FAMILIES TOP FIVE
FAMILIES TOP FIVE... Not long now until half term, so here is our pick of the best ways to spend it with the kids.
Photo by Jason Joyce
PIGGY BANK ON US!
Adventures in wonderland, Gareth Tempest and Angelina Reilly (Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee)
ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND The Vaults at Waterloo Launcelot Street SE1 7AD www.thevaults.london/alices-adventures-underground From 13 May A magical show, pushing the boundaries of children’s theatre. Following the sell-out run in 2015 at the Vaults deep under Waterloo Station, Les Enfants Terribles bring their Olivier-award nominated Alice’s Adventures Underground back to London, so you get to experience Wonderland up close. Tumble down the rabbit hole in a theatrical adventure like no other, with more to explore than ever before. Meet some of Wonderland’s famous and curious inhabitants, take tea at the biggest unbirthday party with the maddest of Hatters, let the Cheshire Cat take you hither or thither or join the underground movement to rise against the fearsome Queen of Hearts. What a ride! Age 5-10.
Bank of England Museum Threadneedle Street EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk 30 May – 2 June The Bank has a large collection of money boxes which come in various shapes and sizes, from wise owls to garden gnomes. Join the Bank of England this half term and follow the trail around the museum to see if you can spot these money boxes. You can then join a fun and creative workshop and decorate your own ceramic piggy bank to take home. Perfect to start saving your pennies. Activity sheet sheets are also available for children of all ages, with a small prize for all those who take part. 10.30am-4.30pm every day, free.
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES Lyric Hammersmith One Lyric Square W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk 30 May – 3 June Don’t miss this brand new romp through a classic, eccentric tale, telling the story of an Emperor who loves clothes more than anything. But despite a wardrobe the size of Paris he hasn’t got a stitch to wear! When two ‘tailors’ promise to create him an outfit that’s never been seen before, the eccentric Emperor doesn’t quite realise the spectacle he is about to make. This inventive production is told in true Stuff and Nonsense style, with unending energy, great storytelling and, as always, a show for all the family. A definite must for the May half term. Age 3-11, £10.
FAMILY ACTIVITY DAY
GRAND MEDIEVAL JOUST Leeds Castle Maidstone ME17 1PL www.leeds-castle.com 27-30 May Step back in time to the Middle Ages and see fully armoured jousters battling it out in an authentic jousting competition. Enjoy living history encampments, firepower and trebuchet demonstrations and mounted skill at arms displays. Plus, Leeds Castle has a fantastic adventure playground, and you can even stay overnight in a Knight’s Glamping tent!
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Fulham Palace Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org 31 May Travel back in time to the Tudor period with stories of Queen Elizabeth I's eventful feast at Fulham Palace, a photo booth with Tudor garb, objects to handle and fun-filled crafts and games. Free, no booking necessary, 1pm-3pm. Fulham Palace’s workshops are allinclusive and always great fun, so pop it in the diary now.
May 2017 | 020 8696 9680 | Familiesonline.co.uk