Primary Times Merseyside - Easter 2022

40,300 copies for families of Primary School Children

Merseyside

Spring Issue 82 14 March - 15 May 2022

www.primarytimes.co.uk

Inside:

Check out our events guide for some fantastic days out now!

Merseyside’s best family guide for what’s on and where to go in the region

Welcome Readers!

In Merseyside Published by Moonscape Media Ltd Tel: 0118 972 4980 Email: office@primarytimesmag.com Editor: Michelle Dilger Production: Nathan Pretlove Advertising: Kerry Beardsmore Listings Editor: Suzanne Watson Features Editor: Helen Chitham Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through primary schools in Merseyside. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or by joining in the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Merseyside for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or with the relevant contributor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout the UK. Primary Times Merseyside is operated under franchise licence.

What’s Inside

With daffodils popping up, we can bid farewell to the gloomy skies of winter and look forward to longer, warmer days for sunnier times ahead – in more ways than one!

This issue is packed with unmissable family activities right on your doorstep, ripe for some Easter exploration and guaranteed to put a spring in your step! Entertaining children needn’t be expensive either as there are so many brilliant places to visit which are low cost, or even free. It’s wonderful to see that the events calendar is back - check out the huge variety of things to do on our days out and diary pages, catering for toddlers through to teens – with the best museums, family attractions and play areas to explore. It’s time to make the most of our freedom and let your children enjoy being sociable once more!

So, whether you keep the kids sweet by relaxing at home, or head out for outdoor adventures, we wish you all a fun and happy Easter break. We’ll see you all again before the May Half Term.

N issueext 16th out May

4 Events Diary 6 Spring Activities 12 What’s on When - discover our listings!

15 Box Office - Family Theatre Guide

For Advertisers We are the largest free magazine in Merseyside reaching 100,750 family readers. If you’d like to advertise directly to this audience please call 07710 229 189

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Events Watch It’s here – the prospect of longer

days and warmer weather – so make sure you have some top family entertainment in the diary! There are some excellent events back on the cards this year, so celebrate the start of the new, more hopeful season ahead and plan an action-packed spring

2nd - 18th April

Hop along to the fun Easter bunny trail at Blakemere The Easter bunny and his friends are hiding around Blakemere Village, and they need you to help round them up!

Hop along to their Easter bunny trail that will take you through Mr Gerrard’s garden before collecting a prize at the end. The trail will run daily from 10.00am-4.00pm on the 2nd-18th April. Entry is £5 per trail booklet.

Blakemere also has a free, small play area and great woodland walks, so take along your furry friends as they’re a dog friendly site too! There are lots of other onsite activities including the Cheshire Craft Workshop and Miniature Railway.

W: www.blakemerevillage.com

Saturday 16th April

Enjoy a great day at the Haydock Park racecourse on Easter Saturday The eagerly anticipated Family Fun Day at Haydock Park returns on Saturday 16th April, with lots of family entertainment! Enjoy the Helter Skelter, face painting, the inflatable carnival and more! Tickets start from £20 (children go free) and hospitality from £65, with an Easter Family Experience in the Colours Restaurant including Premier Course admission, a two-course Buffet for adults and a children’s menu full of tasty food and a complimentary racecard. There will also be an Easter Egg Hunt, with clues hidden around the racecourse giving your little ones the chance to win a prize, plus the opportunity to get your picture taken with the whole family as a souvenir!

W: www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/haydock

9th-24th April

Journeys Through the Tate Collection

9th-20th April

Rides and attractions for the whole family at Liverpool Indoor Funfair Located at the Exhibition Centre on the Albert Docks, Liverpool Indoor Funfair is the ultimate family day out which is running from the 9th -20th April. You can expect jaw- dropping rides and amazing attractions all under one roof! They have assembled a great mix of children’s rides and large rides for all age groups to enjoy, all at one great price! Rider’s tickets are £10.99 which includes unlimited access to all the rides. It truly is the ideal Easter treat for all the family, no matter what the weather! Get planning a fantastic day out and secure your tickets online now.

W: www.indoorfunfair.org

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Join Tate Liverpool in their Creation Station this Easter for free, guaranteed family entertainment! Taking place from 9th-24th April from 10am to 4pm, have fun creating art inspired by the gallery’s new, free display of modern and contemporary art Journeys Through the Tate Collection. Become gallery explorers and find out about art works together, then enjoy play and creative activities in the dedicated family space.

W: www.tate.org.uk

30th April, 1st & 2nd May

Book A Day Out with Thomas at the East Lancashire Railway Join the East Lancashire Railway for spectacular family fun on a Day Out with Thomas! Meet Sir Topham Hatt and cheeky station sweepers Rusty and Dusty in Bury before taking a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine himself. Complete your day with Thomas themed games and activities, fun fair rides, balloon modellers, singing, dancing and much more. Tickets must be purchased in advance. To find out more, and to book tickets, visit their website or call for details.

Thomas and friends will be waiting for you!

T: 0333 320 2830 W: www.eastlancsrailway.co.uk

Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out

Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out

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Spring Activities

Chocolate delights and family fun days out – Easter is just around the corner, and everyone deserves some treats this holiday! We’ve rounded up some family-friendly destinations to keep the young, and the youngat-heart, happily entertained this school break!

Activities and theatrical entertainment

at The Atkinson

Children of all ages are invited to experience The Discovery Zone at Liverpool’s award-winning attraction, The Beatles Story, on the waterfront at the Royal Albert Dock. Find out about The Beatles’ lives, times, music, and influential legacy using fun interactive resources. Learn more about the Fab Four using interactive screens, a giant floor piano and singalong to your favourite Beatles songs on karaoke on the mini Cavern Club stage!

With a range of free fun-packed workshops during half-term and school holidays, it’s the perfect Easter day out with all the family.

There are plenty of (mostly free!) ways to entertain the family at The Atkinson in Southport. A range of interactive activities has been designed to help visitors of all ages explore The Atkinson.

Their stunning Egyptology museum shows what life was like in ancient Egypt at the time of the Pharaohs.

In the local history museum, discover the story of Sefton from prehistoric times to the present day. In the theatre don’t miss a magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, The Gruffalo (26 April, 1:30pm & 4pm; 27 April, 10:30am). The Atkinson is also home to an art gallery, children’s library, an award-winning café and a souvenir shop.

W: www.beatlesstory.com

W: www.theatkinson.co.uk

Interactive, musical fun for all the

family at The Beatles Story this half term

Come rain or shine, there’s plenty to keep the kids smiling at The Ice Cream Farm

From Europe’s largest indoor sand and water play to the thrills of the Rocky Road, Cheshire’s awardwinning family attraction, The Ice Cream Farm, offers visitors a space to make memories. On the schedule in March is a special celebration for Mums over the Mother’s Day weekend, while in April The Ice Cream Farm team has created an Eggscape Room for Easter! What’s more, monthly SEN Sessions will still be running and birthday parties can now be booked online, with packages for different age groups. For more information and to book your visit, head to their website.

W: www.theicecreamfarm.co.uk

Adventure and excitement for all the family at BeWILDerwood!

Have you run WILD at BeWILDerwood Cheshire yet? Opening daily from 2nd April, there will be plenty of Hoppy Easter fun to be had, including a brand-new Easter themed story, craft, Puzzling Park Trail, and even face painting! Plan your Easter adventure in the magical woods and swoosh down slippery slides, whizz down extra-long zip wires, and get lost in muddled mazes! Plus, everything is included in the ticket price! BeWILDerwood is a full day out for the whole family to enjoy together.

Visit the website to book tickets. W: www.BeWILDerwood.co.uk

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Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out

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Spring Activities

A great day out? You’ll be spoilt for choice at Liverpool ONE

Whether you want to grab a bite to eat with your family, catch the latest blockbuster movie or even challenge the little ones to a round of mini-golf, Liverpool ONE is the perfect place to enjoy a day out this Easter. With more than 50 places to eat and drink, you really will be spoilt for choice and guaranteed to find something to suit even the fussiest of palates, plus the kids will eat for free at selected restaurants! From pizza and burgers to tapas and burritos, the list of eateries is endless. Of course, a visit to Liverpool ONE wouldn’t be complete without some retail therapy. From high street to high end, there’s something for every style and budget, including your mini fashionistas!

W: www.liverpool-one.com

Catalyst makes science exciting for everyone

Catalyst puts the fun in science. Enjoy panoramic views across Cheshire from the rooftop Observatory Gallery reached by a scenic glass lift. Borrow a tablet from reception to discover about the heritage of the area. Test your Maths skills in the Puzzle Room or visit Scientrific and Birth of an Industry galleries, home to over 50 interactive exhibits. Get to grips with real science in their purpose-built Discovery Lab which hosts a range of workshops at weekends and during school holidays. Workshops over the summer include the Desert Island Survival Challenge, Catalyst Cluedo, Geology Rocks and Soap Suds! See website for dates and details.

W: www.catalyst.org.uk

Flip Out Aintree is the perfect

destination for weather-proof, exhilarating entertainment this holiday!

Flip Out Aintree is the North West’s leading adventure and trampoline park operator delivering massive amounts of healthy, awesome fun. Not only do they have the biggest trampolines, but also the best interactive activities such as their Football arena, Basketball, Climbing wall and so much more! Plus, you can recharge your energy with some delicious drinks and snacks from their café. So what are you waiting for? Plan an active day out that the weather won’t spoil by booking online now!

W: www.flipout.co.uk/aintree

There’s a fantastic day ahead of you at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre

Enjoy splashing, dipping, playing, feeding, paddling and getting up-close-and-personal to some of nature’s most wonderful wildlife. There are 800 acres of adventure to flutter hearts, home to thousands of rare birds; cheeky otters; an all-star cast of pretty pink flamingos and a group of white storks to mention a few. There is a whole host of spring fun adventures for you and your family to enjoy. Grab a paddle and take to the water in our award winning canoe safari. Embark on the canoe via a self-service jetty and set off your watery adventure searching for moorhens, mallards, fish, water voles and the illusive kingfisher. Delve into their ponds and see what creatures are lurking beneath. You can find the slippery newts or dinosaur like dragonfly nymphs in this free activity. In addition build a den, go on a wild walk adventure, check out the nature from our discovery hide, brave the stepping stones or from zip wire screams and scramble net laughs and treehouse trailblazing, their huge adventure playground is a total rush for ages 3 to 12.

You may also find some cheeky yellow ducks hiding around the grounds – you can find all 25 to complete their Giant duck hunt this Easter holiday! From Saturday 2nd - Monday 18th April.

For further information and to book your tickets, visit www.wwt.org.uk/martinmere

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Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out

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what’s on when On-going Church Farm Church Farm is excited to be open, fun for all the family with an adventure playground, indoor sandpit, and much more. Church Farm family fun park, Thurstaston, Wirral. Pre-booking essential.

W: www.churchfarmevents.co.uk/ farmpark

Xplore! Science Discovery Centre Xplore Science Discovery Centre have re-branded and moved to Wrexham town centre. With new exhibits, a live-science show, and a well-stocked gift shop, plan to be there for a couple of hours and take a picnic or grab a refreshment from their in-centre café. Open Friday-Sunday 9.30am-4.30pm.

W: www.xplorescience.co.uk

Planetarium

Easter at Liverpool ONE

Travel through time and space and discover the wonders of the universe in the immersive, full dome planetarium. World Museum, Liverpool.

W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org. uk/whatson/world-museum/ exhibition/planetarium

Jam-packed with fun events for the whole family with virtual reality golf games, Escape Live, cartoon like sculptures at The Bluecoat and the immersive multimedia art exhibition by Suki Chan.

W:www.liverpool-one.com/events

Catalyst Science Catalyst makes science exciting for everyone. Enjoy panoramic views across Cheshire from the rooftop Observatory gallery reached by a scenic glass lift.

Borrow a tablet from reception to discover about the heritage of the area. Test your Maths skills in the Puzzle Room or visit Scientrific and Birth of an Industry galleries, home to over 50 interactive exhibits. Catalyst Widnes.

W: www.catalyst.org.uk/

The North West’s leading adventure & trampoline park operator delivering massive amounts of healthy, awesome fun. Alongside the biggest trampolines they have the best interactive activities such as the football arena, basketball, climbing wall and so much more!.

W: www.flipout.co.uk/aintree.

World Museum Aquarium The World Museum Aquarium is back with bigger tanks, new species, immersive projections and even an octopus called Polpo!

W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org. uk/whatson/world-museum/ exhibition/aquarium

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This virtual classroom is perfectly suited to groups exploring the infamous story of RMS Titanic and her links to Liverpool. It offers the opportunity for pupils to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the many different personal experiences linked to this famous disaster that forms our impressions of the era.

W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org. uk/learn/virtual-classrooms/ titanic-travelling-time

Little Liverpool

After the Storm in Dairy Wood Way Percy the Park Keeper Autumn trail at Tatton Park. Help Percy and friends build a new home after the storm leaves them homeless.

Parkland entry applies and Percy trail sheets £1 each available to buy from the Welcome Building (located close to the main car park). Runs until 25th March 2022.

W: www.tattonpark.org.uk/

Wednesday 23rd

Liverpool ONE in Bloom

The Amazing History Of Liverpool Virtual Classroom

The Art of Wellbeing workshop use artworks from the Walker Art Gallery’s collection as inspiration and provide a space to discuss emotions, mental health and the positive effect working creatively can have.

W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org. uk/learn/virtual-classrooms/artof-wellbeing

This demonstrator-led virtual classroom offers an opportunity to discover the history of Liverpool from the time of the first Stone Age settlers to the present day. Explore the reasons why Liverpool became so important and some of the key characters that made it possible as we explore 12,000 years of history together.

W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org. uk/learn/virtual-classrooms/ amazing-history-of-liverpool

Ancient Egypt: Marvellous Mummification Virtual Classroom

Legacies Of Transatlantic Slavery Virtual Classroom

In this virtual classroom students are introduced to the mummification process in Ancient Egypt. They will explore in detail how the body was preserved, which instruments were used and how. Pupils will come to appreciate the cultural significance of the preservation process.

W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org. uk/learn/virtual-classrooms/ ancient-egypt-marvellousmummification

This virtual classroom introduces students to Liverpool’s involvement in transatlantic slavery, explains its fundamental aspects and explores its impact on the lives of those involved.

W: www.liverpoolmuseums.org. uk/learn/virtual-classrooms/ understanding-transatlantic-slavery

March

The Little Liverpool gallery is a hands-on fantasy world especially for children under the age of six to play and learn. Inside the gallery our youngest visitors can create their own Liverpool - a city where they are in charge. Museum of Liverpool W: www.liverpoolmuseums. org.uk/whatson/museum-ofliverpool/event/little-liverpool

Art of Wellbeing Virtual Classroom

Flipout Aintree

Titanic: Travelling In Time Virtual Classroom

Understanding Transatlantic Slavery Virtual Classroom

This new virtual classroom explores the legacies of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, offering sessions for both Key Stage 2 and 3 pupils. Pupils will explore contemporary themes of racism, discrimination, human rights and activism, as well as learning about significant Black British role models and contemporary new stories that link back to the ongoing impact of transatlantic slavery to this day.

W: www.liverpoolmuseums. org.uk/international-slaverymuseum/schools-and-groups

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Get ready for Liverpool ONE in Bloom launching today, boasting floral installations that will see spring taking over, with further additions such as floral selfie spots and blossoming flower themed events which will brighten anyone’s day. www.liverpool-one.com/event/ bloom

Saturday 26th

Planetarium Show Visit the new inflatable planetarium for an exciting journey into space.

Learn how to identify constellations and see how the stars appear to travel in the night sky before going on an epic ride in the hunt for alien life. Also on 27th March, 12.30pm or 3pm. Catalyst Widnes.

W: www.catalyst.org.uk/

Small Animal Petting Small animal petting sessions are held every weekend, bank holiday and during Knowsley school holidays (except for Christmas school holidays). Tickets £2 per person for a half hour session. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult with a ticket. Activities are varied but can include: holding and stroking a chick, rabbit, guinea pig ,pet rat and our pygmy goats.

Acorn Farm, Kirkby.

W: www.acornfarm.co.uk/

Sunday 27th

Mother’s Day Quiz The Farm Team will introduce you to the Farmyard animals and then the quiz will be to match the mother to her baby! You and your family will meet and learn more about the expectant mothers who are due to have their animal babies in the spring, and you can make your own Mother’s day card in the Red Poll room. 11am-4pm. Tatton Park, Knutsford.

W: www.tattonpark.org.uk/events

Nature Trail at Liverpool ONE Liverpool ONE is once again welcoming young explorers to set off on the Nature Trail around Chavasse Park. The trail is guided by a free map which can be downloaded from Liverpool ONE’s website or picked up at the Tourism Information Centre.

W:www.liverpool-one.com/ whatson/nature-trail

Easter Duck Trail Join in the fun at Martin Mere Wetland Centre in April. There’s loads of Spring fun activities and you can find some of their giant yellow ducks hiding in the wetlands!

Until Monday 18th April.

For further information and to book your tickets, visit www.wwt.org.uk/martinmere

Friday 1st

PING is Back!

PING! is returning to Liverpool ONE in two locations this year. The free-to-use PING! Tennis Tables will be situated on Paradise Street and Chavasse Park for anyone who fancies a game for free.

W:www.liverpool-one.com/ whatson/ping

Small Street Market Family day out at Blakemere Village.

W: www.blakemerevillage.com

We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip …or promise!

Wirral Farmers’ Market was established in 2000 and is held on the second Saturday every month in New Ferry from 9am to 1pm.

W: www.wirralfarmersmarket.org.uk

Running until 20th April, Exhibition Centre, Albert Docks, Liverpool. You can expect jawdropping rides and amazing attractions all under one roof!

Rider’s tickets are £10.99 which includes unlimited access to all the rides.

W: www.indoorfunfair.org

Easter Bunny Trail Hop along to the Easter bunny trail that will take you through Mr Gerrard’s garden before collecting a prize at the end. The trail will run daily from 10am - 4pm from 2nd-18th April. Entry is £5 per trail booklet. Blakemere Village.

W: www.blakemerevillage.com

Wirral Farmer’s Market

Liverpool Indoor Funfair

Saturday 2nd

April

Saturday 9th

Tuesday 5th

Mini Ranger Holiday Club Running 5th-7th April. Discover the amazing animals, habitats and the remarkable conservation work taking place all around the world.

The day includes playful zoo trails, inspiring conservation action, practical skills, exciting games, arts and crafts. Chester Zoo, £115 per child.

W: www.chesterzoo.org/events/ mini-ranger-holiday-club

Journeys Through The Tate Collection Have fun creating art inspired by the gallery’s new, free display of modern and contemporary art Journeys Through the Tate Collection. Become gallery explorers and find out about art works together then enjoy play and creative activities in the dedicated family space. Runs until 24th April. 10am-4pm.

Free.

W: www.tate.org.uk/

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Tuesday 12th

Saturday 16th

Thursday 21st

Saturday 30th

Design A Beatles Egg

Easter Family Fun at the Races

Lennon Glasses

Day Out with Thomas at the East Lancashire Railway

Go along to the Discovery Zone at The Beatles Story to learn more about The Beatles and design your very own Beatle themed eggs at this eggcellent Easter workshop.

W:www.beatlesstory.com

An afternoon of Jump racing action with family entertainments including an Easter egg hunt.

Haydock Park.

W: www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/ haydock/events

Thursday 14th

John Lennon’s glasses were iconic!

Go along to The Beatles Story and check out a pair on display in their exhibition. Once you’ve finished your tour, visit the interactive Discovery Zone workshop and create a pair for yourself. Make them as funky as you like! Beatles Story, Liverpool.

W: www.beatlesstory.com

Octopus’ Garden Join in the fun at The Beatles Story’s Discovery Zone this Easter. Listen to the song ‘Octopus’ Garden’ written

by Ringo Starr and let it inspire you to make your very own octopus.

W:www.beatlesstory.com

Sunday 24th

Junior Ranger CampReptiles and Amphibians

Friday 15th

Magical Easter Adventures You’ll be spoilt for choice with treasure hunt-style trails in the Gardens, Mansion, Farm and Parkland. Expect to help mythical creatures, meet magical beings and receive chocolate rewards on your adventures. These fun family trails and events will run throughout Easter weekend from Friday 15th - Monday 18th April. Tatton Park, Knutsford. tattonpark.org.uk/events

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Join the East Lancashire Railway for spectacular family fun on a Day Out with Thomas! Complete your day with Thomas themed games and activities, fun fair rides, balloon modellers, singing, dancing and much more. Running April 30th and May 1st-2nd.

W:www.eastlancsrailway.co.uk or 0333 320 2830.

Tuesday 19th

Paper Heart Weaving The Beatles wrote many songs about love, including ‘Love Me Do’. Listen to some of the Beatles’ famous love songs on the record player and create your own paper weaving love heart in the Discovery Zone Easter workshop. Beatles Story, Liverpool.

W:www.beatlesstory.com

The training camps run every Sunday for five weeks at Chester Zoo. You can choose from Sunday morning sessions (10.30am–12 noon) or Sunday (2–3.30pm).

Each week participants will learn all about the reptile and amphibian species, as well as the conservation work carried out at the zoo. £60 per child.

W: www.chesterzoo.org/event

Car Boot Sale Blakemere Village.

W: www.blakemerevillage.com

Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out

Planetarium Show Visit the new inflatable planetarium for an exciting journey into space.

Learn how to identify constellations and see how the stars appear to travel in the night sky before going on an epic ride in the hunt for alien life. Also on May 1st. 12.30pm or 3pm. Catalyst Widnes.

W: www.catalyst.org.uk/

Family Theatre Guide The Atkinson

Floral Pavilion

HOME Manchester

Parr Hall

Lord Street, Southport T: 01704 533 333 W: www.theatkinson.co.uk/events

Marine Parade, New Brighton, Wirral Box Office: 0151 666 0000

T: 0161 200 1500 W: homemcr.org

Thursday 7th -Saturday 9th April

Sunday 10th April

Tuesday 29th March-Saturday 23rd April

Warrington W: www.parrhall. culturewarrington.org

MILKSHAKE LIVE “MILKSHAKE MONKEY’S MUSICAL”

THE HOUSE WITH CHICKEN LEGS

Learn the amazing songs and dances with your favourite Milkshake! friends and watch as the music, the lights, the costumes and the stage brings Milkshake! to life. With great Milkshake friends, anything is possible.

Based on the best-selling novel by Sophie Anderson, Marinka and her unusual house are brought to life in this brand new production by award-winning theatre company, Les Enfants Terribles.

SHREK THE MUSICAL Following the success of Elf, Local amateur dramatics group SONG presents Shrek The Musical! Join the award winning musical theatre company with a cast of young people aged 10-20 on their journey to Duloc and beyond.

Tuesday 26th-Wednesday 27th April

THE GRUFFALO

Monday 11th April

HORRIBLE HISTORIESTERRIBLE TUDORS

Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors.

Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope.

Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed. Survive the Spanish Armada as they launch their attack!

The Epstein Theatre

Wednesday 13th April

Hanover House, 85 Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 3DZ T: 0844 888 9991 W: www.epsteintheatre.co.uk Wednesday 13th-Sunday 24th April

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK The show tells the rags to riches story of a boy who sells the family’s cow for a handful of beans, getting him into a lot of trouble with his poor mother. But the story takes a magical twist when the beans sprout into a magnificent beanstalk that reaches up to a mystical land high in the sky.

Sunday 1st May

PRINCESS AND SUPERHERO AFTERNOON TEA Themed Afternoon Tea followed by a spectacular show which combines classic party games with storytelling, drama, dancing and imagination! You can also put your circus skills to the test in the interactive grand finale.

Sunday 17th April

BASIL BRUSH- BASIL’S BIG ORCHESTRAL ADVENTURE Basil Brush joins forces with the full orchestra to present a fun-packed extravaganza featuring a sparkling mix of popular classics plus music from everyone’s favourite blockbuster movies and TV shows.

WIND IN THE WILLOWS

Monday 18th-Wednesday 20th April

Pack your picnics and join Ratty, Mole, Badger, and the fantastically irrepressible Toad as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime culminating in a colourful battle to save Toad Hall from the mischievous weasels!

DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE!

We take great care to ensure this information is correct at the time of going to press. However, we would advise parents to phone and check details prior to making a long trip …or promise!

Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family.

Friday 22nd April

RAPUNZEL-A TANGLED MUSICAL ADVENTURE With a wicked witch, a feisty heroine, a tap dancing horse and a host of adventures, Rapunzel promises to be a vibrant take on a classic and much loved story.

M & S Bank Arena Liverpool W: www.mandsbankarena.com Friday 6th May

STRICTLY COME DANCING: THE PROFESSIONALS Directed by Strictly’s Creative Director of Choreography Jason Gilkison, the tour will feature an exciting line-up of 10 magnificent dancers and Strictly TV favourites.

Northwich Memorial Court T: 0333 666 3366 W: brioentertainment.org Friday 25th -Saturday 26th March

THE WIZARD OF OZ Anton Benson Productions return with another all-singing, all-dancing rib-tickling Easter panto starring Northwich favourite Ryan Greaves and more to be announced! Join Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the cowardly Lion as they journey on a panto-filled adventure through Oz to meet the legendary Wizard and defeat the Wicked Witch of the West.

Also on 26th March, 11am-3pm.

Saturday 9th April

TWIRLYWOOS From the producers of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show and Sarah and Duck Live on Stage, Twirlywoos Live is an enchanting introduction to theatre for all ages. The funny, loveable Twirlywoos are brought to life on stage with beautifully inventive puppetry promising an hour of colourful fun and laughter.

2pm.

Saturday 19th-Sunday 20th March

THE SMEDS AND THE SMOOS Soar into space with this exciting adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Saturday 16th April

I SPY WITH MY LITTLE EYE Based on the brand new picture book by Steven Lee this adorable family musical celebrates everything great about being a kid – and everything great about having one.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic W: www.liverpoolphil.com Friday 25th March

MAD PROFESSOR Designed especially for younger audiences, this concert is the perfect way to introduce your little ones to the sights and sounds of an orchestra. Wriggling, dancing and exploring are all part of the 45-minute experience! Enjoy music through storytelling, in the informal surroundings of the Music Room easy to access, with plenty of space for prams and a baby-changing area.

St Helens Theatre Royal Corporation Street, St Helens W: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com Monday 21st-Tuesday 22nd March

DEAR ZOO Rod Campbell’s much-loved lift the flap book has been a firm favourite with children and parents for nearly forty years. Lovingly adapted for the stage, his distinctive illustrations leap from the page in this colourful show packed full of puppetry, songs and, of course, all the animals from the zoo.

Go to www.primarytimes.co.uk/merseyside for thousands more great days out

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