Theatre
Ticketmaster’s top ten picks for half term
Half term is here, but don’t despair if you’re looking for fun ways to keep your little ones entertained this week because we’ve rounded up some of the hottest family-friendly events around the UK.
Whether you’re looking to treat the family to a West End musical or lose yourself in some of the most interesting exhibitions in town, take your pick from the top events below that are practically guaranteed to keep the adults sane and the kids occupied until it’s time to get back to the books at school.
Matilda
Surprise superpowers and terrifying teachers with a classic children’s story at its heart, Matilda really is the perfect half term musical. Even the dreaded Miss Trunchbull agreed when we asked her in an exclusive interview, which you can read here.
Find tickets to this school room spectacular here.
Art of the Brick
Nathan Sawaya’s exhibition proves that there really are no limitations to what you can create using LEGO as he’s managed to make everything from conceptual pieces to replicas of classic artwork all from the tiny building blocks. Perfect for creative kids and artistic adults alike, this immersive LEGO journey is truly unique.
Book your exhibition tickets here.
Wicked
Escape repeats of The Wizard of Oz on TV this half term by seeing a totally different side of the traditional tale live on stage. Discover the untold story of the witches from Oz and the unlikely friendship between the angelic Glinda and the green-skinned Elphaba in a magical musical that redefines the notions of good and evil.
Find tickets to this show-stopping musical here.
Illuminasia
New for 2014, Illuminasia at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens is the coolest ticket in town. Explore the world’s largest indoor illumination experience, which blends traditional Chinese lantern crafts with the latest in lighting technology, and explore each of its interactive zones, from the Mysteries of China to the Land of the Giants and the Wonders of the World.
Get your tickets to Blackpool’s Winter Gardens here.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Recreating a chocolate wonderland for the stage was never going to be easy, but the wizards behind Charlie and the Chocolate Factory have done it. A feast for the eyes as well as the ears from start to finish, this dark musical is everything a person with a sweet tooth could desire, from the chocolate garden to the dancing Oompa Loompas.
Find your golden ticket to this delicious musical here.
Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic
Celebrate the magical world of Disney with acrobatic and balletic performances from 65 of their best-loved characters. With everyone from Disney princesses like Ariel and Cinderella to Simba and Buzz Lightyear, if this doesn’t inspire a next generation of Torvill and Deans then nothing will.
Disney on Ice is at the NIA Birmingham all half term, book your tickets here.
The Play That Goes Wrong
If you’re in need of a good laugh this half term then the The Play That Goes Wrong is just the ticket. With side-splitting comedy that will appeal to both adults and children, the story follows the accident-prone Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they attempt to stage a 1920s’ murder mystery that, as you might have guessed, doesn’t go quite to plan.
Tickle your funny bone with tickets, here.
Riverdance
The original and best dance extravaganza out there, Riverdance has been delighting audiences with its fast footwork and athletic routines since 1994. Now celebrating its 20th year, the show is as fresh as ever with new routines and, of course, brilliant music.
See some fancy footwork at Liverpool’s Empire Theatre this half term with tickets here.
The Lion King
Still drawing in the crowds after 15 years on stage, this epic story of a young lion cub’s struggle to take his rightful place as king of Africa’s Serengeti is, quite simply, thrilling. With incredible costumes, an intoxicating score and one of the best opening numbers in theatre history, you can’t go wrong with a night at The Lion King.
Get your tickets for this West End all-singing, all-dancing show here, or, catch the touring show, which will be in Sunderland all half term.
Moscow State Circus
End your half term with a bang with an evening of acrobatics thrills and spills, tricks and flips from the world’s most famous circus. The big top might be pitched on Clapham Common but the trapeze artists, clowns and jugglers waiting inside will transport you right into the heart of Park Gorkogo, Moscow’s cultural and artistic quarter.
Grab you tickets here and get ready to gasp.
For more great half term ideas check out Minimaster; it’s packed to the brim with the very best family-friendly events from circus shows and panto to West End musicals, plays and popular arena tours. What’s more, all these events are approved by kids, so you’re guaranteed smiley faces all round.
