Families NW London Jan/Feb 2019 WHAT's ON for Families!

What’s On

listings for all the family

Compiled by Anna Blackshaw

To promote your local event, coffee morning, nearly new sale, parenting courses or community group in the next What’s On listing (Mar/April 2019 issue) send your entry by 1 February 2019 Email Listings@FamiliesNWLondon.co.uk. Listings in this

section are FREE for most non-commercial ventures. Please check details of the events before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.

www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk for all our local weekly regular events. It’s updated every day!

JANUARY

Fri 11 – Sat 12 & Fri 25 – Sat 26 Jan - An Evening with the Stars (SE10) The popular after dark experience at the Royal Observatory Greenwich includes a show in London’s only public planetarium and the chance to look through the gigantic Great Equatorial Telescope at what the night sky has to offer. Plus, spend some time on the Greenwich Meridian with a hot drink, an amazing view and astronomers on hand to answer all your space-related questions. Ages 7+. www.rmg.co.uk

Sat 12 Jan - Painted Seas (E14) Be inspired by the different paintings in the collection at the Museum of London Docklands, and create your own marine watercolour paintings. www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands

Royal Museums Greenwich

Sat 12 - Sat 19 Jan - Puss in Boots (HA6) A family pantomime from the Arrow Players taking place at St. Edmund’s Hall, Pinner Road, Northwood HA6 1QS. www.arrowplayers.org.uk boxoffice@arrowplayers.org.uk

Sat 12 Jan – Sat 9 Feb – Cirque Du Soleil: Totem (SW7) Cirque du Soleil is delighted to announce that due to popular demand, its famous show TOTEM will return to the Royal Albert Hall in London in January 2019. On an island evoking the shape of a giant turtle, TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. Through a visual and acrobatic language, TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential. www.cirquedusoleil.com

Mon 14 Jan – Mon 18 Feb – Anger Management for Parents and Teens Together (HA1) A 6 week course at Hope Harrow which looks at improving both parent’s and teens’ understanding of anger and share tips and strategies on how to enhance relationships. 020 8863 7319 info@hopeharrow.org.uk www.hopeharrow.org.uk

Fri 18 – Sun 20 Jan - London Model Engineering Exhibition (N22) Go along to Alexandra Palace and see the full spectrum of modelling from traditional model engineering, steam locomotives and traction engines through to modern gadgets including trucks, boats, aeroplanes and helicopters. www.alexandrapalace.com

Sat 19 Jan - Feline Fables and Folktales (NW1) Listen, invent, write and perform stories in this playful family workshop at the British Library. Cats have stalked stories for hundreds of years – each one with a secret to share and tale to tell. Listen to cat folktales from around the world that show the different sides to these most mysterious of creatures – from the heroic and magical, to the downright naughty, you will meet them all! Free drop in, suitable for ages 5 – 11. www.bl.uk

Thu 24 Jan – Thu 21 Feb – Money Matters Course (HA1) This course is for every parent who feels they would like to spend less and try and save . If you would like to find out how to manage your household budget more effectively then this is the course for you. This 5 week programme aims to make the issue around money, engaging and fun. Parents have constant pressure on their finances, having to meet expectations and demands from their children. It’s not always easy to find the time and space to make the subject of money, and its challenges, part of family life and the children’s understanding. At Hope Harrow from 9.30-11.30am. 020 8863 7319 info@hopeharrow.org.uk www.hopeharrow.org.uk

Fri 25 Jan - Burns Night Ceilidh (SE10) Celebrate Burns Night in style with a ceilidh at Cutty Sark! Explore this historic tea clipper and then dance... Doors open 7pm. www.rmg.co.uk

Sat 26 Jan - Mum2mum Market Baby & Kids Nearly New Sale (HA3) Buy top quality preloved baby and children’s goods at a fraction of the high street price. All great brands in top condition. At Weald Rise Primary School, from 2-4pm. Entry is £2 on the door and everyone welcome. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk harrow@ mum2mummarket.co.uk

Sat 26 Jan - London Folktales for Children (EC2Y) Celebrate the launch of the book ‘London Folktales for Children’ with a magical day of storytelling, music and song at the Museum of London. Discover folktales from London’s past and present, sing London songs and explore what it means to be a Londoner through interactive storytelling sessions and performances. www.museumoflondon.org.uk

Sat 26 Jan - Big Fish Little Fish: Pirates Family Rave (E2) Set sail with the award winning, world famous Big Fish Little Fish crew as they bring their pioneering family rave to V&A Museum of Childhood for families with 0-8 year olds. Hop on board ye land lubber and dance together on a floor filled with bubbles, balloons, glitter and topped by the parachute dance! Get piratically crafty on the craft tables, enjoy some shore leave in the baby chill out or play areas. Fancy dress encouraged. www.vam.ac.uk/moc

Sat 26 Jan - Make Do and Mend (E14) Learn the technique of rug making as well as how and why many families in London would have put this skill to use at the Museum of London Docklands. www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-londondocklands

Sat 26 – Mon 28 Jan - The Big Garden Birdwatch (various) Get your garden ready - and be part of something HUGE! The Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s largest wildlife survey – all you need to do is register then count the birds you see in your garden or local park. ww2.rspb.org.uk

Mon 28 Jan - Holocaust Memorial Day: Torn From Home (HA5) People of every Faith or no Faith are invited to Harrow’s Holocaust Memorial Day Event to hear first-hand accounts of the Holocaust, the Rwandan Genocide and much more. At Harrow Arts Centre from 7-9pm. www.harrowarts.com

Thu 31 Jan – Thu 28 Mar – Effective Parenting Course (HA1) A 7 week programme at Hope Harrow, to help parents and carers learn practical communication skills for everyday life and to develop their abilities to bring up confident, co-operative and happy children. 020 8863 7319 info@hopeharrow.org.uk www.hopeharrow. org.uk

FEBRUARY

Fri 1 & Fri 23 Feb - Dino Snores for Kids (SW7) This unique sleepover gives kids aged 7 to 11 the chance to explore the Museum after dark while taking part in fun and educational activities.The night begins as you set up camp in one of the Museum’s spectacular galleries. Stalk the galleries as night descends and find T. rex in hidden in shadows. At midnight, it’s time to settle down to sleep. In the morning, breakfast is served bright and early and you’ll get to experience a live animal show before waving goodbye to the Museum when it opens to the public at 10.00. www.nhm.ac.uk

Sat 2 Feb – Lots for Tots Sale Uxbridge (UB8) Go along to this busy salewhere you can find great quality, secondhand baby and toddler equipment, clothes, toys and more at bargain prices. 10am-12pm at Brunel University. Entry £1, free parking. www.lotsfortotssale.co.uk

Sat 2 Feb - Hansel & Gretel – Community Event: a fairy-tale opera for all ages (HA5) Join Harrow’s excellent Trinity Orchestra with local singers and young dancers for a complete concert performance of the magical and well-known opera Hansel and Gretel held at the splendid Elliott Hall, Harrow Arts Centre at 7pm (with pre-show talk at 6.30pm). Composer Engelbert Humperdinck called it a fairy-tale opera, with the witty subject matter appealing to all ages: including a life-sized gingerbread house, a wicked witch and an enchanted forest. www.harrowarts.com 020 3773 7161

Sat 2 Feb - Day in the Life: The Household Cavalry (SW3) Discover more about the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and the role of horses in the Army in this day of talks, workshops and family activities at the National Army Museum. Meet serving soldiers from the Household Cavalry. Get a close-up look at their operational kit, ceremonial uniform, and weapons. Hear about how they care for their horses. And find out why their job is known as the best of both worlds. www.nam.ac.uk

Sat 2 Feb - Family Day: Anglo- Saxon Kingdoms (NW1) A family day at the British Library, inspired by the treasures, stories and adventurous journeys of the Anglo-Saxons. Travel back to the 5th century and explore the exhibition, Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms: Art, Word, War. Take part in hands-on creative workshops: help Beowulf slay a monster, design and make your own treasures and experience international Anglo-Saxon culture. www.bl.uk

Continued on page 18

Imagine Festival

Sat 2 – Sun 3 Feb - Chinese New Year (E14) Celebrate the Year of the Pig at this weekend long family festival in the heart of London’s original Chinatown at the Museum of London Docklands. Listen to classic Chinese folktales, learn how to ribbon dance, master martial arts moves, practice on some traditional percussion instruments and create beautiful artworks to take home. What better way to start the new year? www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands

Sun 3 Feb - Watford Half Marathon (WD18) Challenge yourself this February and take on 13.1 miles for Peace Hospice Care at Cassiobury Park. www.watfordhalf.co.uk

Sun 3 Feb - Cancer Research UK London Winter Run (WC2N) Conquer the cold this winter and run this iconic 10k through the closed-road streets of central London. Take in the Capital’s most stunning landmarks along the way, plus loads of wintery surprises, from an epic Snow Blast-Off to giant Snow Zones. Brave the elements in 2019 for an experience akin to the running equivalent of Winter wonderland, and raise vital funds to help beat cancer sooner! www.londonwinterrun.co.uk

Sat 9 Feb - Chinese New Year at the National Maritime Museum (SE10) Get into the spirit of Chinese New Year with colourful creative activities. Performance from Step Out Arts and the Shanghai Theatre Academy

from 2pm - 3pm. Family-friendly workshops will be running across the day, including crafts and a dragon dance workshop suitable for all ages! www.rmg.co.uk

Sun 10 Feb – Dawnosaurs (SW7) Dawnosaurs is a free event for children on the autism spectrum to enjoy the Museum with their families and siblings, free from the hustle and bustle of the general public. This event is best for children aged five to 15, and siblings are welcome. You can apply online for a place at Dawnosaurs three to four weeks before each event. Spaces are in high demand, and priority will be given to first-time attendees. www.nhm.ac.uk

Wed 13 Feb – Music Session (UB10) Have fun moving to music & playing instruments at Oak Farm Library from 10.15-11am. The session is run in partnership with Oak Farm Children Centre. Booking required, contact Oak Farm Library on 01895 556242. oakfarm-library@hillingdon.gov.uk

Wed 13-Sun 24 Feb - Southbank Centre’s Imagine Children’s Festival (SE1) Southbank Centre’s Imagine Children’s Festival returns for half term week. The biggest festival of its kind in London, Imagine Children’s Festival is run by kids for kids. From 13-24 February, it takes over the 17-acre site on the south bank of the River Thames for ten days of jampacked fun. Over fifty per cent of the programme is free, including the best children’s theatre, comedians, DJs, inspirational authors, family parties, activities and interactive fun for children aged 0-12 years and their families. www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Thu 14 Feb - A Valentine’s Evening with the Stars (SE10) Go and enjoy an evening of events at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, including a romantically themed planetarium show, a chance to look at the Moon through the 18-tonne Victorian telescope and spend some time in the Meridian Courtyard, standing on the Greenwich Meridian. The romantic stargazing sessions include a hot beverage each to stay warm under the stars. Ages 16+. www.rmg.co.uk

Thu 14 – Sun 17 Feb – VidCon London (E16) VidCon is the biggest festival for creators and influencers in the world and it is coming to London in February 2019! The festival is the place for kids and pre-teens to meet their favourite creators and YouTubers at the exCel, which will also play host to fan Q&As, panels, workshops and meet and greets. In a time where social media is becoming increasingly prominent in children’s lives, this event will show parents how different platforms can be used in a positive way and encourage confidence in young people. www.vidconlondon.com

FEBRUARY HALF TERM

Feb (Dates TBC) - February Frolics (AL4) There’s plenty of fleecy fun to be had at the February Frolics event at Willows Activity Farm. The cutest event of the year will consist of live lambing and activities that the whole family can enjoy. Keep an eye on the website for confirmation of dates. www.willowsactivityfarm.com

Sat 16 - Sun 17 Feb - Myths and Legends Family Festival (E14) To celebrate International Language Day on 21 February, the Museum of London Docklands invite you to join them for an adventure around the world as, for one weekend only, they become the Museum of Myths. Storytelling is common to all cultures and has long been a chance to bring people together, share wisdom and entertain. Hear traditional tales, watch captivating performances and take part in creative workshops at this vibrant family festival weekend. www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands

Sat 16 – Sat 23 Feb - Hunt the Hearts (HA4) A special Treasure Hunt taking place at Ruislip Manor Library. This will be running all day - just drop in! www.hillingdon.gov.uk

Sat 16 – Sun 24 Feb - February Half Term: Rainbow Week (SE10) Each February half term the National Maritime Museum celebrates LGBT history month. This year families can visit for a week of themed workshops drawing these stories out of the collection. Head to the website for details of workshops and dates. www.rmg.co.uk

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – credit Stephen Frak

Sat 16 – Sun 24 Feb - Styx, Stones & Roman Bones (EC2Y) Roman Londoner Claudia passed away over 1,800 years ago, and according to her beliefs, her soul should have crossed the River Styx to the Underworld long ago. For some reason, she’s still here! Can you help her find her way to where she belongs? Go along to the Museum of London to celebrate Claudia’s life with music and other Roman traditions in this interactive and sensory show aimed at families with children aged seven and above. www.museumoflondon.org.uk

Sat 16 – Sun 24 Feb - Giant Games for Little Soldiers (SW3) Step inside a life-size board game at the National Army Museum this February half-term and battle it out to see who wins. Take on the family-friendly tasks and complete First World War-themed challenges to be the first over the finish line. www.nam.ac.uk

Sat 16 – Sun 24 Feb - Family Cookery School (HP18) Have fun with the kids this half term at the Family Cookery School at Waddesdon Manor. Create a lunch, and take home a wonderful selection of sweet and savoury treats. This hands-on cookery class is run by the chefs in the Manor Restaurant and is designed to be fun and informal. Suitable for 7-11 year olds. All children must be accompanied by an adult. www.waddesdon.org.uk

Sat 16 – Sun 24 Feb - London Puddle Jumping Championships (SW13) Go along to WWT London for the London Puddle Jumping Championships this February half-term! Children of all ages are encouraged to grab their wellies and have fun jumping in puddles. Take your wellies and wet weather gear and come and have a splashing time! Puddle jumping is free with paid admission to the centre and free to WWT members. www.wwt.org.uk

Sun 17 – Sun 24 Feb – Half Term at the Museum of London Docklands (E14) Go along and join in the fun events planned at the Museum of London Docklands this Feb half term! Make peg dolls and pearly costumes, hear stories about the first Pearly King of East London, and become a star on the music hall stage. See website for further details. www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-londondocklands

Mon 18 – Wed 20 Feb - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (HA5) Perform’s three day drama, song and dance February half-term course for 4-10s. If travel broadens the imagination, imagine what a trip to Narnia can do. Watch your child go through the wardrobe with Susan, Peter, Edmund and Lucy as they battle the White Witch and cheer Aslan the Lion. With magical creatures, snowy landscapes and a triumphant royal victory, Narnia is the

Perform

perfect destination for the February half-term. What your child can enjoy: Three fun-packed full days of drama, dance and singing, Energetic friendly team of actors, dancers and musicians, Colourful performance on the last day for friends and family with original music and costumes, Personalised certificate of achievement for every child. —Orlagh absolutely loved it and didn’t want it to end. I was hugely impressed with the performance. Julie Dunford For ages 4-10 years. 10am to 3pm at Eastcote Methodist Church, Pamela Gardens, Eastcote, Pinner, HA5 2QU. T: 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/lion

Mon 18 Feb - ‘Five a day to help you play’ (UB4) A Healthy Heart Storytime with fruit tasting. At Hayes End Library from 10:30-11:30am. Suitable for the under 5’s and their families. 01895 277043 hayesend-library@ hillingdon.gov.uk

Mon 18 – Fri 22 Feb - Star Track (N9) This holiday camp at Lee Valley Athletics Centre offers budding athletes of 6 - 12 years expert tuition in a range of athletics skills. Run over a series of days the camps give kids the chance to test and improve their skills in all of the different athletics disciplines from hurdles to high jumps, sprints to javelin. www.visitleevalley.org.uk

Wed 20 Feb - Roman Mosaic Making (EC2Y) Help create a Roman mosaic based on the mosaic flooring in the Roman London gallery at the Museum of London. Stick on as many pieces as you like to the giant mosaic, or create a Roman-inspired paper mosaic bangle to take home. This session is designed for children under five and their parents or carers. www.museumoflondon.org.uk

Wed 20 – Fri 22 Feb - Amazing Animation Workshop (HA5) Take part in a fantastic three-day workshop with Gemma Burditt at Harrow Arts Centre, where you will develop artistic skills and make your own creative animation! Parents need not stay for the sessions! Tailored for children aged 7-12 Years Old. 1-4pm. www.harrowarts.com

Thu 21 Feb - Pre-Film Workshop: Make Your Own Rabbit (HA5) Join crafty extraordinaire Joni-Rae Carrack at Harrow Arts Centre and make your own warren of toilet roll rabbits to join Peter Rabbit and his gang! Cut out and decorate your own cheeky band of bunnies before scurrying off to watch Peter Rabbit on the big screen! Please Note: Pre-Film workshops are only for children who are also attending the Half Term Film: Peter Rabbit. £3, 10-10.45am. www.harrowarts.com

cardboard boxes and other materials to build a model of the East End and all the places that make this such a unique part of London. www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-londondocklands

Hansel and Gretel, Trinity Orchestra ©James Burwell

Thu 21 Feb - Half Term Film: Peter Rabbit (HA5) Showing at Harrow Arts Centre, Peter Rabbit, the mischievous and adventurous hero who has captivated generations of readers, now takes on the starring role of his own irreverent, contemporary comedy with attitude. 11am - 12:45pm, £4. www.harrowarts.com

Fri 22 Feb - Games To Get You Moving for Children and Parents (HA4) Giant snakes and ladders, hoola hoop, hop scotch and more. At Ruislip Manor Library from 2.15-3.15pm. www.hillingdon.gov.uk

Fri 22 Feb - Pre-Film Workshop: Circus Puppets (HA5) Roll up! Roll up! Make your own fantastic circus performer split pin puppet with arts and crafts Ringmaster Joni-Rae

Carrack at Harrow Arts Centre. Will you make a clown, an acrobat, a dancer or a juggler? Or maybe your own unique act? Then step right up to this wonderful mini-movie workshop! Please Note: Pre-Film workshops are only for children who are also attending the Half Term Film: The Greatest Showman Singalong. 10-10,45am, £3. www.harrowarts.com

Fri 22 Feb - Half Term Film: The Greatest Showman Singalong (HA5) Enjoy the smash hit musical that everyone can’t stop singing, on the big screen at Harrow Arts Centre! Experience the story of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation, with lyrics on the screen so you can join in as loud as you want. 11am-1pm, £4. www.harrowarts.com

Sat 23 Feb - Morning Explorers: Exploring Roman London (EC2Y) Explore the Museum of London at this relaxed early opening, sensitive to the needs of children with autistic spectrum conditions. The galleries will be open exclusively to Morning Explorer families from 8.30-10am, alongside activities for the whole family such as object handling, arts and crafts sessions, and a sensory space. Families can also book onto a relaxed performance of the half term family show ‘Styx, Stones & Roman Bones’, which will take place at 10am. www.museumoflondon.org.uk

Sat 23 Feb - Mapping the East End (E14) The East End is a vibrant area of London full of warehouses, docks, and historic buildings with links to the city’s past. Go along to the Museum of London Docklands and use

MARCH

Sat 9 - Sun 10 Mar - Families Find Out: Inventions (EC2Y) How have inventions shaped the London of today? And what would you invent to change the future? Get curious with scientists from Imperial College London and be inspired by science and technology in this extravaganza of inventionthemed activities at the Museum of London. This festival is part of British Science Week. www.museumoflondon. co.ukCheekiMonkeysRickmansworthandWatford www.cheekimonkeys.co.uk

What’s On Children’s Theatre

We couldn’t fit them all in! More online www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk Compiled by Anna Blackshaw

We aim to be as accurate as possible, but these listings are compiled several weeks beforehand and may be subject to change. Please check with the venue directly before setting out.

The Alban Arena

Civic Centre, St Albans 01727 844488 www.alban-arena.co.uk

Tue 19 Feb - The Amazing Bubble Man Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences worldwide for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. Louis explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized. From square bubbles to rocket bubbles, tornado bubbles to flying saucer bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages.

Artsdepot

5 Nether Street, North Finchley, N12 020 8369 5454 www.artsdepot.co.uk

Sat 16 - Thu 21 Feb - We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Join the intrepid family of adventurers and their musical dog on a quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud! Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes, plenty of adventure and a few surprises along the way.Based on the muchloved book picture by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, this mischievous celebration of play is the perfect treat for families. Ages 3+

Fri 22 Feb - Pub Quiz for Kids Hosted by one of the UK’s favourite stand-ups, this quiz goes where no quiz has gone before. Story knowledge, family film and TV music rounds mix with the mystery round where we know the questions but only one person can know the answer. And that person’s in the audience. Confused? So are we! Fantastic fun for the whole family together. Prepare for quick-fire competition, lots of laughs and very few prizes. Ages 5+

Sun 24 Feb - The Amazing Bubble Man Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences worldwide for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. Louis explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized. From square bubbles to rocket bubbles, tornado bubbles to flying saucer bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages. Ages 4+

The Beck Theatre

Grange Road, Hayes. 020 8561 8371 www.becktheatre.org.uk

Tue 22 - Sat 26 Jan - Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors & Awful Egyptians We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare yourselves for two amazing shows with Horrible Histories live on stage! Using actors and ground-breaking 3D special effects, these two astounding shows are guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips!

Chickenshed

Chase Side Southgate N14. 020 8292 9222 www.chickenshed.org.uk

Fri 18 Jan – Fri 8 Mar - Planet Play Spring Season Welcome to Planet Play, a magical world of sensory learning, wonder and exploration, for babies and toddlers aged 0-3 years. These 45 minute sessions will encourage young children to develop and explore the world around them through song, music, movement and a truly sensory experience.

Fri 18 Jan – Sat 9 Mar - Tales from the Shed Spring Season Vibrant, interactive theatre shows, perfect for young children. Informal, lively and amazingly engaging as the performers and audience share the same space - children are always encouraged to make a lot of noise and to make the story happen. It is guaranteed that every show will be fun, really silly and that there will be plenty of colourful puppets and live songs. Ages 0-6 yrs

Harrow Arts Centre

Hatch End HA5 0208 416 8989 www.harrowarts.com

Sat 2 Feb - Hansel and Gretel Join Harrow’s own Trinity Orchestra with local singers and dancers for a complete concert performance of the magical and wellknown opera. Composer Engelbert Humperdinck called it a fairy-tale opera, with the witty subject matter appealing to all ages: a life-sized gingerbread house, a wicked witch and an enchanted forest. His score wonderfully depicts the famous Brothers Grimm story with beautiful melodies, catchy folk tunes and sumptuous orchestration.

Mon 18 – Tue 19 Feb - Pinocchio Immersion Theatre are thrilled to present a brand new, larger-than-life musical adaptation of the much-loved classic, Pinocchio! Based on Carlo Collodi’s fantastical children’s book, this magical story leaps off the page and onto the stage in a vibrant re-telling of Pinocchio’s extraordinary adventures. Packed with comedy, audience interaction, and a completely original score guaranteed to have you singing along from start to finish, this high energy musical promises to be the perfect treat for the whole family.

Little Angel Theatre

14 Dagmar Passage, Cross St, N1 020 7226 1787 www.littleangeltheatre.com

Fri 8 Feb – Sun 7 Apr - Prince Charming It’s a lot of pressure being Prince Charming. There’s all those dragons to fight and kingdoms to save, not to mention being charming all the time. It’s enough to make anyone a little worried. Holed up in his bed, Prince Charming is making a list of his worries – from being struck by lightning or getting stuck in quicksand to the problem of his unfortunate name. Somebody needs to come to our Prince’s rescue. This new musical is funny, endearing and suitable for anyone who’s ever felt a bit anxious. Ages 6 – 11 yrs

Mon 18 – Tue 19 Feb - The Boy and the Mermaid On the farthest edge of a wind-battered rock there sits a small fishing town. Sometimes it feels like the town is on the edge of the world. That’s mainly because it is. The Boy lives with his Grandma, forbidden from venturing beyond the shore, but the tall tales of the monsters in the deep only whet his appetite – he stares at the ocean and dreams. Can one unlikely friendship save the Town On The Sea from catastrophe? Join three shanty-singing fishermen as they weave a fishy tale of musical merfolk, menacing monsters and spectacularly bad town planning. 5 – 11 yrs

Wed 20 – Sun 24 Feb - 3 Little Pig Tails A brand new version of the classic story of the three little pigs set in Paris. A grumpy old wolf is a chef who wants some pigs’ tails for his soup. Will the little pigs outwit the wolf and what kind of house will they build? A funny, warmhearted and interactive rustic tale to make you squeal with laughter, bristling with puppets, live music and lots of joining in. Ages 3 – 8 yrs

22 Families North West London familiesonline.co.uk

Lyric Theatre

Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES 0844 482 9674 www.nimaxtheatres.com

Until Sun 13 Jan - Room on the Broom Live Join the witch and her cat on their mission to defeat the dragon in Tall Stories magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The witch and her cat are flying happily on their broomstick when they pick up a helpful dog, bird and frog for a ride. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and ‘CRACK’ it snaps in two! Enjoy songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged three and up in the Olivier Award nominated show.

Natural History Museum

Cromwell Road London SW7 www.nhm.ac.uk www.thewiderearth.com

Until Sun 24 Feb – The Wider Earth The critically acclaimed drama about the young Charles Darwin’s expedition on HMS Beagle is currently playing at the custom-built theatre in the Jerwood Gallery at London’s Natural History Museum, and has extended its run until 24 February 2019. Featuring a cast of seven, and 30 extraordinary hand-crafted puppets representing the exotic wildlife Darwin encountered, The Wider Earth is an ingenious coming-of-age story which celebrates the incredible complexity of our planet and Darwin’s adventurous spirit as he faced perilous environments and unknown dangers on his bold voyage.

Pump House

Lower Watford High Street, Watford WD17 01923 241 362 www.pumphouse.info

Wed 20 – Sat 23 Feb - The Jungle Book Kids Performed by the Rickmansworth Players Junior Theatre, the “man cub” Mowgli, bounds through the jungle and learns what it means to be human in Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS. Specially adapted from the classic Disney animated film and the works of Rudyard Kipling, the jungle is jumpin’ with a jazzy beat featuring a host of colourful characters and favourite songs from the movie.

Wed 20 – Sat 23 Feb - High School Musical Jnr Disney Channel’s smash hit movie musical comes to life at The Pump House in Disney’s High School Musical Jnr. Troy , Gabriella and the students of East High must deal with issues of love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extra curricular activities. The show’s infectious, danceable songs are sure to entertain audiences young and old. Performed by Rickmansworth Players Youth Theatre.

Puppet Theatre Barge

Little Venice W9 (During the summer the Barge is at Richmond, TW10) 020 7249 6876 www.puppetbarge.com

Sat 9 Feb - Sun 24 Mar - The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse These two famous mouse cousins take it in turns to visit one another. First the Town Mouse goes to stay with the County Mouse and has to face up to the unfamiliar world of the wild countryside. Then, the Country Mouse heads into town and has to learn to escape from the house cat and navigate the noisy city traffic. Each mouse ends up much the wiser as a result of their exciting adventures. A delight for young and old, told with rod puppets, music and sing- along songs.

The Radlett Centre

1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, WD7 01923 859291 www.radlettcentre.co.uk

Sat 16 Feb - The Amazing Bubble Man Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences worldwide for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. Louis explores the breath-taking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation

and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized. From square bubbles to rocket bubbles, tornado bubbles to flying saucer bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages.

Wed 20 Feb - The Little Mermaid The story follows the dreams of a young girl who believes there is a better life for her out of the water. Will she be prepared to give up everything? Is it really better out of the water? Who knows? But of course there’s a handsome prince, an evil baddie, a funny side kick and bucket loads of laughs along the way. With stunning scenery, eye catching costumes, original songs plus up to date chart songs, not forgetting loads of audience participation, this show makes for a thoroughly entertaining family day out. Ages 4-10 yrs

Unicorn Theatre

147 Tooley Street, SE1. 020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com

Sat 2 Feb – Sun 10 Mar - It’s Hot, It’s Not Why is it that sometimes I’m hot but you’re cold? Why are there puddles and sometimes not? How can it be sunny and rainy all at once and also not at all? And if it’s summer here, why is it winter there? Reckless Sleepers is an extraordinary company who make work between visual art, dance and theatre. This surreal, funny and carefully crafted physical performance explores the weather in all its forms and takes delight in discovering the world anew and how we experience it differently, wherever we are. Ages 2-5 yrs

Watersmeet

High St, Rickmansworth WD3 01923 711 063 www.watersmeet.co.uk

Thu 17 - Sat 19 Jan - RARE Productions presents: Hairspray It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire -- to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power

Bing! Live

to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network, all without denting her ‘do!

Watford Colosseum

Rickmansworth Road Watford WD17 0845 075 3993 www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

Sat 9 – Sun 10 Feb - Bing! Live Join Bing, Sula, Coco and Pando as they find out how to tell stories by pretending, dressing-up and singing songs. Flop and Amma are there to help, but in this magical world of make-believe things don’t always go according to plan… Don’t miss the chance to see your little one’s face as their favourite characters are brought to life in this brand-new show. Full of fun, laughter and music, Bing Live! is the perfect first theatre trip for pre-schoolers and their families.

Winston Churchill Theatre

Pinn Way Ruislip HA4 01895 250615 www.hillingdontheatres.uk

Thu 17 – Sun 20 Jan - Treasure Island The Argosy Players present a voyage into fun-filled pantomime mayhem! Long John Silver and his fearsome crew may think that treasure is within their grasp, but they’ve reckoned without the ladies of the Smuggler’s Cove Women’s Institute! Filled with mischief, custard pies, songs and laughter, this is a voyage into panto mayhem that Argosy Players do not want you to miss!