Theatre / Family Theatre
Magpies, mysteries, dinosaurs, pirates and clay: half-term theatre for all the family
Even if the weather decides to spoil the party this half term, there is a whole host of family theatre to keep the children entertained indoors.
From puppetry to adventure, moulding clay or singing along to a favourite musical, there is something to suit every young audience member.
Bristol24/7 rounds up some of the options.
is needed now More than ever
Family Day, Bristol Old Vic, February 17 (10.30-2.30pm)
The ever-popular free family day returns to Bristol Old Vic, with highlights including an adventure trail, craft activities and a dressing up corner.
There will be bookable events, too; theatre tours of the building, as well as a Made in Bristol factfinding show in collaboration with M Shed – seeking to answer a host of fascinating questions about the city.
Family Day – photo: Bristol Old Vic
Frozen and The Greatest Showman ‘Sing-A-Long’ screenings, The Redgrave Theatre, February 17 and 18 respectively (10am)
At only £5 apiece, these offerings from The Redgrave are a cost-effective way to spread some half-term magic.
The theatre is also keen to point out that for these occasions, as well as amplifying those singing voices, fancy dress is actively encouraged.
The Dinosaur That Pooped a Rock Show, Bristol Hippodrome, February 18 (12.30 and 3.30pm)
McFly’s Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter’s ‘The Dinosaur That Pooped…’ bestselling picture book series is adapted into a stage show, with new songs penned by the duo.
The story follows protagonist Danny and his friend Dino in their bid to secure tickets to the ‘last ever gig’ of their favourite band, with laughs, misadventure and – inevitably – poo, promised along the way.
The Dinosaur That Pooped a Rock Show – photo: Bristol Hippodrome
Along Came a Magpie – The Wardrobe Theatre, February 18-20 (11am and 2pm daily)
Aimed primarily at children of 2-6 (with under 2s going free), local company Scarlet Oak Theatre (The Zoo That Comes to You) return to Bristol’s leading fringe theatre with a heartwarming story from the potting shed.
Will the gardener and the magpie learn to get along? Enhanced with the magic of puppetry, this tale of friendship unfurls in a perfectly judged 40 minutes.
Along Came a Magpie – photo: Scarlet Oak Theatre
Claytime – Tobacco Factory Theatres, February 18-22 (1pm and 3pm on Tuesday; then 11am and 2pm daily)
A unique and interactive experience from Indefinite Articles in which new worlds and characters are formed out of clay, based on audience suggestions.
The show itself is 55 minutes, immediately followed by a 20-minute stay-and-play session with clay. It is aimed at 3-6 year olds, and free for babes in arms (up to 18 months).
The Mystery of Bristol Old Vic, The Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic, February 19-22 (times vary)
Trainee detectives are invited to unleash their sleuthing skills on a ‘board-game style’ murder mystery adventure, led by Danyah Miller.
There will be evidence to comb, suspects to interrogate and surprises in store along the way. Can the audience crack the case?
From the brains behind the award-winning I Believe in Unicorns, this is a 70-minute show, intended for children of 6+ and their families.
Dinosaur Adventure LIVE presents: The Big Jurassic Storm, The Redgrave Theatre, February 19 (11.30am and 2pm)
The latest offering from Dinosaur Adventure LIVE team sees them stop in at The Redgrave on a huge UK tour that stretches all the way into the autumn.
It promises to be an all-action adventure pitched at young dino diehards.
The Gingerbread Man, St Paul’s Church (Circomedia), February 22 (11am and 2pm)
Returning to Circomedia after a previous outing in the Autumn, Stuff and Nonsense present a retelling of the classic fairytale, replete with music, humour, puppetry and live action.
How will “the bravest biscuit of all time” fare in his epic quest to avoid being eaten? Audiences “from 3 to 83” are encouraged to come along and find out.
The Gingerbread Man – photo: Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company
Main photo: Ellie Kurttz
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