BRENTWOOD

29 May

Finding Alice

Based on the Lewis Carrol classic, with music, sing-a-longs and plenty of audience interaction! 4pm-5pm. £5/£7/£20 family (2 Child + 2 Adult). Brentwood Theatre, CM15 8AG. 01277 200305 www.dot-productions.co.uk

CHELMSFORD

25 May

The Elephant Bridesmaid

This delightful show has games, songs and heart-warming elephant antics to make any day feel like your special day. Wear fancy dress for the chance to take part in a fashion show live on stage with the actors! Age 4 yrs +. 11.30am & 2.30pm £8.50/£6.50.
Cramphorn Theatre 01245 606505

11th-15th June

The Sound of Music

The much loved family show based on the real life story of the Von Trapp Family Singers. Various times/prices. Civic Theatre 01245 606505

15th & 16th June

Tomorrow’s Talent

Local Performing Arts School Tomorrow’s Talent showcase their talents in this musical theatre revue show. Various times/prices.

Cramphorn Theatre 01245 606505

24th – 26th June

Dance Show

New Hall Dance School present a varied and entertaining repertoire of ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and street jazz. Various times and prices. Civic Theatre 01245 606505

9th-13th July

Time to Shine

Presented by The Weston School of Dance and Performing Arts, a programme of dancing, acting and singing featuring The Mermaid’s Tale, The Nutcracker and I Hope I Get It. Various times/prices. Civic Theatre 01245 606505

14th July

The Three Billy Pigs

Once upon a time there were three little pigs and now it is time for them to leave home. They set off to build their dream houses in the green field on the other side of the river. But then the big bad wolf turns up… Age: 3 yrs+.10.30am/1.30pm. £7.50. Cramphorn Theatre 01245 606505

21st July

Dance Theatre

The Essex Theatre’s summer performance demonstrating the year’s dance repertoire. Various times/prices. Civic Theatre 01245 606505

19 & 20 Sept

The Snail and the Whale

A tiny snail longs to see the world, so she hitches a lift on the tail of a humpback whale. Follow the tiny snail’s amazing journey, as seen through the eyes of a very adventurous young girl, who’d love to be going round the world with her seafaring father. Age 4+ yrs. Thursday: 1.30pm & 4.30pm. Friday: 10.30am & 1.30pm. £8/£12.00/£38.00/family. Civic Theatre 01245 606505

CLACTON

26th – 29th June

The Sound of Music

The story of the Von Trapp family. Various times/prices. West Cliff Theatre, Tower Road, Clacton-on-Sea 01255 474000 www.westcliffclacton.co.uk

5th & 6th July

#Trending

The Company students showcase their skills in a variety of dance, song and drama. 7.30pm. Adult: £12, Child: £8. West Cliff Theatre, Tower Road, Clacton-on-Sea 01255 474000 www.westcliffclacton.co.uk

2nd Aug

The Chuckle Brothers meet the Phantom of the Theatre

In this new adventure a theatre manager is in trouble because a ghostly presence is scaring all the people away! He calls Paul and Barry for help, but of course things might not exactly go to plan…. 7pm. £14.50. West Cliff Theatre, Tower Road, Clacton-on-Sea 01255 474000 www.westcliffclacton.co.uk

15th Aug

The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny

With live music and favourite characters from both Peter Rabbit tales. 11am. £10, Concs £7.50. Princes Theatre 01255 686633

COGGESHALL

1 June

Finding Alice

Based on the Lewis Carrol classic, with music, sing-a-longs and plenty of audience interaction! 3pm-4pm. £5/£7/£20 family (2 Child + 2 Adult). Grange Barn, Coggeshall, CO6 1RE. 0843 2080628 www.dot-productions.co.uk

30th June

As You Like it

William Shakespeare’s play performed outdoors by the Illyria Touring Theatre Company. Gates open: 4pm. Curtain up: 6pm. Prices range from £6 to £15 and are available in advance. Bring your own seating/rug, warm clothes and picnic. Marks Hall Estate. www.markshall.org.uk

23rd August

Treasure Island

Swashbuckling outdoor theatre production with Cambridge Touring Theatre. A fundraiser for Marks Hall Estate. Children invited to come in fancy dress! .Prices range from £9-£45 (family). Under 3s free. Gates open 2pm. Curtain up 6pm. www.markshall.org.uk Email: bookings@markshall.org.uk

COLCHESTER

8th June

The Tallest Horse on Earth

A warm-hearted puppet show told with live music, shadow puppetry and a papier-maché model village. Age: 5+. 2pm. £3.95. Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street 01206 500900

19th June

The Comedy of Errors

Outdoor theatre presented by Rain or Shine Theatre Co. 7pm. £14/£11/£5 child (under 16). The Minories, 74 High St, Colchester, CO11UE 01206 712437
www.colchester.ac.uk/art/minories

22nd June

Sally & the Sunflower

An enchanting and inventive re-telling of Jack and the Beanstalk with puppetry, colourful projections and storytelling. Ages: 3-7. 2pm. £3.95. Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street. 01206 500900

26th - 29th June

Around the World in 80ish Minutes

Colchester Scouts and Guides take a whistle stop tour of the world as a villainous plot forces our heroes to take off to try and save the day! Various times. £8.50. Mercury Theatre
01206 573948

1st - 3rd July

Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales

Under sea, over land, on the farm and in the jungle, terrific tales are woven together with live music, songs, puppets and a host of colourful characters. Ages: 3+. Various times/costs. Mercury Theatre 01206 573948

3rd July

The Mikado

Outdoor theatre, performed by a reduced cast and accompanied by a keyboard. 7pm. £14/£11/£45/family. The Minories, 74 High St, Colchester, CO11UE 01206 712437
www.colchester.ac.uk/art/minories

7th July

Fusion

A song and dance spectacular, featuring some of Colchester’s most talented young performers, including songs from Fame, A Chorus Line, Streetdance and Matilda. 2pm/7pm. Adult: £14, Child: £9. Mercury Theatre 01206 573948

11th – 13th July

Summer Show Time

The Lorraine George School of Dancing & Performing Arts will entertain with a selection of songs from The Lion King and Matilda, plus their own version of The Nutcracker. Various times/prices. Mercury Theatre 01206 573948

13th & 14th July

Alice and her Adventures in Wonderland

Outdoor theatre. Plenty of opportunities for audience interaction. Family show, suitable for all ages. 6.30pm (Sat), 5pm (Sun). £10/£8/£30/family (2 adults and 2 children/concs). The Minories, 74 High St, Colchester, CO11UE. 01206 712437 www.colchester.ac.uk/art/minories

2nd Aug

Dracula

Outdoor theatre. New adaptation of the Bram Stoker classic. 8pm. £14/£11/£40/family (2 adults and 2 children). The Minories, 74 High Street, Colchester, CO11UE. 01206 712437
www.colchester.ac.uk/art/minories

15th Aug

Romeo and Juliet

Outdoor theatre, presented by Heartbreak Productions. 7pm. £14/£11/£40/family (2 adults and 2 children). The Minories, 74 High Street, Colchester, CO11UE. 01206 712437
www.colchester.ac.uk/art/minories

CRESSING TEMPLE

11th July

Romeo and Juliet

Shakespeare’s great story of young love and family feuds. 7.30pm. Adult £10, child £8. Cressing Temple, Witham Road, Cressing, Braintree CM77 8PD

0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

EPPING

13th Aug

Dotty the Dragon

A blend of live music, puppets and storytelling. 3-7yrs. 11.30am & 2.30pm. £9.50 adult & child /£5 extra ticket. Epping Hall, St John’s Rd, CM16 5JU 01992 564226

21st Aug

Active Storytelling-Rumplestiltskin

Bring this magical fairytale to life through storytelling, movement and music. For 4-8yrs. 10.30am-12.30pm. £8.50/£6.50/£4.50. Epping Hall, St John’s Rd, CM16 5JU. 01992 564226

HARLOW

Fri 31 May

Finding Alice

Based on the Lewis Carrol classic, with music, sing-a-longs and plenty of audience interaction! 3pm-4pm. £5/£7/£20 family (2 Child + 2 Adult). The Gibberd Garden, CM17 0NA. 0843 2080628 www.dot-productions.co.uk

28th July

Chris & Pui Roadshow

CBeebies’ favourite double act Chris and Pui are bringing their road show to town. 11.30am/2.30pm. £14. Harlow Playhouse, CM20 1LS 01279 431945 www.playhouseharlow.com

IPSWICH

2nd June

The Girl with the Iron Claws

Fairy tale about a chance encounter with a bear. Combines puppetry and music to tell a tale about identity and love. Age: 8yrs+. 3.30pm. £7. New Wolsey Theatre 01473 295900

2nd June

Kid Carpet & the Noisy Animals

Rock ‘n’ roll musical turning plastic toys into punk-rock superstars. Join Gorilla, Badger, Bear and Hedgehog as they make friends, play games, and rock out at a grand dance contest! Age: 3yrs+. 1pm. £7. New Wolsey Studio
01473 295900

27th - 29 July

The Gruffalo’s Child

Tall Stories Theatre Company returns, bringing Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning sequel to life in this magical, musical adaptation. Various times. £11. Regent Theatre 01473 433100

LONDON

8th June

Hue Boy

Hue Boy is small but one day he finally understands what it is to be tall, despite his height. Age: 4-7yrs. 11.05am/12.30pm/2.35pm. £10. Polka Theatre, Wimbledon. 020 8543 4888

14th & 15th June

There’s a Monster in My Piano

A delightful offbeat jazzy tale, starring puppets, clowning, animation and a very highly strung monster. Age: 4-7yrs. Various times. £10. Polka Theatre, Wimbledon. 020 8543 4888

16th June

My Father and Other Superheroes

A heart-warming story about the trials and tribulations of fatherhood. Age: 8+. 2pm. Adult: £16, Child: £10.
Unicorn Theatre. 020 7645 0560

18th–23rd June

Aston’s Stones

When Aston brings stones home, his parents don’t mind. But how many stones can one household look after? Age: 0-5yrs. Times vary. £16/£10. Unicorn Theatre. 020 7645 0560

26th June–17th Aug

Three Colours

With projection, light, puppets, music and dance, this immersive performance promises to delight the imagination. Age: 2-4yrs. Various times. £10. Polka Theatre, Wimbledon. 020 8543 4888

29th June–20th July

The Winter’s Tale

Includes a bear chase, a magic statue, a sheep shearing party and an unexpected family reunion. Age: 6yrs+. Various times/prices. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, NW1 4NU. 0844 826 4242 www.openairtheatre.com

3rd July-2nd September

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

Wade through gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and thick oozy, squelchy mud! With catchy songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on adventure. 0844 412 4661
www.bearhuntlive.com

Win a family ticket to see this fabulous production. Visit: www.kidaround.biz
for full details!

9th–21st July

Lionboy

Charlie is a perfectly normal boy, except for one thing: he can speak to cats. Age: 8+. £16/£10. Unicorn Theatre.
020 7645 0560

30th July–11th Aug

We Dance, Wee Groove

Celebrating dance, music and imaginative play for children and adults alike. Age: 0-7yrs. Various times. £10 (includes 1 adult & 1 child). Unicorn Theatre. 020 7645 0560

LOUGHTON

1st Aug

Elliott and the Rainbow

Meet fun characters and join in the singing, dancing and games. 10.30am. 2-5yrs. £8.50/£4.50 Loughton Library, IG10 1HD. 01992 564226

1st Aug

Rumplestiltskin

This traditional story is told through puppets, songs and games. 4-9yrs. 2pm. £8.50/£4.50 Loughton Library, IG10 1HD. 01992 564226

MALDON

Thurs 30 May

Finding Alice

Based on the Lewis Carrol classic, with music, sing-a-longs and plenty of audience interaction! 3pm-4pm. £5/£7/£20 family (2 Child + 2 Adult). Museum Of Power, CM9 6QA. 0843 208 0628 www.dot-productions.co.uk

BARKING

6th & 7th July

The Magical Playroom

Libby dreams of being a ballerina but is told her dream won’t come true because of her disability. She escapes into an imaginary world and discovers the magical playroom where toys come to life. Age: 3-6yrs. 2pm. £6/£20 family of four. The Broadway 020 8507 5607

BASILDON

25th Aug

Sid’s Show

Join Sid from Cbeebies live on stage in a fun-filled interactive experience crammed with games, songs, poems and magic. Ages: 3-7yrs. 11am/2pm. £11. Towngate Theatre 01268 465465

BRENTWOOD

29 May

Finding Alice

Based on the Lewis Carrol classic, with music, sing-a-longs and plenty of audience interaction! 4pm-5pm. £5/£7/£20 family (2 Child + 2 Adult). Brentwood Theatre, CM15 8AG. 01277 200305 www.dot-productions.co.uk

CHELMSFORD

25 May

The Elephant Bridesmaid

This delightful show has games, songs and heart warming elephant antics. Wear fancy dress for the chance to take part in a fashion show with the actors! Age 4 yrs +. 11.30am & 2.30pm £8.50/£6.50. Cramphorn Theatre 01245 606505

11th-15th June

The Sound of Music

The much loved family show based on the real life story of the Von Trapp Family Singers. Various times/prices. Civic Theatre 01245 606505

15th & 16th June

Tomorrow’s Talent

Tomorrow’s Talent showcase their talents in this musical theatre revue show. Various times/prices.
Cramphorn Theatre 01245 606505

24th–26th June

Dance Show

New Hall Dance School present a varied and entertaining repertoire of ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and street jazz. Various times and prices.
Civic Theatre 01245 606505

9th-13th July

Time to Shine

Weston School of Dance and Performing Arts present a programme of dancing, acting and singing. Various times/prices. Civic Theatre 01245 606505

14th July

The Three Billy Pigs

Once upon a time there were three little pigs and now it is time for them to leave home. They set off to build their dream houses in the green field on the other side of the river. But then the big bad wolf turns up… Age: 3 yrs+.10.30am/1.30pm. £7.50. Cramphorn Theatre 01245 606505

21st July

Dance Theatre

The Essex Theatre’s summer performance demonstrating the year’s dance repertoire. Various times/prices. Civic Theatre 01245 606505

19 & 20 Sept

The Snail and the Whale

A tiny snail longs to see the world, so she hitches a lift on the tail of a humpback whale. Follow the tiny snail’s amazing journey. Age 4+ yrs. Thursday: 1.30pm & 4.30pm. Friday: 10.30am & 1.30pm. £8/£12.00/£38.00/family.
Civic Theatre 01245 606505

CHIGWELL

26th July

Elliott and the Rainbow

Join Elliott the Dog on a fun journey and join in the singing, dancing and games along the way. 2-5yrs. 10.30am. £8.50/£4.50 extra ticket. The Limes Centre, IG7 5LP. 01992 564226

26th July

Rumplestiltskin

This traditional story is told through puppets, songs and games with some valuable lessons along the way. 4-9yrs. 2pm. £8.50/£4.50 extra ticket. The Limes Centre, IG7 5LP. 01992 564226

30th July

Active Storytelling-Rumplestiltskin

Bring this magical fairytale to life through storytelling, movement and music. 4-8yrs. 10.30am-12.30pm. £8.50/£6.50/£4.50. The Limes Centre, IG7 5LP. 01992 564226

COLCHESTER

8th June

The Tallest Horse on Earth

A warm-hearted puppet show told with live music, shadow puppetry and a papier-mache model village. Age: 5+. 2pm. £3.95. Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street. 01206 500900

19th June

The Comedy of Errors

Outdoor theatre presented by Rain or Shine Theatre Co. 7pm. £14/£11/£5 child (under 16). The Minories, 74 High St, CO1 1UE. 01206 712437
www.colchester.ac.uk/art/minories

22nd June

Sally & the Sunflower

An enchanting and inventive re-telling of Jack and the Beanstalk with puppetry, colourful projections and storytelling. Ages: 3-7. 2pm. £3.95. Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street. 01206 500900

26th - 29th June

Around the World in 80ish Minutes

Colchester Scouts and Guides take a whistle stop tour of the world as a villainous plot forces our heroes to take off to try and save the day! Various times. £8.50. Mercury Theatre
01206 573948

1st-3rd July

Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales

Under sea, over land, on the farm and in the jungle, terrific tales are woven together with live music, songs, puppets and a host of colourful characters. Ages: 3+. Various times/costs. Mercury Theatre 01206 573948

3rd July

The Mikado

Outdoor theatre, performed by a reduced cast and accompanied by a keyboard. 7pm. £14/£11/£45/family. The Minories, 74 High St, CO1 1UE. 01206 712437
www.colchester.ac.uk/art/minories

7th July

Fusion

A song and dance spectacular, featuring some of Colchester’s most talented young performers, including songs from Fame, A Chorus Line, Streetdance and Matilda. 2pm/7pm. Adult: £14, Child: £9. Mercury Theatre. 01206 573948

13th & 14th July

Alice And Her Adventures In Wonderland

Outdoor theatre. Plenty of opportunities for audience interaction. Family show, suitable for all ages. 6.30pm (Sat), 5pm (Sun). £10/£8/£30/family (2 adults and 2 children/concs). The Minories, 74 High St, CO1 1UE. 01206 712437
www.colchester.ac.uk/art/minories

2nd Aug

Dracula

Outdoor theatre. New adaptation of the Bram Stoker classic. 8pm. £14/£11/£40/family (2 adults and 2 children). The Minories, 74 High Street, CO1 1UE. 01206 712437
www.colchester.ac.uk/art/minories

15th Aug

Romeo and Juliet

Outdoor theatre, presented by Heartbreak Productions. 7pm. £14/£11/£40/family (2 adults and 2 children). The Minories, 74 High Street, CO1 1UE. 01206 712437
www.colchester.ac.uk/art/minories

CRESSING TEMPLE

11th July

Romeo and Juliet

Shakespeare’s great story of young love and family feuds. 7.30pm. Adult £10, child £8. Cressing Temple, Witham Road, Cressing, Braintree CM77 8PD

0845 603 7624 www.visitparks.co.uk

EPPING

13th Aug

Dotty the Dragon

A blend of live music, puppets and storytelling. 3-7yrs. 11.30am & 2.30pm. £9.50 adult & child /£5 extra ticket. Epping Hall, St John’s Rd, Epping, CM16 5JU 01992 564226

21st Aug

Active Storytelling-Rumplestiltskin

Bring this magical fairytale to life through storytelling, movement and music. For 4-8yrs. 10.30am-12.30pm. £8.50 adult & child/£6.50 con/£4.50 extra ticket. Epping Hall, St John’s Rd, Epping CM16 5JU 01992 564226

HORNCHURCH

1st June

Magic and Mayhem with AJ

Fun for everyone! With as much dancing, magic, bubbles and party games as you can fit into an hour.
Age: 4-7yrs. 11.30am. £5.
Queen’s Theatre Foyer. 01708 443333

6th July

Ali Cardabra presents Bozo’s Nose!

It’s all the fun of the circus as Mr Ringmaster tries to help Bozo the clown find his big red nose! Age: 4-7yrs. 11.30am. £5. Queen’s Theatre Foyer. 01708 443333

6th & 7th July

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Featuring over 100 members of the Queen’s Youth Theatre, this classic family musical retells the Bible story of Joseph, his 11 brothers and the coat of many colours. 7.30pm plus 2.30pm matinee on 7th. £12/£7.
Queens Theatre. 01708 443333

27th July–17th Aug

Treasure Island

Young Jim Hawkins and his friends set sail on a voyage of discovery in search of excitement and buried gold. Follow their adventures as they battle a mutiny of pirates led by the deadly, infamous Long John Silver. A swashbuckling adventure for the whole family!
Age: 8yrs+. Various times/prices.
Queen’s Theatre. 01708 443333

LEYTON

27th July

Finding Alice

Based on the Lewis Carrol classic, with music, sing-a-longs and plenty of audience interaction! 3-4.30pm. Adult £7, child £5. WaterWorks Nature Reserve, Lammas Road, E10 7QL. 0843 208 0628 www.dot-productions.co.uk

LONDON

8th June

Hue Boy

Hue Boy is small but one day he finally understands what it is to be tall, despite his height. Age: 4-7yrs. 11.05am/12.30pm/2.35pm. £10. Polka Theatre, Wimbledon. 020 8543 4888

14th & 15th June

There’s a Monster in My Piano

A delightful offbeat jazzy tale, starring puppets, clowning, animation and a very highly strung monster. Age: 4-7yrs. Various times. £10. Polka Theatre, Wimbledon. 020 8543 4888

16th June

My Father and Other Superheroes

A heart-warming story about the trials and tribulations of fatherhood. Age: 8+. 2pm. Adult: £16, Child: £10.
Unicorn Theatre. 020 7645 0560

18th–23rd June

Aston’s Stones

When Aston brings stones home, his parents don’t mind. But how many stones can one household look after? Age: 0-5yrs. Times vary. £16/£10. Unicorn Theatre. 020 7645 0560

26th June–17th Aug

Three Colours

With projection, light, puppets, music and dance, this immersive performance promises to delight the imagination. Age: 2-4yrs. Various times. £10. Polka Theatre, Wimbledon. 020 8543 4888

29th June–20th July

The Winter’s Tale

Includes a bear chase, a magic statue, a sheep shearing party and an unexpected family reunion. Age: 6yrs+. Various times/prices. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, NW1 4NU. 0844 826 4242 www.openairtheatre.com

3rd July-2nd September

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

Wade through gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and thick oozy, squelchy mud! With catchy songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on adventure. 0844 412 4661
www.bearhuntlive.com

Win a family ticket to see this fabulous production. Visit: www.kidaround.biz
for full details!

9th–21st July

Lionboy

Charlie is a perfectly normal boy, except for one thing: he can speak to cats. Age: 8+. £16/£10. Unicorn Theatre.
020 7645 0560

30th July–11th Aug

We Dance, Wee Groove

Celebrating dance, music and imaginative play for children and adults alike. Age: 0-7yrs. Various times. £10 (includes 1 adult & 1 child). Unicorn Theatre. 020 7645 0560

LOUGHTON

1st Aug

Elliott and the Rainbow

Meet fun characters and join in the singing, dancing and games. 10.30am. 2-5yrs. £8.50/£4.50 Loughton Library, IG10 1HD. 01992 564226

1st Aug

Rumplestiltskin

This traditional story is told through puppets, songs and games. 4-9yrs. 2pm. £8.50/£4.50 Loughton Library, IG10 1HD. 01992 564226

MALDON

Thurs 30 May

Finding Alice

Based on the Lewis Carrol classic, with music, sing-a-longs and plenty of audience interaction! 3pm-4pm. £5/£7/£20 family (2 Child + 2 Adult). Museum Of Power, CM9 6QA.
0843 208 0628 www.dot-productions.co.uk

SOUTHEND ON SEA

1st & 2nd June

High School Musical

Stage version of Disney’s High School Musical film. Various times/prices. Palace Theatre 01702 351135

25th – 29th June

James and the Giant Peach

James is given a bag containing the strongest magic the world has ever known. When he accidentally spills it near an old peach tree, the most incredible things start to happen. Various times/prices. Palace Theatre 01702 351135

16th-18th Aug

The Gruffalo’s Child

One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s child ignores her father’s warning and tiptoes out into the snow. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he? Age: 3+. Various times/prices. Palace Theatre 01702 351135