Greenwich Theatre children’s festival has been a much-loved highlight of the venue’s annual programme since the strand was launched in 2007 with just half a dozen shows.
Since then, it has grown in size and popularity so that the latest edition, from 1-16 April, features three times as many performances and a selection of workshops to keep your youngsters engaged and fulfilled.
The festival, which kicks off on the 1st of April and runs to the 16th, has something for everyone.
Take a look at the full lineup below.
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE: LIVE!
SCIENCE SAVED THE WORLD
This year saw science lead the way in returning our lives to normal. Now, the UK’s favourite science team are back and more explosive than ever!
Join our presenters as they dive deep into the world of science and look at how science shapes our modern world, with a few loud bangs along the way!
They’ll take an anarchic approach to science communication whilst looking at the scientists, engineers and inventors who have shaped the modern world that we live in, proving that each of you can change our world for the better! 100% Educational. 200% Entertaining. 300% Explosive. 400% Fun
FIREMAN SAM
When all his friends leave, Norman Price decides to find adventure in Pontypandy…
Norman becomes the star of a visiting circus. But with a tiger on the loose and faulty lights, the adventure soon turns to danger. Can Fireman Sam come to the rescue and save the circus?
Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an all-singing, dancing, action-packed show. You can become a fire-fighter cadet and then watch the magic of the circus.
So, come along to Pontypandy and watch the adventures unfold!
PINOCCHIO
Steve Tiplady, as Geppetto, uses the objects of a carpenter’s workshop to tell the tale of the puppet that wants to be a real boy and the puppet maker who wants to be a real father.
Pinocchio is carved on stage, brushes become a fox, and the shadow of two saws transforms into a giant shark. An element of improvisation makes each performance unique to its audience.
TALES FROM A THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS
Scheherazade tells stories… compelling stories full of fun, danger, wonder and passion…but will it be enough…Can her stories save her life?..
With their stylish brand of ensemble storytelling, puppetry, mask and live music, Dragonboy Productions breathe new life into some of the funniest and most entertaining folk tales found in The Arabian Nights, including The Seven Voyages of Sindbad, The Little Hunchback, Faisal and the Barber, Behind the Door and Sage Duban and the Wazir.
Newly adapted and directed by Eliot Giuralarocca, this is a feast of storytelling, suitable for the whole family and woven into a production that cannot be missed!
BREATHE
An extraordinary journey through a busy forest
Experience a story told from the perspective of an acorn; the hectic forest floor, thrumming underworlds, and dazzling heights of icy branches. Discover bizarre larger-than-life fungi, connecting creaking tree roots and majestic guardians watching over a delicate cycle. Join three storytellers as they lead you through an enchanting experience.
THE NOSY LITTLE TROLL
By Garlic Theatre
Deep in the heart of the Norwegian Forest live the trolls – giant trolls, tiny trolls and a Nosy Little Troll with an amazingly sensitive nose…
One day there is a mumbling and a rumbling from the trolls. What is that stinky smell wafting through the trees? The Nosy Little Troll sets off to follow her nose on a quest to solve the mysterious pong. Will she be brave enough to cross the scary old stone bridge and succeed in sniffing out the culprit?
Join us for this funny Scandinavian story starring a tasty brown cheese song, a lost goat and a bushy old troll with green fingers.
Garlic Theatre holds their young audience spellbound with wonderfully crafted troll puppets, live music and lots of joining in. Recommended for ages 3-8
ANIMALS!
The animals are gathering. But one species hasn’t turned up, and it’s the species causing all the trouble.
Something’s got to be done, and whatever it is, it’s going to be wild!
Fun, interactive and featuring original songs, Animals! is an empowering and uplifting performance about animals, humans and nature. It celebrates the unique wildlife around us and makes big things feel possible. Dens & Signals unite people to create connections, shared moments, and future possibilities.
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS
Roll up! Roll up! Join us for ‘The Greatest Show On Earth’ as KD Theatre Productions & Harlow Playhouse presents their brand new production ‘Goldilocks? And the Three Bears.
Brought to you by the team behind last year’s ‘The Wizard of Oz’ – this Hilarious and Spectacular Pantomime style show will include some of the very best seasoned performers, top circus & speciality acts, as well as all the ingredients of a family show that KD Theatre Productions have become known for; high energy choreography, loveable characters, colourful set and costumes and an opportunity for the audience to meet the characters after the show!
CURIOUS INVESTIGATORS
Scribble and Clipboard have a job to do: sort the recycling.
But Scribble keeps finding new things to investigate. When she discovers a mysterious egg hidden in the rubbish, the pair need the audience’s help to rescue an unborn chick. Can we save a mysterious egg from smashing? And what will we discover along the way?
Curious Investigators is a cracking adventure created in collaboration with engineering experts from Lancaster University: a delightfully surprising, highly visual show for 3–7- year-olds and their grown-ups.
THE LITTLE MERMAID
An Underwater Musical Adventure!
It’s time to make a splash and join Ariel, her father, King of the Seven Seas; Ursula, the evil sea witch; and a host of fabulous characters in this brand-new adaptation.
Expect lots of fun, singing and dancing, all brought to you by a fantastic and energetic company of outstanding performers. With sparkling scenery, beautiful costumes and an exciting opportunity to meet the characters after the show, this is sure to be the family show of the year that you don’t want to miss!
THE KING OF NOTHING
King Reginald, the ruler of the Kingdom of Fa La La, likes to keep in style…
Closely advised by Bernard, the Keep of the Royal Cardigans, and Dolores the Keeper of the Royal Trousers, he is always dressed in the latest clothes from the latest magazines. Meanwhile, Fa La La is in total disarray, with blocked drains and beggars lining the streets…
Hearing of the King’s love of fashion, two fast-talking “Weavers” head to the palace with their brand new fabric: it’s “smart”, and it’s “in”, and it NEVER goes out of fashion. Soon the Kingdom is alive with talk of the magical cloth, and Reginald can’t wait to wear his “smart” new suit to the Big Parade. But what are these “weavers” really spinning?
DINOSAURS AND ALL THAT RUBBISH
One small step for man, one giant pile of rubbish left behind!
Man’s dream to reach the stars leaves the world in ruins and disturbs the sleeping dinosaurs. Will they wake up and save planet Earth?
An imaginative adaptation of Michael Foreman’s environmental tale with dancing dinosaurs, fuelled by rock’n’roll. This riotous hour, packed with signature Roustabout silliness, will have you tapping your toes from start to finish! Age 3+
THE BUBBLE SHOW
JOIN MR. BUBBLES WITH HIS EXTRAORDINARY SOAP BUBBLES IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES!
The Bubble Show uniquely blends magic, storytelling, science and bubble art! Enjoy bouncy bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, smoke bubbles, square bubbles, giant bubbles, and even fire bubbles!
Actor, storyteller, and Guinness World Record holder, The Highland Joker is one of the top bubble artists in the world, bringing you an interactive, fun, international award-winning bubble extravaganza!
SHEWOLVES
Armed with a backpack full of Pop-tarts and a hunger to tackle climate change, Priya and Lou embark on a covert expedition into the wild. But when the wilderness closes in around them, can they overcome their differences to make their voices heard?
SHEWOLVES is an uplifting coming-of-age comedy for teenagers and anyone who has ever been a teen—one of The Stage’s ‘Best Shows of the Year 2022.