown Ballet presents the most famous Ballet of all time. A tragic romance, the tale of two young women, Odette and Odilie, who resembles each other so strikingly one can easily be mistaken for the other. At 7.30pm, tickets £30.50, children £22.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Tuesday November 22

Dive into Eric Carle’s bright and colourful world as four of his beloved stories are transformed from page to stage using a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets and charming music. At 1.30 and 4pm, tickets £15.50, children £13.50.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Until Nov 12

Spectacularly reimagined using the latest theatrical innovations, this beloved ‘tale as old as time’ will be brought to life on stage like never before. Times vary, tickets from £20.

Rondo Theatre

Box Office 0333 666 3366

St Saviours Road, Bath

The Railway Children

November 24 - 26

After the disappearance of their father, Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis move from their comfortable London home to a cottage in the Yorkshire countryside. There they make new friends and have many adventures, alongside their constant companion, the railway. Presented by Rondo Theatre Company at 2.30 and 7.30pm, tickets £15, children £8.

Cheese and Grain

Box Office 01373 455 420

Market Yard, Justive Lane, Frome

CSF Wrestling: SHOWDOWN

Saturday October 23

Twelve top stars from around the country will be in action as they do battle in five prob bouts. High flying, bone crunching, action packed family entertainment. At 4.30pm, tickets £12.

Bristol Old Vic

Box Office 0117 987 7877

King Street, Bristol

Cinderella

December 2 - 31

Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her very wicked sisters and meets her dashing Prince Charming. Traditional panto with special effects and plenty of audience participation, Starring Craig Revel Horwood, times vary, tickets from £13.

The Nutcracker

Nov 24 - January 7

On a Christmas Eve unlike any other, Clara receives a magical gift. Transported to a fantastical kingdom where just about anything feels possible, she soon discovers that it’s not just mice lurking beneath the floorboards. But danger is coming - will Clara and her friends be able to stop the King of the Rats in his tracks before it’s too late? Times vary, tickets from £10.

Belle and Sebastien

December 2 - January 8

Belle and Sebastien have run into the mountains, away from everyone and everything. Born on the same day seven years ago, this boy and this dog have yearned forever to feel like they belong. Join these mischievous, playful, kindred spirits as they adventure into the wild to escape and discover themselves. For 4 year olds and above in the Weston Studio. Tickets from £8.

Bristol Hippodrome Redgrave Theatre

Box Office 0117 315 7800

Percival Road, Clifton

SpongeBob SquarePants The Musical

October 18 - 22

SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world. Just when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero rises up and takes centre stage. The power of optimism really can save the world. Presented by Bristol Musical Youth Productions at 7.30pm, Saturday matinee at 2pm, tickets £16.

Tales From Acorn Wood

October 26 & 27

Based on the favourite stories by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Poor old Fox has lost his socks, who’s that keeping tired Rabbit awake? Join in with Pig and Hen’s game of hide-and-seek and discover the special surprise Postman Bear is planning for his friends. Packed full of toe-

tapping songs, puppetry for 2 year olds and above. Times vary, tickets £16,25, concs £14.25, family £55.

Beauty and the Beast

Friday October 28

As Tacchi Morris. At 2 & 6pm, tickets £19.25, children £11.25.

Robin Hood and Marian

November 25 - Dec 2

Deep in Sherwood Forest, swashbuckling power couple Robin Hood and Marian are taking from the rich to give to the poor. BOVTS presents an explosive musical adventure awaits; swordwielding, dragons and more archery than you can aim your arrow at. Times vary, tickets £18, concs £13.

The Donkey’s Tale

Saturday November 26

A starry night, three kings and a very famous baby... Donkey, Dog and Camel meet once a year to tell their favourite story. Expect wonder, humour, music, magic and festive cheer in this tale as old as time, imagined anew for young audiences. For 5 year olds and above at 10am, tickets £8.

Wilda and the Winter Whirlwinds

Monday November 28

Wilda is excited to celebrate Christmas with her friends and family in their small mountain village – but the wicked Winter Witch has reared her icy head and declared a forever freeze across the land! It is up to brave Wilda to save the day. For 5 year olds and above at 10am, tickets £8.

Little Red Riding Hood at Merlin Theatre, 26 November.

Regal Theatre

Box Office 01643 706430

The Avenue, Minehead

Beauty and the Beast

Friday October 21

As Tacchi Morris. At 7.30pm, tickets £18. students £12.

Memorial Theatre

Box Office 01373 462795

Christchurch Street West, Frome

Beauty & The Beast

Friday November 18

As Tacchi Morris. At 7.30pm, tickets £19, children £13.

Blakehay Theatre

Box Office 01934 645493

Wadham Street, Westernsuper-Mare

Robin Hood and Marion at The Redgrave Theatre 25 November - 2 December.

Disney’s Encanto (Sing-a-Long)

Tuesday October 25

See the hit musical about the Family Madigral with lyrics on screen that everyone can’t stop singing. Cheer on Mirabel as she tries to save the magic surrounding the Encanto. Fancy dress is strongly encouraged and full audience participation essential. At 11am and 12.40pm, tickets £6 - £8.

LDN Wrestling

Saturday November 19

Expect to see edge of your seat, death-defying moves as the stars of Wrestling take part in action-packed matches for the whole family to enjoy. At 7pm, tickets £15 - £18.

Merlin Theatre

Box Office 01373 465949

Bath Road, Frome

Little Red Riding Hood

Saturday November 26

A wolf in granny’s clothing knows all about what fun dressing-up can be and in this show the magical wardrobe opens its doors to a fantastic display of gorgeous garments as you are taken down the path into the snowy wild wood. There you’ll hear catchy songs on the wind and spot hilarious puppets between the trees. For 3 year olds and above at 2pm. Tickets £10, concs £8.50.

Panto & Christmas Show Round-up

Yes, it’s nearly THAT time again. Here’s a brief look at what else is coming — full details in our next issue.

This year you can follow Dick Whittington to London at The Octagon and Princess Theatre; go to the Ball with Cinderella at The Strode Theatre, Bristol Hippodrome and Memorial Theatre; see if anyone can wake Sleeping Beauty at Tacchi Morris Arts Centre, Playhouse Weston-super-Mare and The Brewhouse and find out what occurs when a lamp is rubbed by Aladdin at The Theatre Royal, Bath and Redgrave Theatre.

Then you can go to the Sahara Desert to meet The Little Prince at The Brewhouse; follow the yellow brick road to the Wizard of Oz at The Little Theatre, Wells; sail away to Treasure Island at The McMillan Theatre; adventure with Belle and Sebastien at Bristol Old Vic; see what secret is uncovered with Five Children and It at The Egg, Theatre Royal, Bath and listen to some Christmas Tales With Grandad at The Wardrobe Theatre.