Families London East Issue 64 November/December 2011

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Issue 64 November/December 2011

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Families East Magazine • P.O. Box 2358, Ilford, Essex IG1 8BD • Tel: 07766 705655 www.familiesonline.co.uk • Email: editor@familieseast.co.uk • Printed by Bishops • Tel: 02392 334900 Designed by: www.sambrannangraphicdesigner.com • Front Cover: © creativeportraitdesign.co.uk

Families East has 10 tickets to giveaway for readers to see the Ideal Home at Christmas show

Competition winners from last issue: BINTM Winners - Ellie Marsh, Ilford, Paula Hardy, South Woodford, Bethany Lamb, Barkingside, Sonia Ejaz, Ilford, Mrs Parmar, Chigwell, Essex, Manisha Shah, Pinner, Jernine BradshawMurray, IG2, Alexandra de Sousa, E11, Mrs May, Ilford, Stella Fehmi, Buckhurst Hill. Numberjacks Winners - Sarah-Jane Smith, Hackney, Brinda Varatharajan, Hornchurch. Organised Mum Family Weekly Planner winners - Mrs Parmar, Chigwell, Elizabeth James, Walthamstow, Rita Nancy, Stratford, Margie Heath, Leytonstone, Geeta Rani Kaur, Leyton, Claudine Hilton, E11

The Nation’s favourite home event is launching its first ever Ideal Home Show at Christmas at London’s Earls Court, this November and we’ve got 10 pairs of tickets for you to WIN! For 5 days from the Wed 16th – Sun 20th Nov 2011, the Ideal Home Show at Christmas will have over 400 exhibitors and bring more home ideas, DIY advice and interior inspiration to make every aspect of your home perfect this winter. It includes six dedicated sections; Ideal Home Improvements, Ideal Interiors, Christmas Gadgets, Christmas Food & Drink, Christmas Gifts & Decorations and Christmas Health & Beauty all in time for the festive season.

There will also be a series of themed room sets that offer advice on how to dress and style your home.

To be in with a chance to WIN, simply answer:

Where is this year ‘s Ideal Home Show at Christmas being held?

Send your answers by email to competitions@familieseast.co.uk or post to our address. Closing date for entries: 13th Nov 2011. Otherwise book tickets on 0844 209 7330 or visit http://www.idealhomeshowchristmas.co.uk/ for more info.

Enchanted Portraits Ideal Christmas gifts!

Call 07877 226452 email creativeportraitdesign@gmail.com or visit creativeportraitdesign.co.uk for more information.

Copyright and Disclaimer: We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences. Any original material submitted for publication is sent at owner’s own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families® nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families® is one of a group of magazines established in 1990. It is a Families® franchise independently owned and operated under licence by Lesley Bishop.

E17 Designers’ Market –Twice as good this Christmas E17 Designers’ Market are holding two fairs this November at the Asian Centre in Orford Road so there’s twice the delights. Go along and discover some unique and individual presents; whether that’s a hand stitched leather watch strap in your own choice of colour or a print from a local artist, that can be framed at your local frame shop? Other gift ideas include ceramic mugs with your favourite hand-drawn dog, jewellery for all pockets, mixed in with upcycled

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clothes, bags, bits and bobs for all shapes, sizes and ages.

Just £1 buys you a funky badge, £10 a hand stamped “Awesomestow” leather key-ring from Sabel, and £15 a pair of silver earrings with semi precious gems so whatever your budget you can find delightful presents for loved ones – and don’t forget to indulge yourself!

The ‘E17 Neighbourhood Quilt’ is on display from the E17 Art Trail 2011, also enjoy some delicious treats at Suzie’s Kitchen for cakes, the Round Hearth for speciality jams

and chutneys, and French-Made for gorgeous gift packed macaroons.

It’s held over two consecutive days with different designers on each day.

FRI 25TH NOV, 7-10PM With music from fiddler and guitarist Andy Green and Tom Lynch. Entry £2 – includes a drink and the chance to win E17 Designers’ goody bags! (Keep your ticket for £1 entry on Saturday.)

Local News SAT 26TH NOV, 2-6PM Their second seasonal market features The Singing Room choir.

Entry £2 – includes a drink and the chance to win a goody bag!t E17 Designers’ Market held at The Asian Centre, 18a Orford Road, Walthamstow, E17 9LN

November/December 2011 Families East | 3

Bring the family to Rich Mix this Winter 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA • www.richmix.org.uk As usual Rich Mix has a wonderful variety of family events and activities available in the run-up to Christmas. Here’s a listing of upcoming events.

Wiggly Jigglers Mon 7 Nov, Mon 5 Dec & Mon 19 Dec / 1pm- 3pm/£3 / Ages 0 - 2 Creative Movement for Babies and Toddlers. In partnership with Little Oaks Children’s Centre. Children are full of life and leave us in no doubt that they need to move, and that we need plenty of energy to keep up with them. At these creative movement sessions they will get the space, the freedom and the time to move in ways that support their development, and that stimulate their imaginations. These sessions are led by Jasmine Pasch, movement practitioner.

The Magician’s Daughter

and written by former Children’s Laureate Michel Rosen. *Tower Hamlets residents pay £4 – just show your Tower Hamlets Idea Store or Tower Hamlets Library membership card and some form of identification when purchasing tickets at the Box Office.

Family Art Workshop: Make your own Travel Accessory Sat 12 Nov/1pm – 3pm/FREE Would you like to make your own unique travel accessory?

It could be a suitcase name-tag, an Oyster card holder or a passport cover. Children and parents will work with textile experts from the local Heba Women’s Project to make travel accessories using a range of fabrics and embellished with embroidery beads, buttons and sequins. Families will learn skills such as flower making, blanket stitching and decorative sewing with buttons and beads.

Idea Store Storytelling Sat 12 Nov/2pm – 3pm/FREE/Ages 0 – 5 At every Snapshot Festival the Idea Store will bring storytelling sessions to Rich Mix. So come and listen to classic tales and exciting new stories, and explore the world of sound and rhyme through our interactive story time sessions. Let’s bring to life the wonderful world of books through storytelling and music.

The Magician’s Daughter Sat 12 Nov/11am & 2pm/£5/Ages 3 - 6 The rain won’t stop. Isabella just wants to go out and play but the storm rages, and now it is time for bed.

Her mother Miranda tells amazing stories of her time on an island, with her father Prospero and the comical creatures Ariel and Caliban. With puppetry and song.

Little Angel Theatre brings their new show to Rich Mix in this story inspired by Shakespeare’s story of The Tempest

StoryCraft with Apples and Snakes Mon 14 Nov, Mon 12 Dec & Mon 19 Dec/1.30pm – 2.30pm/£2/Ages 2 - 5 StoryCraft Workshops are engaging, interactive and fun and will fire your child’s imagination. Led by a different storyteller or poet every month the sessions are aimed children aged 2-5. They encourage families to enjoy stories together in an active and fun way using puppets and percussion instruments; stories are animated with singing and a hands-on craft activity. Group bookings from nurseries and children’s centres welcome.

Barkingside 020 8503 9272 Chingford 020 8524 7417 Dagenham 020 8599 8090 East Ham 020 8472 0465 Goodmayes 020 8598 9922 4 | Families East November/December 2011

Kid’s Film Fun Workshops Sun 20 Nov/1.30pm – 3pm/£4/£5.50 inc. Kid’s Cine Time screening Extend the fun after a visit to Kids’ Cine Time by joining our hugely popular film-making workshops where children have the opportunity to make their own short animated films. Sessions include experimenting with editing, learning about stop-motion animation, sound effects and more. At Kids’ Cine Time you can enjoy a collection of films for all the family every Saturday and Sunday at 12pm (11am on Kids’ Film Fun Workshop days). Tickets are £1.50 per person and the film programme can be found on the Kids’ Cine Time page.

The Snow Dragon Sat 26 Nov/11am & 2pm/£5 per person/Ages 3- 10 Billy has everything a young goat could need – and more besides. On New Year’s Eve, Billy’s parents tell him about the legendary Snow Dragon, who will bring him even more goodies during the night. But when Billy bumps into some The Snow Dragon wolves in the woods, New Year’s Day seems a long way off. Find out how Billy escapes – and whether the Snow Dragon will bring him a present. Has Billy been naughty or nice? Brought to you by By Tall Stories with storytelling, comedy and songs to create a magical, mysterious world for everyone aged 3 and up, from the company that brought you The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom. *Tower Hamlets residents pay £4 – just show your Tower Hamlets Idea Store or Tower Hamlets Library membership card and some form of identification when purchasing tickets at the Box Office.

Hornchurch

01708 471687

Loughton

020 8508 2090

South Woodford 020 8530 3773 Walthamstow

020 8223 1205 www.familieseast.co.uk

Christ masFun!

Christmas is a special time for most people regardless of religious beliefs. So Families East have put together some ideas to inspire you and make the most of the break by spending quality time with family, friends and kids.

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Did you know..?

is for Celebrations - pick up the phone, get together and share a meal! If you need to post presents abroad visit royalmail.com/ greetings for more information about the recommended last posting dates.

...that a total of 678.9 million Christmas cards were sold in the UK in 2008.

That’s a lot of recycling!

Cards – rather than wasting paper, time and money think

green and send a virtual Christmas card this year. Visit jibjab. com/eCards where you can make personalised e-Cards.

Carrot – get the kids to leave one out for Rudolf - it’s lovely creating family traditions!

Chinese New Year – is on 23rd January with 2012 being the Year of the Dragon. It’s a great free day out in central London with events in Leicester Square, Chinatown and Trafalgar Square, mainly taking place on Sun 29th Jan. For more information visit chinatownlondon.org

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is for Relax – A Ragdale Hall gift voucher would be the perfect Christmas present. Available in monetary amounts from £25 or for days or overnight breaks, they are the ideal Christmas gift.

Ragdale Hall - OutsideThermal Pool

Reindeer – why not take the opportunity to see some. There will be reindeer in Covent Garden every Sat in Dec. Check before you venture out on 0207 240 5781.

Recycle – wrapping paper makes up a huge 10,000ton burden in landfill every year. Why not try abandoning wrapping paper – it’s expensive and hard to recycle - and instead wrap presents in fabric, old posters or recycled wrapping paper and tie gifts up with string or ribbon to create something truly special.

Charity – a whole range of charities have special product and gift ideas, like Oxfam, by buying them you know your money is going to a good cause too. Buy safe water for 10 people for £9!

For ideas Oxfam.org.uk/Unwrapped is for Handmade presents – put some thought into it and try to make a few presents and save yourself money. How about making some biscuits, planting some Hyacinths in a pot or knitting a scarf!

Hot chocolate with marshmallows – it’s cold and the kids love it!

Humble – remember not to get carried away by spending too much on the kids. They will have fun anyway being off school and with you.

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I S

is for Ice rinks – they offer a great activity for all the family to enjoy and have become really popular. Did you know you can burn between 380-570 calories from an hour of ice-skating? If you haven’t tried it before give it a go, it’s great fun and at Broadgate Ice Rink in the city you can just turn up with no need to book!

is for Shows - take a look through the magazine as we have a fantastic selection of pantomimes and family shows to entertain you over the Christmas period.

Support your local theatre by taking the family to a pantomime with tickets often not as expensive as you might think with special offers available. Catch up with Cinderella at Queens Theatre in Hornchurch, Aladdin at Broadway Theatre in Barking, Cinderella at Theatre Royal Stratford East in Stratford and The Gruffalo at The Lyric, Shaftesbury Avenue.

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is for Toys – according to a recent UNICEF survey, children most enjoy spending time with parents and siblings and taking part in creative and outdoor activities so choose toys that encourage family interaction and help develop new skills. Board games, puzzles and family games all help build confidence. Plus think about buying rechargeable batteries and charger to go with any electrical gifts. You save money over time and are up to 32 times greener than normal batteries.

Tree - did you know you can rent a real Christmas tree rather than buy one and after Christmas they collect your tree and return it to the ground? You can find out more at thelittletreecompany.com. Also some local councils offer a recycling service where they collect your tree (after Epiphany) and compost it.

Traditional - take a step back in time to experience a Dickensian Christmas at Kentwell Hall in the beautiful countryside of Suffolk. It’s only around a 90mins drive from east London and is a superb day out. Taking you back to the age of Charles Dickens, you will meet a Victorian family in their magnificent country house preparing for Christmas. See how they decorated their house, experience the upstairs/ downstairs life of those in service who looked after the Victorian family, hear Mr Charles Dickens read “A Christmas Carol”, be entertained at a Victorian music hall, visit the shops in a re-created Dickens Square, take luncheon or tea in the tearooms, learn to make Victorian style decorations and crackers, even visit probably the best Father Christmas in the region (maybe because he’s Finnish).

Kentwell Hall, Long Melford, Suffolk, CO10 9BA www.kentwell.co.uk

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Kentwell Hall

Did you know..?

is for Marvellous mums who make Christmas so special for everyone else!

Music - look for free concerts in our Out & About section.

Museums at Christmas can be a great place to visit when the children are off school.

Markets – most of London’s regular

...Christmas in Medieval times was often host to a popular game named “Hot Cockles”. The game involved a blindfolded person being beaten by other players, in turn. Then the beaten blindfolded person had to guess the name of the abuser! This game was still played up until Victorian times.

markets put on something special for Christmas. You can buy your Christmas tree from Columbia Market and then visit the shops there – usually only open on Sundays – will welcome shoppers on Wed evenings (5pm - 9pm) on y30th Nov and then 7th, 14th & 21st Dec. Or head south for the sweet smells of Borough Market for a very special turkey and all the trimmings.

Mince pies – why not get the kids to make their own! You just need to buy pastry and mincemeat and let them get on making a mess in the kitchen. Santa will love a pie whatever!

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is for Activities - get out and enjoy some fresh air and work off all that extra food you’ve eaten. We have so many amazing places to visit on our doorstep, maybe a walk in Epping Forest or a stroll along London’s South Bank from Tower Bridge to the London Eye, or visit one of our many wonderful parks.

Advent calendar

- these date back to at least the beginning of the 19th century. Kids love the excitement of counting down to Christmas Day and you can create your own personal one with Fotoinsight.

This online photo service lets you print a digital photograph onto a advent calendar with 24 little milk chocolate balls in festive wrapping for £9.99.

Check out fotoinsight.co.uk/calendarschocolate-advent-calendar

Did you know..? ...The first commercial Christmas card was invented in 1846 by Sir Henry Cole, the chief organiser of the Great Exhibition, pioneer of the penny post and founder of the V&A Museum.

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is for Shopping! Take the stress out of walking around the shops and see what’s available online. If you know what you are looking for it’s an ideal way to shop. Don’t forget your local toyshops, they have a great range of toys and gifts you won’t find on the high street. Try The Hop Shop (Hackney), Toy Box (Hackney), Toyology (Barkingside), LITTLE GEMS (Hackney), Sid & Evies (South Woodford), With Love and Hope (Loughton), and EDUFANTASTIC (Walthamstow).

Stockings – try Hawkins Bazaar on www.hawkin.com.

Santa – why not visit his grotto at the Museum of London? Or try their fantastic alternative – Scrooge’s Grotto. “Bah! Humbug!” Meet old Ebenezer Scrooge and share your festive grievances, or try to cheer him up to win a late Christmas gift. There will also be an opportunity to have a picture taken with the infamous Christmas grouch.

Did you know..? ...The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe gets its roots from Scandinavia where mistletoe was a symbol of friendship and peace. It is a tradition to hide trinkets in Christmas puddings for someone to find as a way to predict your years fortune.

A coin means wealth will come, a ring means you will marry and a button means you will stay a bachelor.

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is for FOOD! Oh the possibilities are endless – too many to mention! Put a spin on your Christmas fare with some lovely vegetarian options at vegsoc.org/christmas

Unusual & unique – have a look at the “The Duckie Market” at The Barbican in our Out & About section. A fresh alternative to the high street!

New Year! Another chance to celebrate! Have you got any New Year resolutions? nd for a little bit of fun check A out the Christmassy toilet rolls at thedesignertoiletrollcompany.com/

Here are some facts about Christmas and its origins Where do we get the name of Santa Claus?

The name “Santa Claus” is an adaptation of the original Dutch word, Sinterklaas, meaning Saint Nicholas. Nicholas was Bishop of Myra during the 4th century, in what is now modern day Turkey. Amongst his saintly attributes, he was noted for the care of children, generosity, and the giving of gifts. The last one would depend on the behaviour of the children during the past year as to whether they deserved a gift or not.

Christmas celebrations through the ages Up to the middle ages Christmas was celebrated as a public festival that incorporated the use of ivy, holly and other evergreens in decorating. It was a gift-giving occasion and was usually between people with legal relationships, such as tenant and landlord. The annual indulgence in eating, dancing, singing, sporting, and card playing escalated in England. King Richard II hosted a Christmas feast in 1377 at which twenty-eight oxen and three hundred sheep were eaten. The Yule boar was a common feature of medieval Christmas feasts.

Carol singing also became popular, and was originally a group of dancers who sang. By the 17th century the Christmas season featured lavish dinners, elaborate masques and pageants.

Oliver Cromwell was an English military and Puritan leader who temporarily overthrew the English monarchy. He believed it was his mission to cleanse the country of decadence. He enforced an Act of Parliament banning Christmas celebrations in 1644. Christmas was regarded by the Puritans as a wasteful festival that threatened core Christian beliefs. Consequently all activities relating to Christmas, including attending mass, were forbidden.

Not surprisingly, the ban was hugely unpopular and many people continued to celebrate Christmas secretly.

How did it become popular again?

We owe its revival and popularity down to the Victorians, in particular Prince Albert and Charles Dickens were seen as influential in re-establishing the Christmas we enjoy today. In 1843, Charles Dickens wrote the novel “A Christmas Carol”. Its instant popularity played a major role in portraying Christmas as a season with emphasis on family, goodwill, and compassion which helped to revive the ‘spirit’ of Christmas as epitomised in his book with the prominent phrase of “Merry Christmas”.

Why a Christmas tree?

The custom of having a Christmas tree was came originally from Germany due to Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, and then more successfully by Prince Albert, who made much of Christmas and introduced several other traditions from his native Germany. In 1832 a young Queen Victoria wrote about her delight at having a Christmas tree, hung with lights, ornaments, and presents placed round it.

8 | Families East November/December 2011

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Out & About THEATRE, CONCERTS & FILMS BARBICAN

Silk St, EC2Y 8DS 020 7638 8891 www.barbican.org.uk Duckie – Copyright Christmas Sat 10 Dec – Sat 31 Dec 4pm 7.30pm 9.30pm £19.99 Capitalism is collapsing and the criminal economy is taking over... so let’s go shopping! In an age when we know the Katie Price of everything and the value of nothing, this rollicking good romp asks: Does Christmas mean more than shopping?

Theatre-Rites – Mojo

Fri 16 Dec – Sat 31 Dec 12 noon 7pm £15 (under 16yrs half price) Set your imagination free with this celebratory show. In an enchanting new presentation for families, a riot of dance, puppetry and music takes us on a spectacular journey through the magic and mayhem of growing up Family Film Club Discover a world of film together with your family every Saturday morning at the Barbican. Membership is free, and you can join via the website

BLOOMSBURY THEATRE

15 Gordon St, WC1H 0AH 020 7388 8822 www.thebloomsbury.com The Nutcracker Fri 9 Dec 7pm, Sat 10 Dec & Sun 11 Dec 2.30pm & 5.30pm £20/£15 A stunning ballet, performed by 120 talented children from the West London School of Dance. This traditional tale portrays the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a child, to the muchloved music of Tchaikovsky The Firework Maker’s Daughter Wed 14 Dec - Sat 17 Dec 10.30am 1.30pm 2.30pm (see website as times vary) £19.50/£14.50 Family £64 Philip Pullman’s brilliant and inspiring story about Lila, whose dreams of becoming a firework-maker are dashed when her father tells her it’s no job for a girl…

BROADWAY THEATRE

Broadway, Barking IG11 7LS 020 8507 5607 www.thebroadwaybarking.com Aladdin Wed 30 Nov – Sat 31 Dec 10.30am 12 noon 1.30pm 6.30pm (see website as times vary) Peak £15/£12 Family £50 Other shows £14/£11 Family £46 A pantomime treat with new family friendly times introduced to make it even easier for the whole family to enjoy.

GENESIS CINEMA

93-95 Mile End Rd, Whitechapel, E1 4UJ Book online www.genesis-cinema. co.uk or call 0870 060 6061 Baby changing facilities available, space for prams, buggies and free car parking – call to reserve Parent and Baby Screenings Weds 11am £5 2 Nov - We Need To Talk About Kevin

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9 Nov - Ides Of March 16 Nov - Rum Diary 23 Nov - Twilight - Breaking Dawn 30 Nov - 50/50 Weekend Fun for Kids at 11am £2 5 & 6 Nov - Dolphin Tale 12 & 13 Nov - Tin Tin 19 & 20 Nov – The Lion King 26 & 27 Nov - Arthur Christmas

HACKNEY EMPIRE THEATRE

291 Mare St, E8 1EJ 020 8985 2424 www.hackneyempire.co.uk Cinderella Sat 26 Nov – Sun 8 Jan (see website as times vary) £27.50-£9.50 Join beautiful Cinderella, two hideous Ugly Sisters, one seriously mean stepmother, one huge pumpkin, a glitzy palace ball and lots of very cute mice.

The perfect family treat for Christmas HALF MOON THEATRE 43 White Horse Rd, E1 0ND 020 7709 8900 www.halfmoon.org.uk All tickets £6 – adult ticket (includes baby under 12 months) A Roo in my Suitcase Sat 5 Nov 11am & 2pm 3-6 yrs When Rosie arrives in the UK from down under, she discovers she’s brought a suitcase full of stowaways!

Funny, quirky and cuddly as a bag of marsupials, poet Rosie Harris celebrates friendship through poetry, songs and plenty of joining in Liang and The Magic Paintbrush Sat 12 Nov 11am & 2pm 3yrs+ Liang dreams of being a painter, but is too poor to buy a paintbrush. Join Liang on a magical adventure to find out if dreams can come true in this inventive and gentle show Hare and Tortoise Sat 19 Nov 11am & 2pm 3yrs+ The stopwatch is set; we hear the tick, tick, tick…Ready? Steady? Meet two competing friends in this fantastic new adaptation of Aesop’s fable Snow Play Sat 26 Nov 11am & 2pm 3-7 yrs When Mr Green comes back from holiday to find Mr White in his house, it’s the start of a brrrrilliant series of adventures. A delightful story with an opportunity to join in and make your very own snowman!

The Night before Christmas Sat 3 Dec 11am & 2pm 3yrs+ On the night before Christmas, Emily stares out of the window, hugs teddy and waits excitedly for morning. In the corner a little mouse called Eddie can’t understand why only humans are allowed to celebrate and get presents Circle of Tales Sat 10 Dec 11am & 2pm 4yrs+ How and when did the first story come to be told? Long, long ago, a woman called Mazandaba set out to search for stories. A fable told using African languages and English, puppets, and live music played on traditional instruments

Your guide to the best entertainment and local events London has to offer.

To list an event contact editor@familieseast.co.uk Hansel and Gretel Sat 17 Dec 11am & 2pm 3-7 yrs The woods, the food… and that witch!

Join the two Krazy Kat performers as they present this fast moving comedic retelling of the classic fairy tale.

Featuring fully integrated British Sign Language throughout

Skull and Crossbones - The Potty Pirates Sat 3 Dec 12 noon 3-9 yrs £5 Shiver me timbers! Captain Crossbones and Silly Sally Skull invade the Queen’s for an hour of lively pirate fun and swashbuckling silliness. Mad magic, barmy balloon models, crazy comedy and goofy games

KENNETH MOORE THEATRE

Cinderella Sat 3 Dec - Sat 14 Jan Peak £21/£16.50 Family £67 Off peak £19.50/£14 Family £59 See website as times and prices vary.

Join Cinderella on a magical adventure from rags to riches as The Fairy Godmother transforms her into a dazzling beauty fit for a Prince! With magic, mayhem and comedy capers!

Oakfield Rd, Ilford IG1 1BT 0208 553 4466 www.kmtheatre.co.uk Jack and the Beanstalk Mon 12 Dec - Sun 22 Jan Peak £14.50/£11.50 Family £48 Off peak £13.50/£10.50 Family £44 See website as times vary Come and see this traditional family pantomime LYRIC THEATRE HAMMERSMITH Lyric Square, King St, W6 0OL 0871 22 117 20 www.lyric.co.uk All Saturday shows 11am & 1pm £8 (then messy play activities £5 or £3 if brought at the same time as show ticket) Remember the Umbrella Sat 12 Nov 3-7 yrs Join Brolly in her adventure through a world of umbrellas, as our storyteller delights us with tales of sea, sand and a visit to the moon through live music and song Hansel and Gretel Sat 19 Nov See listing under Half Moon Theatre above The Magician’s Daughter Sat 26 Nov 11am 1pm & Sun 27 Nov 12noon 2pm Inspired by Shakespeare’s story of The Tempest, join Miranda’s daughter as she discovers the wonders of the isle. A blend of puppetry and song brings this captivating story of adventures to life Holly and Ivan’s Christmas Adventure Thu 1 Dec – Sat 31 Dec under 6yrs (see website for performance times) A magical tale of two brave little toys, Holly and Ivan, who fall off the back of Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve and then off on an epic journey to find their new owners Aladdin Sat 19 Nov – Sat 31 Dec £30-£12.50 under 16 yrs £15 Family £60 (see website for performance times) Travel to a far away land with Aladdin and enjoy a show full of fun, laughter and lots of surprises

PEACOCK THEATRE

Portugal St, WC2A 2HT 0337 0870 737 www.sadlerswells.com The Snowman Wed 30 Nov – Sun 8 Jan £32-£18 A modern classic based on Raymond Brigg’s Christmas tale

QUEEN’S THEATRE

52 Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT 01708 443333 www.queens-theatre.co.uk

SHAKESPEARE GLOBE THEATRE

New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT 020 7902 1400 Bookings: 020 7401 9919/020 7087 7398 www.shakespeares-globe.org Open: daily 10am-5pm, £6.50/£8.50/£10.50, family £28 Shakespeare’s Globe’s Exhibition and Tour offers the perfect day out for the whole family. The Exhibition presents the rich story of the Globe and brings Shakespeare’s world to life. From 1 Dec 2011-2 Jan 2012 the exhibition hosts The Frost Fair, telling the history of these fairs held on the tideway of London’s River Thames between the 15th and 19th Centuries when the river froze over. They had streets of stalls and booths from bank to bank offering food, clothing and entertainment including bear-baiting, skating and puppet shows Activity Weekends (19 & 20 Nov and 17 & 18 Dec) include special family events between 9am–5pm are included in the price of a standard exhibition ticket. Enjoy activities including live sword fighting demonstrations, Elizabethan costume dressing and printing demonstrations

SOUTHBANK CENTRE

Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX 0844 875 0073 www.southbankcentre.co.uk White Sat 17 Dec – Sat 31 Dec £12 (see website for times) White is a performance especially for children aged two to four, with music, stories and surprises. Come with us into the sparkling world of White.

Everything is clean and new. The white world gleams and dazzles but someone has to keep it that way...

ST MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS CHURCH

Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ 020 7766 1100 www.lmaorchestra.com Mini Maestro Family Tales Ferdinand The Bull Sat 17 Dec 11.30am £6.50/£4.50 Once there was a little bull called Ferdinand. All the other little bulls would run and jump and butt their

November/December 2011 Families East | 9

Out & About heads together, but not Ferdinand who liked to sit quietly and smell the flowers but everything is about to change as he is thrown into a really big adventure Barbar the Elephant Sat 31 Dec 11.30am £6.50/£4.50 Babar grows up in the Great Forest and learns all the things that elephants need to know. Playing games and cavorting with his friends in the pond, swimming around and using their long trunks to squirt each other...but Barbar’s life is about to change as he will set out on a big adventure

STRATFORD CIRCUS

Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX 0844 357 2625 www.stratford-circus.com Landscapes Sat 19 Nov 10am 11.30am 1.30pm 3pm £7 3yrs+ This unique and intimate show takes children on a magical journey to four landscapes from desert to rainforest, from beneath the sea to Antarctica The Magician’s Daughter Fri 2 Dec 11am 2pm & Sat 3 Dec 11.30am 3pm £7 3 yrs+ See listing under Lyric Theatre above Snow Play Wed 7 Dec – Sun 11 Dec 11am 2pm Weekdays 11.30am 3pm Weekends £7 3yrs+ Starring Patrick Lynch from CBeebies, this is an interactive show filled with festive fun The Snowman Fri 2 Dec 2pm 7pm £9/£7 Family £23 8yrs+ Celebrate the holidays with the New London Orchestra (NLO) and a very special screening of The Snowman that includes a live performance of Howard Blake’s magical score

THEATRE ROYAL STRATFORD EAST

Gerry Raffles Square, Stratford, E15 1BN 0208 534 0310 www.stratfordeast.com Cinderella Sat 3 Dec – Sat 21 Jan £22-£10 (see website as times and prices vary) A whirlwind of lost slippers, a handsome prince, and not just one but 3 delicious dames…

Newham Pay What You Can Night Thu 8 Dec 7pm Available to Newham residents who have never been to Theatre Royal Stratford East to see a show. Call 020 8534 0310 and quote ‘Pay What You Can’ when booking - tickets must be booked in advance. Proof of residence must be shown on collection of tickets

THE BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 020 7928 3535 www.bfi.org.uk

The Disney 50 £6.75/£9.50, Family £20 Some of the world’s most celebrated family films showing on the big screen throughout 2011 Sat 12 Nov 1.30pm Dinosaur Mon 14 Nov 6.20pm & Sat 19 Nov 2.15pm The Emperor’s New Groove

UNICORN THEATRE

147 Tooley St, Southwark, SE1 2HZ 020 7645 0560 www.unicorntheatre.com See website as times vary Ring a Ding Ding Sat 3 Dec – Fri 30 Dec £11/£9 Family £32 3-6yrs Join this tiny tabletop voyage of discovery where your fingers and noses will never be far from the action!

The Snow Queen Wed 23 Nov – Sun 8 Jan 7yrs+ See website for post show discussions, family days, audio described, sign language and autistic friendly performances.

This magical story is set in India where after a freak snowstorm Kumar disappears and his best friend Gowri sets out to find him and save him from the Snow Queen

EVENTS A CHRISTMAS VILLAGE IN GREENWICH (Starts Thu 24 Nov)

www.visitgreenwich.org.uk/christmas A real-life advent calendar, stargazing and festive market stalls Christmas Lights (Thu 24 Nov) Characters from Cinderella, live music, carol singing and a guest appearance from Santa. Shop @ Discover Greenwich will hold a Christmas showcase featuring gifts made by Cockpit Arts Greenwich Christmas Market With 150 festive-themed stalls full of seasonal food, handcrafted gifts and original stocking fillers with Santa visiting at the weekends

COLOGNE CHRISTMAS MARKET AT THE SOUTHBANK

Fri 18 Nov – Sat 24 Dec 11am–8pm & Sun–Thu 10am-10pm Fri & Sat Browse these sixty traditional twinkling wooden chalets along the Queen’s Walk with unique handcrafted gifts and unusual Christmas presents, wooden toys, jewellery, and hand-made soaps. Enjoy a bratwurst, roasted pork and potatoes, roasted chestnuts and warming Glühwein

THE CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL AT THE SOUTHBANK

Fri 9 Dec – Sun 11th Dec 11am–8pm (6pm Sun) free www.festivalchocolate.co.uk A great day out offering an ideal opportunity to discover the goodness of real, artisan, fine chocolate as well as total indulgence and a perfect opportunity to bag some thoroughly irresistible Christmas presents

THE DUCKIE CHRISTMAS MARKET AT THE BARBICAN

www.barbican.org.uk Sat 10 Dec – Fri 30 Dec 2pm or 6pm9.30pm The Barbican foyer will be transformed into an indie gift market showcasing cult craftspeople, underground artisans, DIY designers, thrifty retro hawkers and community arts curios. Give the chain stores a miss and visit the myriad of stalls offering a range of house ware, clothes, jewellery, artwork, speciality

10 | Families East November/December 2011

food and cards. A fresh alternative to the high street

THE LORD MAYOR’S SHOW 2011

Sat 12 Nov 11am www.lordmayorsshow.org It starts at Mansion House and travels through the city to the Royal Courts of Justice returning to Mansion House at 2.30pm. It finishes with one of London’s grandest firework displays at 5pm between Blackfriars and Waterloo Bridge

GALLERIES NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

St Martin’s Place, WC2H 0HE 020 7306 0055 www.npg.org.uk Open: daily 10am-6pm, Thu & Fri 10am-9pm Family Events: Meet in the Ondaatje Wing Main Hall Storytelling with Art for Families Sat 19 Nov 10.30am 1.30pm free 3yrs+ In China, a woman cuts magical things out of paper. In England, a family invented a machine that continuously made paper. Come and discover the link between them and then make a paper dragon Family Art Workshop Paper Magic Sat 19 Nov 11.30am 2.30pm free 5yrs+ Snip, fold, tear and create a fantastic paper cut portrait inspired by portraits in the Collection

SOMERSET HOUSE

Strand, WC2 1LA 020 78454600 www.somerset.org.uk A Glow in the Dark Sat 5 Nov 2pm 6-12yrs Celebrate fireworks night by making your own glowing constructions based on the energetic abstract paintings Sketches of Spain Sat 12 Nov 2pm 6-12yrs Take inspiration from the exhibition ‘The Spanish Line’ and create bold drawings in dramatic charcoal and chalks Behind the mask Sat 19 Nov 2pm 6-12yrs Learn the history of the masquerade at Somerset House and construct a costume for your own masked ball Fantastic Fiestas Sat 26 Nov 2pm 6-12yrs Discover how to create vibrant masterpieces in pastels and paint after exploring ‘ The Spanish Line’ exhibition Mini Make Believe Workshops 11.30am Under 5yrs Come on an exciting adventure with drama games, craft activities and storytelling that will take you from the deepest jungles to the furthest reaches of space Magic Christmas: Leading children’s authors tell stories at Somerset House Ice Rink Skate sessions Sat 3 Dec – Sun 22 Jan 10am–10pm Adult £15 to £10.50 Child £8.50 to £7.50 A magical half-hour of free storytelling beside the Tiffany Christmas Tree with sessions running 3.15pm–3.45pm - no need to book. Authors will be on hand to sign books and meet visitors after each session

TATE BRITAIN

Millbank, SW1P 4RG 020 7887 8888 www.tate.org.uk/britain Open: daily 10am-5.50pm until 10pm the first Friday of the month Art Trolley Weekend Sessions 10am 3pm free all ages Unleash your creativity with a visit to the Art Trolley, kids are encouraged to imagine and explore with paper-based activities to use in the galleries Family Multimedia Guide £3.50 6yrs+ (available anytime during gallery hours) What makes a portrait? Join this tour of seven artworks and decide for yourself.

Strange soundscapes, funny film clips, and some great games – there’s lots to do, see, hear and discuss Family Reading Area Every weekend free for all ages Lots of books for families in the Rotunda reading area

TATE MODERN

Bankside, SE1 9TG 020 7887 8888 www.tate.org.uk/modern Open Sun-Thu 10am-6pm Fri & Sat 10am-10pm Under 5s Zone Level 5 Concourse free The new play space for Under 5s Zone invites children on a creative, physical and sensory exploration of themes inspired by Cubist artworks Children Multimedia Guide Daily from the Information Desks on Levels 3 £4.50 5yrs+ Keep youngsters captivated and animate artworks through music, video clips and entertaining games – a sensory experience for all the family to enjoy Weekend Sessions Every weekend 11am-4pm Level 3 Concourse, free, 5yrs+ With the help of a friendly Start Team, stimulate your weekend with games, map-making or clue-matching Tate Modern Family Resources Available daily from the Info Desks on Levels 1 and 2 free for all ages Pick up a free families resource and set off to explore the Galleries with paperbased activities that will help you look, enjoy and learn about art

THE NATIONAL GALLERY

Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN 020 7747 2885 www.national gallery.org.uk Open daily 10am - 6pm Fri until 9pm free Family Sundays Every Sunday free Meet in the Education Centre Foyer for all events. Places are limited and allocated on arrival. Children must be accompanied by an adult Art workshops 11am & 2pm Magic Carpet Storytelling 10.30am & 11.30am (under 5yrs) Family Walk and Talk Sun 6 Nov 12.30pm (for all ages) Drawing Sundays 11am 2pm 5-11yrs drawing workshops take place on alternate Sundays in the Gallery only Washing Lines Sun 6 Nov Water, water everywhere! Make a

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Out & About splash and experiment with water drawing Strike a Pose! Sun 13 Nov Join artist Viyki Turnbull to explore possible poses from different perspectives. In the Studio session young artists will work from a real, clothed life model Five-Leaf Vista Sun 20 & 27 Nov Get folding and drawing with artist Harriet Hill

MUSEUMS BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM

Entrance in Bartholomew Street, off Threadneedle St, EC2R 8AH 020 7601 5545 www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum Open: Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm, free The Museum tells the story of the Bank, from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK’s central bank. Among the exhibits are Roman and modern gold bars (visitors are invited to lift a genuine gold bar), the country’s oldest paper money, pikes and muskets once used to defend the Bank and many other objects. Interactive displays give visitors the opportunity to explore the intricate, changing designs and evolving security features contained within banknotes Lord Mayor’s Show Sat 12 Nov Professional make-up artists bring Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad to life with face-painting by turning young visitors into the well-known characters from ‘The Wind in the Willows’ by Kenneth Grahame, a former Secretary of the Bank of England

BRITISH MUSEUM

Great Russell St, WC1B 3DG 020 7323 8000/8299 www.britishmuseum.org Open: daily 10am-5.30pm, free For a full list of free family activities please see the website – here are some highlights in Nov & Dec Passport to the Afterlife Sat 5 Nov 11.30am A History of the Future Sun 6 Nov 11am Teddy Time Traveller Sat 12 Nov, Sat 26 Nov & Sat 10 Dec 11.30am Mega-mummy Animation Workshop Sun 13 Nov 11.10am & Sun 4 Dec 11am Digital Discovery Activities Sat 19 Nov 11.30am Greeks Alive! Animation Workshop Sun 20 Nov 11am Manga Comic Workshop Sun 27 Nov 11am Make a Mismatch Creature Sat 17 Dec 11.30am Writing Workshop Sun 18 Dec 11am Other free family activities Hamlyn family trails: Dancing with Shiva - a counting trail for young children, activity backpacks with puzzles and games (deposit required) both available from the Paul Hamlyn Library

CHURCHILL MUSEUM AND CABINET WAR ROOMS

Clive Steps, King Charles St, SW1A 2AQ 020 7930 6961 www.iwm.org.uk/churchill Open: 9.30am-6pm £12.80/£15.95,

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under 16s free Out of the Box Sat 19 & Sun 20 Nov, Sat 18 & Sun 19 Dec Drop in 11am-12.30pm & 2pm-4pm An engaging drop-in session where all visitors to the Churchill War Rooms can examine replica objects that have become unique symbols of Churchill, such as hats, coats and cigars Undercover – Life in Churchill’s Bunker Extended until 2013 due to popular demand - Visitors can hear the firsthand personal accounts of those who worked in the Cabinet War Rooms during the war and learn what life and conditions were like underground Britons at War: 1938 Sat 17 & Sun 18 Dec drop in 11am12.30pm & 2pm-4pm (suitable for all ages with parental supervision) Visitors are encouraged to consider the fear felt by Britons before war even broke out

DESIGN MUSEUM

Shad Thames, SE1 2YD 020 7940 8787 www.designmuseum.org Open: daily 10am-5.45pm. Last admission at 5.15pm £10 adults; £9 concessions; £6 students; free to Under 12’s Mini-Worlds Sun 13 Nov, 11 Dec, 15 Jan 5-11yrs £4.50 As the museum celebrates the legacy of Terence Conran, be inspired by his visionary interiors to model a creative and imaginative mini-interior of your own to take home

GEFFRYE MUSEUM

136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8EA 020 7739 9893 www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Open: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm5pm free Fizzing, Whooshing & Banging Hats Sat 5 Nov 10.30am 2pm, 5-11 yrs Create a fun hat for Firework night Art Deco Decorations Sat 3 Dec 10.30am 2pm (spaces allocated on a first come basis 30mins before) Make an array of delightful 1930’s Christmas decorations Christmas Past Tue 29 Nov – Sun 8 Jan Each year, the museum’s eleven period rooms are decorated in authentic festive style, evoking some of the rich and colourful traditions and celebrations of Christmases past. A feast for the eyes and the soul, a December visit is a must

HORNIMAN MUSEUM

100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ 020 8699 1872 www.horniman.ac.uk Open: daily 10.30am-5.30pm, free Busy Bees Under 5’s Every Wed until 14 Dec, every Fri until 16 Dec 10.30am 11.15am 12noon Creative play, enchanting stories from around the world, museum objects and simple craft activities, changing every week

African Drumming Every Sun 10.45am-11.15am 5-12 yrs £25 for 10 sessions African Drumming Every Sun 11.15am-11.45am 5-12 yrs £25 for 10 sessions Hands on Family Workshops Every Sat until 17 Dec 11.45am 1pm 3 yrs+ Use all your senses to explore real museum objects from all over the world ; the animal kingdom, musical instruments, costume, toys and puppets Hands on Puppets 5 Nov Hands on Bali 19 Nov & 3 Dec Hands on Animals 12 Nov Hands on Masks 26 Nov Hands on Costumes 10 Dec Hands on Toys 17 Dec Storytelling Sat 5 Nov & 12 Dec 2.15pm 3.30pm free drop on 3 yrs+

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

Lambeth Rd, SE1 6HZ 020 7416 5320/5321 www.iwm.org.uk Open: daily 10am-6pm, free We Will Remember Them Sat 5 – Sun 6 Nov & Sat 12 - Sun 13 Nov 11.30am & 2.30pm Create personalised poppies and find out more about Remembrance. Free drop-in activity suitable for all ages with parental supervision Christmas in the Wartime House Sat 17, Fri 23, Wed 28 & Sat 31 Dec 11am 12.30pm 2pm 4pm free drop in Find out more about how Christmas was celebrated during the Second World War on the British home front Women War Artists Until 31 Dec free Focusing on work by women war artists from the First World War to the Kosovo conflict as eyewitnesses, participants, commentators and as officially commissioned recorders

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB 020 7565 7299 www.ltmuseum.co.uk Open: Sat-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri 11am6pm, £6/£8/£10 Admission to the museum and family activities are free for accompanied children under 16 John Burningham: Journeys of the Imagination Until Thu 1 Dec The travel posters of artist and illustrator John Burningham are on show in a delightful exhibition

MUSEUM OF LONDON

150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN 020 7001 9844 www.museumoflondon.org.uk Open: daily 10am-6pm, free See website for full details of regular groups for “Mini Moles” (6 months – walking) and Little Moles (walkers – 5 yrs) and a full list of family activities highlights include: Under 5’s Storytime Tue 29 Nov 3pm Stories, music and fun on the last

Tuesday of the month in an interactive storytelling session for under 5s Santa’s Grotto Sat 10 Dec – Fri 23 Dec 10am-4pm £5 Come and meet Santa in the traditional Victorian grotto. Tell him your Christmas wishes and receive a special present in advance of the big day; there’s a chance for children to have their photo taken with Father Christmas Scrooge’s Grotto Tue 27, Wed 28, Thu 29, Fri 30 Dec & Sun 1 Jan 10am–4pm £5 “Bah! Humbug!” Meet Ebenezer Scrooge and share your festive grievances, or try to cheer him up to win a late Christmas gift. You might be surprised and come away with a gift…if he’s in a good mood MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS West India Quay, Canary Wharf, E14 4AL 020 7001 9844 www.museumindocklands.org.uk Open: daily 10am-6pm, £5 annual adult pass, kids free See website for full details of regular groups for “Mini Mudlarks” (6 months – walking) and Little Mudlarks (walkers – 5 yrs) and a full list of family activities Animals in Wartime Sat 12 Nov 12.30pm 2.30pm 3.30pm Under 5’s Storytime Thu 3, 10, 17 & 24 Nov & 1 & 8 Dec 3pm Join in for stories, music and fun. A monthly interactive storytelling session for children under 5s and their carers Workshops include: Victorian trinkets, Make a Pomander Santa’s Grotto Sat 10 Dec – Fri 23 Dec 10am-4pm £5 See description under Museum of London Scrooge’s Grotto Tue 27 Dec – Sun 1 Jan 10am–4pm £5 See description under Museum of London

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM and THE QUEEN’S HOUSE

Romney Rd, Greenwich, SE10 9NF 020 8858 4422 www.nmm.ac.uk Open: daily 10am-5pm, free Diwali Celebrations Sat 12 Nov 11.30am – 6pm free A family-friendly day of Diwali celebrations that explores British Asian heritage with a colourful mix of music, workshops, performances and film, culminating in a lantern-lit outdoor procession in Greenwich Park and live music from Parapar Play Tuesdays Nov & Dec 10.30am 11.30am 1pm 2pm under 5 yrs free Young children can explore the Museum with their families through music, dance and stories Explore Saturdays Nov & Dec 12 noon 1pm 2pm 3pm 6yrs+ free Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that will bring maritime history to life Discover Sundays Nov & Dec 11.30am 2pm all ages free Be inspired by our maritime past and explore your personal connections to the sea

November/December 2011 Families East | 11

Out & About NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD 020 7938 9123, Info 020 7942 5000 www.nhm.ac.uk Open: Mon-Sat 10am–5.50pm, Sun 11am-5.50pm free Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2011 Until Mon 12 Mar Marvel at the best nature photographs on the planet in this celebrated annual wildlife photography exhibition Explorer Back Pack Mon- Fri 11am- 5pm Younger visitors can pick up an Explorer backpack and take a mini adventure around the Museum. Don’t miss the Dippy floor puzzle, perfect for under 8’s. Complete the 26-metre long “diplodocus” puzzle and get a funky Dippy sticker!

SCIENCE MUSEUM

Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD 0870 870 4868 www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Open daily 10am-6pm, free (charges for special exhibitions, IMAX cinema and simulator rides) Open until 6pm on Christmas Eve! Celebrate Christmas at the Science Museum Sat 17 Dec – Tue 3 Jan Robots Robots will be taking over the Science Museum. Find out how they’ll transform your future world and might one day be your friend. Get up close to robots and interrogate their inventors, you can even join in a ‘make-a-robot’ workshop and take home your own invention!

3D movies and much more Catch a 3D movie, jump on a simulator, visit an exhibition, and encounter the past, present and future of technology in 7 floors of galleries!

Launchpad Science Shows Daily free 8 yrs + Packed with over 50 interactive exhibits demonstration light, sound, electricity, magnetism. Check out Hidden Heroes, a new exhibition looking at the everyday objects we take for granted

SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM

13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP 020 7405 2107 www.soane.org Open: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, free Awesome Egyptian Amulets Wed 21 Dec (2 x half days) Touch real Egyptian artefacts and explore the Museum to find more, armed with only a torch and your wits!

Learn how to write your name or a magic spell in hieroglyphs and make your own amulet inspired by ancient Egyptian designs Deck the Halls Thu 22 Dec (2 x half days) Come and create your own festive decoration inspired by the light and colours in Sir John Soane’s house Picture Room Calendar Thu 29 Dec (whole day) Make a calendar to give you the best start for the New Year! Inspired by the wonderful Picture Room

Simple Soane Sketchbooks Fri 30 Dec (2 x half days) Like any good architect, Soane kept notebooks and sketchbooks all his life.

See Soane’s original books and make your own, with a beautifully decorated cover Junior Audio Tour Introduced by Stephen Fry and read by Eleanor Bron, this atmospheric tour lasts 59 minutes, guiding the listener through Soane’s Museum, accompanied by sound effects and music

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD

Cambridge Heath Rd, E2 9PA 020 8983 5200 www.museumofchildhood.org.uk Open: daily 10am-5.45pm, free A variety of free activities every day, including storytelling, arts and crafts, tours and treasure hunts. Activities are tailored to children aged 3-12 yrs unless otherwise stated. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or carer Up, Up in the Air... Magical Aerial Dance Sat 26 & Sun 27 Nov Sat 3 & Sun 4 Dec 12noon – 3pm free drop in all ages Mind bogglingly bendy performances by aerialist, Ilona Jäntti, inspired by Magic Worlds and accompanied by musician, Hannah Varty

Mrs Santa’s Craft Corner

Sat 26 & Sun 27 Nov, Sat 3 & Sun 4 Dec 12noon – 4pm free drop in all ages Come and make Christmas crackers, pom-pom baubles and fairy pictures with Mrs Santa and her team of helpers, then browse the crafts table for knitted gifts; including teddy bears, jumpers and mittens. Donations go towards CSV - RSVP’s charitable campaigns for children in need Pinocchio Wed 28 & Thu 29 Dec 11.30am 2pm £3.50 3yrs+ Booking line opens at Wed 14 Dec 9am on 020 8983 5205 or email with priority given to phone calls Follow the adventures of likeable rascal Pinocchio with a puppet show adapted from the classic Italian story and performed with hand-carved puppets that captures the magic of the original story

PLACES OF INTEREST CANARY WHARF

Sat 12 Nov - Sun 12 Feb www.canarywharf.com Father Christmas arrives in grand style on a sleigh pulled by two reindeer to perform in a free family show before retiring to Santa’s Grotto.

Tickets for the grotto are free, although visitors can choose to make a £1.00 donation to Richard House Children’s Hospice. Santa’s Grotto is open 11am - 5pm on 3 & 4 December, 10 & 11 December, 17 & 18 December and 19 & 24 December 2011. Additional children’s festive activities take place from 11am - 5pm every weekend in December.

CENTRE OF THE CELL

Blizard Building, 4 Newark St, Whitechapel, E1 2AT 020 7882 2562

12 | Families East November/December 2011

www.centreofthecell.org Free admission but booking essential Content suitable for 9yrs+ but everyone welcome Centre of the Cell is an exciting new science education centre. It is the first science education centre in the world to be sited in biomedical research laboratories with digital interactive games; body parts; films and microscopes Get on Your Nerves From Sat 5 Nov Visitors play a quiz in teams about the amazing world of your central nervous system. Face all kinds of challenges to really give your brain a workout! Free and great fun for all the family

DISCOVER

383-387 High St, Stratford, E15 4QZ 020 8536 5555 www.discover.org.uk Open: daily Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm, Sat & Sun 11am-5pm, £4.50, family £16 Welcome to Monsterville Until Mar 2012 Play, smell and taste the mankiest exhibition ever!

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler Sat 5 & Sun 6 Nov 11.30am & 2.30pm ‘He’s the Gruffalo, Gruffalo, Gruffalo!’

- Come and watch the Story Builders perform this incredible shadow puppet show Andy Stanton with The Hound of Lamonic Bibber Book Sat 12 Nov 2.30pm Mad, bad and funny to know! Bring your laughing gear and hear about the latest goings on from Andy himself as he launches his new book - a bigger, better, fatter, grislier edition of the Mr Gum World Book Day book!

Mouldy Monsters by Anna Laura Cantone Sun 13 Nov 11.30am & 2.30pm (AND Sun 11 Dec 11.30am & 2.30pm) Are you scared of monsters? This tale will amuse and delight children who love all things yucky Jazz for Toddlers *Musician Event* (brought to by London Jazz Festival) Sat 19 Nov 2pm Award winning trumpeter and vocalist Abram Wilson with a workshop specially designed for younger audiences White Night at Discover Sat 19 Nov 5pm Brrrrr! It may be cold outside but wrap up warm and venture out to explore the beautifully lit up garden. Play in the snow from the snow machine, enjoy a mulled apple juice, listen to stories about the stars in the sky, count the snowflakes and make a snow globe Morris the Mankiest Monster by Sarah McIntyre and Giles Andreae Sun 20 Nov 11.30am & 2.30pm The most revolting book ever! Our Story Builders present this book full of earwax, snot and goo. Morris is a must Zoe and Beans: The Magic Hoop and Zoe’s Christmas List with Chloe Inkpen *Illustrator Event* Sun 26 Nov 2.30pm Chloe reads these magical stories and shows how she creates her beautifully drawn characters

The Grunt and Grouch by Tracey Corderoy and Lee Wildish Sun 27 Nov 11.30am & 2.30pm Here are two of the most disgusting and badly behaved trolls in the world – and the most fun!

One Snowy Night by Nick Butterworth Sat 3 Dec 11.30am & 2.30pm, Sat 17 & Sun 18 Dec, Tue 20, Thu 22, Wed 28, Fri 30 Dec, Mon 2 Jan, Wed 4 Jan 11.30am & 2.30pm Winter has visited Polka Dot Sounds!

Enter the world of Percy the Park Keeper and meet a few of the animals from this charming story One Christmas Night with Tina McNorton *Illustrator Event* Sun 4 Dec 2.30pm Tina reads this charming book all about Little Hedgehog who has forgotten to get Christmas presents for his friends, so he sets off into the forest to find gifts The Brave Little Penguin with Tracey Corderoy *Illustrator Event* Sat 10 Dec 2.30pm Join brilliant author Tracey and listen to her story of when Plip the Penguin loses his favourite toy. As the sky grows dark, Plip runs off to find it, all on his own. What will become of poor little Plip, out in the snowy storm?

Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers Mon 19, Wed 21, Fri 23, Thu 29, Sat 31 Dec (AND Tues 3 Jan 11.30am & 2.30pm) Here comes the magical tale of friendship and loneliness, a boy and a penguin. Find out what happens when the boy decides to take a lost penguin back to the North Pole

EPPING FOREST

Visitor Centre, High Beech, IG10 4AE 0208 508 0028 Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge Victorian Peg Dolls Sun 6 Nov 12noon free drop in Victorian Forest Keepers lived at the Hunting Lodge and teas were served to the eager public on the upper floors.

Make traditional peg dolls in Victorian dress to remember our great-greatgreat grandparents who visited here The Temple - Wanstead Astronomers Craft and Family Day A craft activity and a chance to chat to our costumed expert on 17th century science and astronomy Epping Forest Field Centre Seasonal Celebrations Drop-in Sat 3 Dec & Sun 4 Dec 11am Visitor Centre, High Beach Father Christmas in the Forest Sat 3 Dec & Sun 4 Dec 10am-3pm Follow a short fun trail through the Forest to see Father Christmas in his special Forest Grotto.

Booking essential. Timed slots between 10am-12pm and 12.30pm3pm. Cost £6.50 per child includes gift Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge - Green Christmas: Festive Decorations Sat 10 Dec & Sun 11 Dec 12noon drop in Make festive displays from sustainable natural greenery and pinecones as the perfect green gift or decoration for your own festive table. £3.00 donation to cover cost of materials

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Xxxxxxxxxxx Out & About The Temple - Father Christmas Sat 17 Dec & Sun 18 Dec 12 noon £6.50 Come and visit Father Christmas in his traditional Grotto in the Temple.

Cost £6.50 per child includes gift

HMS BELFAST

Morgan’s Lane, Tooley St, SE1 2JH 020 7403 6246 www.iwm.org.uk Open: 10am-6pm, £12.95, under 16s free Kye History: Tales from across the Waves Sat 26 & Sun 27 Nov 11am 12.30pm 2pm 4pm Find out more about story of HMS Belfast and the company that sailed her on her various journeys around the world and have a sip of warming naval hot chocolate Gun Turret Experience Immerse yourself in the new Gun Turret Experience, a chance to see what fighting at sea would have really been like.

KENSINGTON PALACE Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX 0844 482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk Enchanted Palace Exhibition Until Tue 3 Jan Experience fashion, performance and music in this temporary exhibition at Kensington Palace

KEW GARDENS

Kew Green, Richmond TW9 3AB 020 8332 5655 www.kew.org Open 9.30am-5.30pm (until March 26) with weekends close an hour later, £11.90/£13.90, children under 17 free Walk Thu 1 Dec – Wed 29 Feb Join a free guided ‘Winter Walk’ with Kew’s expert guides and discover the Christmas plants that shine throughout winter in Kew’s 300-acre site. The walks are daily and start from the volunteer’s desk (Victoria Plaza) at 12noon Father Christmas Sat 10 Dec – Fri 23 Dec 12noon–3pm Would anyone in the family like to meet Father Christmas in his festive grotto?

Fun Sat 10 Dec – Mon 2 Jan 10.30am-4pm Once the little ones have visited Father Christmas, take them for a carousel ride for £2 on Kew Palace lawn.

Seasonal face painting will also take place at Climbers and Creepers £4 a face, or two for £7. If your little ones prefer Christmas in the fast lane, they can take a spin in our mini-sized vintage cars adults £3, children £2 LEE VALLEY REGIONAL PARK 08456 770600 www.leevalleypark.org.uk See website for full list of activities, here are some highlights: RNLI Reindeer Run Sun 20 Nov 10.30am £7.50-£18 booking required Runners are invited to fundraise for the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) and complete either the scenic and traffic free 10k or 5k courses. For the family, there’s also a more leisurely Santa Saunter. To book,

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visit www.rnli.org.uk/reindeer Cyclo-Cross Race Sun 20 Nov 11am £1-£12 booking required Come and watch or take part in this round of the London Cyclo-Cross League. For more information visit londonxleague.net Christmas Ice Skating Gala Sat 17 & Sun 18 Dec 1pm £5 Lee Valley Ice Centre Watch the ice-cool skaters of Lee Valley in this festive gala and book yourself a lesson for the New Year! Seating is unreserved Santa Cruise Tue 20, Wed 21 &Thu 22 Dec 1pm 3pm £8 booking required Get into practice before the big day with our annual Santa Cruise down the River Lee. Complete with mulled wine and mince pies, it’s the perfect opportunity to ditch the diet and start the festivities early Pedal off the Pud Wed 28 Dec 10am (adults and over 12s) If you’ve overindulged and want to start your New Year’s Resolutions before 2012, grab your bike and work off those festive puddings on a ten mile circular guided ride in River Lee Country Park Old Macdonald’s Farm Weald Road, Brentwood, Essex CM14 5AY 01277 375177 www.omdfarm.co.uk Santa’s Grotto 26 - 27 November, 3 - 4 & 10 23 December Meet Santa for a chat and receive a present, see his real life reindeer waiting to take the sleigh, ride on Rudolph’s amazing reindeer ride; sing along to Christmas Carols with the Chicken Show; take a trip on Santa’s Express Train or the magical Christmas carousel!

RICH MIX

35-47 Bethnal Green Rd, E1 6LA 020 7613 7498 www.richmix.org.uk Offers a broad range of arts-based activities and performances for children aged 0 to 12 years and their parents/ carers. Many events are free or lowpriced supporting families who are on a low income and who may find it difficult to access arts and cultural activities – see website for details The Magician’s Daughter Sat 12 Nov 11am & 2pm £5 3-6yrs Inspired by Shakespeare’s story of The Tempest, join Miranda’s daughter as she discovers for herself the wonders of the isle full of noises. A blend of puppetry and song brings this captivating story of adventures on a magical faraway island to life Snapshots Family Workshops Sat 12 Nov free As part of their new year-long Snapshots festival, running up to the 2012 Olympic Games, we will be hosting monthly themed creative workshops and activities for all the family. All workshops are free of charge and led by local artists Kids’ Film Fun Workshops Sun 20 Nov 1.30pm–3.30pm Child £4 or £5.50 inc. Kids’ Cine Time screening 5–12yrs under 9yrs must be accompanied by an adult Extend the fun after a visit to Kids’ Cine

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Out & About/Reviews Time by joining their hugely popular film-making workshops where children have the opportunity to make their own short animated films. Sessions include experimenting with editing, learning about stop-motion animation, sound effects and more Kids’ Cine Time Enjoy a collection of films for all the family every Saturday and Sunday at 12noon (11am on Kids’ Film Fun Workshop days) The Snow Dragon Sat 26 Nov 11am & 2pm £5 3-10 yrs On New Year’s Eve, Billy’s parents tell him about the legendary Snow Dragon, who will bring him even more goodies during the night. But has Billy been naughty or nice?

RSPB RAINHAM MARSHES 01708 899840 Open: daily Sun 1 Nov-Wed 31 Mar open 9.30am-4.30pm, 1 Apr-31 Oct open 9.30am-5pm Unique wetland reserve with innovative visitor centre, shop, café, wildlife garden, and children’s adventure play area - boardwalks throughout for wheelchair and pushchair access Entrance charges: Free to RSPB members and residents of Havering & Thurrock. Non-members: £2.50 adult, £1 child, £7 family (2 adults and up to 4 children)

Kids’ Birdwatching Club Sat 17 Nov & Sat 8 Dec 10am £5 THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, GREENWICH Royal Observatory, Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich, SE10 8XJ 020 8858 4422 www.nmm.ac.uk Open: daily 10am-5pm, free Stargazing The Royal Observatory is running Yuletide Stargazing sessions where visitors can get up close to the Christmas skies by looking through the seventh largest telescope in the world Saturday Space Explorers 26 Nov 31 Dec 2pm 2.30pm 3pm 3.30pm 4pm 4.30pm free 5 yrs+ From finding planets to predicting the phases of the moon, these workshops are a great introduction to astronomy

TOWER OF LONDON Tower Hill, EC3N 4AB www.hrp.org.uk Open: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am6pm, £9.50/£14.50/£17 family £47, under 5s free Buy in advance on 0870 756 7070 Ice Skating at the Tower of London Sat 19 Nov – Sun 8 Jan

Winter Nature Activities for Children

By Irmgard Kutsch and Brigitte Walden Published by Floris Books ISBN: 0945803850 Paperback.

RRP £12.99 This book focuses on traditional handicraft techniques using materials drawn from nature.

Amongst other things, children learn how to dye and spin wool, weave willow baskets, carve wood, mold clay and press juice encouraging them to keep traditional processes alive and helping them to preserve nature.

Each page has colour photographs of children taking part in the activities as well as sketches to show you what to do. The chapters are monthly so December focuses on Advent crafts, January covers wool and February includes woodworking and clay. It’s best for older children (as tools are used).

VALENTINES MANSION Emerson Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4XA 020 8708 8100 www.valentinesmansion.com Open: Tues & Wed 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm Under 5s Explore, Make & Do Tue 15 Nov 11am to 2pm 1-5 yrs and families free drop in Drop-in to see visitors from Gants Hill Library for rhyme and story time with face painting plus all the usual toys, puzzles and dressing up Teatime at the Mansion Sun 4 Dec 11am to 3pm all ages free drop in Imagine you have been invited for tea at the Mansion! Get dressed up, try teatime challenges, read some tasty stories, or create artwork that looks good enough to eat

MARKETS BROADWAY MARKET E8 4PH www.broadwaymarket.co.uk Open: Saturdays 9am-5pm Nearest Underground Station: Hackney Central Diverse range of shops and restaurants

COLUMBIA ROAD FLOWER MARKET

Columbia Road, E2 http://columbiaroad.info Open: Sundays 8am-3pm Nearest Underground Station: Old Street, Bethnal Green. Flower Market selling plants, flowers, shrubs, trees and accessories for the garden

LEADENHALL MARKET

Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LR 020 7621 0709 www.leadenhallmarket.co.uk Open: Mon-Fri 7am-4pm Nearest Underground Station: Bank, Monument.Fine food and clothing

OLD SPITALFIELDS MARKET

105a Commercial Street, Spitalfields, E1 6BG www.visitspitalfields.com Open: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sun 9am-5pm Nearest Underground Station: Liverpool Street, Aldgate East Fashion, clothes, antiques, art, records, books. Shoppers can spread some Christmas magic to young families across east London by donating toys to the ELBA Christmas Toy Appeal. A drop-off point will be positioned within the market throughout this festive season. Visit www.elba-1.org.uk for further information.

Christmas is truly the season for bringing the family all together to play games … whilst stimulating that competitive streak between you all!

Children love playing games with parents especially when there’s the chance to beat them!

Here are a few great family games available this Christmas:

Jungle Speed Age: 7+ RRP: £14.99 In Jungle Speed, you require a keen sense of observation, quick reflexes and a steady hand - which can be hard to maintain during the many fits of laughter!

The game involves players being dealt a hand of cards and taking it in turns to reveal one of their cards.

If two cards are the same, then both players must make a grab for the wooden totem that sits in the middle of the table. The faster player then gives their cards to their unfortunate adversary. To win you must be the first player to get rid of all of your cards. Jungle Speed is available from Amazon.co.uk.

Nostalgia Titles Age 8+ RRP: £29.99 - £34.99 The ‘Nostalgia’ titles are back in stores this year and include the classic board games Monopoly and Cluedo.

The Monopoly set comes in a beautiful wooden box to safeguard its vintage-looking components and cards with original artwork featuring on the box and board making it the ideal gift for friends or family. Inside the wooden box you will find a built in banker’s tray and a visual history over the decades. Its lovely, little wooden houses and hotels give it a quality feel whilst everybody’s favourite pieces are made from brass.

Also, the nation’s favourite ‘whodunit’ is back with the recreation of the 1949 version of Cluedo.

Solve the murder case using original style pieces and traditional detective work, another classic nostalgia title. The Nostalgia editions are available from John Lewis.

14 | Families East November/December 2011

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Reviews

Comptoir Libanais – Lebanese Food Comes to the Heart of East London

With all the excitement around Westfield Stratford City opening, you may not know yet about the variety of food outlets available there. We ventured out with the children on a Friday evening to Comptoir Libanais, one of these new eateries located on the first floor of the Gallery Café Court.

Comptoir Libanais has a modern deli-café style with an inviting retro look. With dishes on display, you can easily see what food you want and either eat–in or takeaway if in a hurry.

For starters, we chose a beautiful mezze platter for two (£13.95) that we shared between the five of us. Our plate was filled with organic lentil salad, a beautiful Baba Ghanuj (smoked aubergine dip) flecked with pomegranate seeds, Hommos, Tabbouleh, Falafel, Cheese Samboussek (pastry parcels) and warm pita. A feast for the eyes as well as the stomach it’s a perfect introduction to the rich variety of tastes and flavours available. We accompanied it with a selection of 3 separate Kibbeh dishes made of Falafel, Lamb and Pumpkin (£4.65 each with 3 served per plate) each accompanied by its own individual

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dip. Kibbeh are oval-shaped balls of flavour served warm, these had a satisfying crunch as you bit into them – yum! All washed down by a variety of special homemade lemonades.

For mains, there’s a choice of hot filled wraps (£5.95 each), large Middle Eastern salads (£7.25 & £7.45) along with various lamb and chicken tagine dishes (£7.95 each). The tagines being a traditional slow-cooked casserole served with organic couscous or organic rice. We ordered a selection of tagines and wraps and were reassured by the staff that the food was gently spiced so the children could all enjoy it too. Our tagines arrived very quickly and were served up in generously filled, traditional earthenware pots.

To finish, we had coffees and a selection of sweet baklawa (£3.90). Comptoir Libanais serves a delightful blend of fresh, healthy food (organic ingredients featuring heavily) that gives a satisfying taste of the gorgeous variety of Lebanese cuisine. It takes shopping mall food to a whole new culinary standard where eating out is a pleasurable family experience rather than a disappointing waste of money.

Comptoir Libanais 1st Floor, Gallery Café Court, Westfield Stratford City, 2 Stratford Place, E20 1EJ www.lecomptoir.com

The Parlour – Family Fun at Canary Wharf The Parlour is an all-day bar restaurant located in The Park Pavilion, in front of One Canada Square at Canary Wharf.

Arriving on the DLR - our daughter loves it – it took a bit to find the restaurant but on arrival, I was impressed by its ambience, choice of seating and welcoming staff - what a nice change. We chose a low table with small steps, cushions and two large armchairs - perfect for our one child family! There was a games table next to us with various children’s games to play and they also regularly provide smoothie-making and a free face painter to add to the fun.

The menu selection is immense, so it took a while to choose, also Tim and I being cocktail obsessed were excited by the variety available. Unfortunately, I’m on a diet but then spotted they have ‘skinny’ cocktails too - the best treat I could have asked for! I went for a skinny mojito - gorgeous.

We started with Bruschetta, Crispy Squid and a Chicken Satay for Lana (all £5.95 each). Her chicken was lovely and moist, and the sauce - sweet and not spicy for Lana – perfect! I would definitely order all three again.

For our mains, we chose Thai Green Fish Curry (£10.95), Crab

Linguine (£9.95) and Fish and Chips (£9.95). They were all beautifully presented and we were impressed with the waiters asking if we wanted our mains straight away or wait a while - great service. Lana devoured the Fish and Chips and my Crab Linguine had all my favourite ingredients, tomato, rocket, red onion and crab of course – delicious.

The Fish Curry was a creamy Asian treat with crunchy sugar snap peas and succulent white fish.

For dessert, Lana went for the pudding shots - Lemon Crème Brûlée, Chocolate Brownie and Knickerbocker Glory (£7.50) - whilst Tim and I shared a rum pudding cocktail, called a ‘Knock Out Shake’ and a Chocolate Fondue (£8.95).

I can highly recommend all especially the cocktail - a real taste of the Caribbean.

Canary Wharf may not spring to mind as a place for a family friendly lunch but put away those preconceptions. The Parlour offers good quality food, great cocktails and a grown up sophistication that’s fun for the little ones too.

The Parlour, The Park Pavilion, 40 Canada Square Park, London E14 5FW 0845 468 0100 www.theparlourbar.co.uk

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Wed 23 Nov 2011 - Sun 15 Jan 2012 A musical adaptation of the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler returns to London’s West End at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, for an extraordinary fifth consecutive winter run this year.

Since its 2001 premiere, this exuberant adaptation of the children’s favourite has been performed across the globe in countries including Australia, Hong Kong, Poland, Germany, Singapore, Dubai and Chile as well as in North America from Broadway to Alaska and Canada. In the UK, The Gruffalo has even been

spotted on the summer Festival circuit playing to 16,000 people at Camp Bestival.

Beautifully illustrated by Axel Scheffler, Donaldson’s magical book has sold over 4 million copies in 38 languages and this adaptation follows the story of the quick-thinking Mouse’s journey into the deep, dark wood in this musical version of a modern classic. Discover what

happens when he comes face to face with wheelerdealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl and a maracashaking Snake, and, of course the very creature he imagined….The Gruffalo! Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3+ and their families.

A fine piece of children’s theatre - Five Stars – The Sunday Times Monstrous fun! – Daily Mail

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