Family theatre shows taking place in Kent over the Easter school holidays
Switch off the screens and introduce your children to the world of live theatre this Easter.
There are lots of original shows and childhood classics, from the Little Mermaid to the Wizard of Oz, being brought to life over the school holidays. Here are our top 10 picks…
DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE, Canterbury
Come face-to-face with ‘real life’ dinosaurs in this spectacular stage show. Audiences who dare to embark on the journey will be taken under the wing of an intrepid explorer who is keen to explore new territories. On their adventure, they stumble across a prehistoric world that is run by dinosaurs and must learn everything they can about these magnificent animals. The gigantic creatures come alive using incredible puppets and thunderous sound effects.
Details: Friday, March 31 to Sunday, April 2 at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury. Book online here or call 01227 787787.
FIREMAN SAM LIVE, Chatham
Take a trip to Pontypandy this Easter and help Fireman Sam save the day. When the circus comes to town, it doesn’t take long for chaos to unfold and, before you know it, there’s a tiger on the loose and faulty lights that need fixing, and it’s down to Fireman Sam to help get things back on track. It’s an action-packed adventure bursting with music, colour and fire-fighting fun.
Details: Saturday, April 1 at the Central Theatre, Chatham. Book online here or call 01634 338338.
THE CHRONICLES OF BUSTER BUNNY, Bromley
Join Buster Bunny and his grandson, Barnaby, on their latest Easter adventure in the Chronicles of Buster Bunny. The show, suitable for children aged 1-7 years and their families, features sing-along songs, an imaginative story and sensory sets that will bring this delightful tale to life.
Details: Monday, April 3 to Saturday, April 8 at the Churchill Theatre Studio, Bromley. Book online here or call 03433 100020.
THE LITTLE MERMAID, Maidstone
With a live action remake right around the corner, the story of the Little Mermaid is about to make a big splash - more than 30 years after the animated original. To get your kids excited for the new blockbuster, set to be released in May, the Hazlitt Theatre is putting on its own production of this underwater fairytale. With sing-along songs, lovable characters and a chance to meet Ariel after the show, this is one that Disney fans won’t want to miss.
Details: Wednesday, April 5 at the Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone. Book online here or call 01622 758611.
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS, Tunbridge Wells
The same team behind last year’s Wizard of Oz Easter show are returning to Tunbridge Wells for their newest spring panto. We all know the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, but this panto-style production tells the tale like never before with circus acts, choreography and music. There is also a chance for the audience to meet the characters and snap a selfie with Goldilocks after the show.
Details: Wednesday, April 5 at the Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells. Book online here or call 01892 678678.
CINDERELLA, Canterbury
Budding ballerinas and dashing dancers are sure to fall in love with this fairytale production. Let’s All Dance Ballet Company, an inclusive dance company that welcomes performers and audiences of all ages and abilities, has created its biggest show to date with Cinderella. The classic story will be told using beautiful choreography, stunning music and dazzling costumes, all made to enchant and delight young audiences.
Details: Thursday, April 6 at the Malthouse Theatre, Canterbury. Book online here or call 01227 287234.
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, Margate
Straight from the West End, from the team behind shows such as Elf, Chicago and Grease, comes family favourite, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Regency Productions have once again pulled out all the stops for this magical show, which includes old-school slapstick, musical classics and, of course, a jaw-dropping flying car.
Details: Thursday, April 6 to Easter Sunday at the Hall By the Sea in Dreamland, Margate. Book online here.
THE WIZARD OF OZ, Tenterden
Join Dorothy, Toto and the whole gang as they journey over the rainbow and along the yellow brick road this Easter. The springtime panto features a cast of colourful characters, including the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion, as well as upbeat music, hilarious jokes and bright scenery that will turn the black-and-white Kansas into a technicolour extravaganza.
Details: Thursday, April 6 to Easter Monday at the Sinden Theatre, Tenterden. Book online here or call 01580 763 826.
MILKSHAKE! LIVE, Dartford
Enjoy the look on your kids’ faces as they see the characters from their favourite TV show jump off the screen. Morning TV show Milkshake! has been adapted for the stage, with energetic presenters, entertaining puppets and lots of song and dance to get everyone up on their feet. There will be plenty of audience participation too, so your children will really feel like part of the show.
Details: Easter Sunday at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford. Book online here or call 03433 100033.
SLEEPING BEAUTY, Gravesend
Who says pantos are just for Christmas? Darling dame Mama G will be putting on the gladrags once again for an Easter panto and, this time, it’s Sleeping Beauty. Mama G will be joined by her Britain's Got Talent co-star Dame Dotty and Gravesend panto regular Lucy Reed for a side-splitting, toe-tapping production that is sure to have theatre-goers of all ages smiling.
Details: Tuesday, April 11 and Wednesday, April 12 at The Woodville, Gravesend. Book online here or call 01474 337500.
