Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Back to School Theatre Guide
Arena Birmingham B1 2AA | www.arenabham.co.uk
3 Oct – 7 Oct
Cirque du Soleil: OVO
OVO is a headlong rush into a colourful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. Tickets from £52.75.
Belgrade Theatre CV1 1GS | www.belgrade.co.uk
10 Oct
Flawless - Chase the Dream: the reboot
7:30pm This fantastically high energy, acrobat-fused, FEEL GOOD, family show follows the journey of 10 Big Dreamers, seeking the opportunity to live their ultimate dance fantasy on board the “Intergalactic Dream Ship”. Tickets: £24.25, concessions £22.25. Book online.
Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre B5 4TB | www.birminghamhippodrome.com
28 Sep
First Steps, a child's La Fille mal gardée
An hour-long, interactive show, specially adapted for children aged 3+, features ballet excerpts from La Fille mal gardee, performed by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s amazing dancers and orchestra. Tickets £12.50. Book online.
3 Oct – 6 Oct
Birmingham Royal Ballet - Fire and Fury
Two incredible ballets, one from established choreographer, Director David Bintley, and one from a choreographer working on this scale for the first time, Juanjo Arqués. Tickets from £12.
10 Oct – 3 Nov
War Horse
This powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music and songs, is a show of phenomenal inventiveness. At its heart are astonishing life-sized horses by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses thrilling to life on stage. Suitable for ages 10+, under 5s will not be admitted. Tickets from £29.50.
Bridgehouse Theatre CV34 6PP | www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk
Christ the King Parish Centre CV6 2AA
www.coventry.gov.uk
22 Sep
The Greatest Show - Charity Music Concert
7:30pm The concert features an excellent line-up of local singers performing songs from Musicals, Movie Soundtracks and Pop Music. There will be bingo at half-time and after the concert finishes there will be a disco until late. Tickets: adults £10, children £5, and can be purchased from Andrew on 07800565661.
Coventry Transport Museum CV1 1JD | www.transport-museum.com
20 Sep – 22 Sep
Rear View by IOU
12-2:30pm Rear View is a unique interactive experience for all audiences where the streets of Coventry become part of the performance. This exciting experience is taken on a custom-made conversion of a double decker bus, a mobile auditorium which turns the City town into a stage, taking you on an unforgettable journey where familiar and not so familiar places are brought to life. Recommended for ages 11+. Tickets £7. Book online.
mac birmingham B12 9QH | www.macbirmingham.co.uk
7 Oct
The Laughing Sole Comedy for Kids
2pm An exciting club where the laughs are loud and shared across the ages! Compered by Barbara Nice, our comedy club is specifically for children and their families, bringing together some of the best acts on the circuit performing family jokes. Recommended age 5+ but younger siblings are welcome. Tickets £7.
Playbox Theatre, CV34 6LE | www.playboxtheatre.com
5 Oct – 6 Oct
Monkey – Journey to the West
Combining dance, movement, drama and acrobatics, the Playbox cast bring this ancient tale to life in a ‘live action anime’. Tickets: £15, concessions £9.
13 Oct
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
3pm and 7pm A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a ‘pocket’ version of the recent production staged at Playbox Theatre and reconfigured for the stage in California. Tickets: £15, concessions £9.
Royal Spa Centre CV32 4HN | www.warwickdc.gov.uk
13 Oct
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
3pm and 7pm A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a ‘pocket’ version of the recent production staged at Playbox Theatre and reconfigured for the stage in California. Tickets: £15, concessions £9.
The Abbey Theatre CV11 5DB | www.abbeytheatre.co.uk
20 Sep
The Improlectuals
7:30pm Impro-ducing an evening of comedy improv games in the style of 'Whose Line is it Anyway?' The Improlectuals are an improv "super-group" made up of some of the finest improvisers from around the Midlands. They create completely new comedy sketches on the spot, based entirely on audience suggestions. Tickets £6.
22 Sep
The Dressing Room
7:30pm Touring by public demand, the hilarious comedy play, written by Bobby Ball, that combines sitcom and variety with some outstanding and memorable stand up comedy from Cannon and Ball and Johnny Casson. A whole night of truly great comedy entertainment! Suitable for all the family. Tickets £18.
13 Oct – 14 Oct
Dance Yourself Dizzy
7pm and 4pm An evening full of dance, song and drama. Full of energy, excitement and talent. Delveen's Academy of Dance is a dedicated and passionate dance school based in Coventry. A great evening for all the family to enjoy. Tickets: £10, concessions £8.
17 Oct
Take Off with the Merry Midwives
For one night only you are invited to Take off with the Merry Midwives on a journey of song and laughter, whilst raising valuable funds for your local Warwickshire Air Ambulance. Tickets £12.
The Core Theatre B91 3RG | thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
13 Oct
Abba Mania
7:30pm ABBAMANIA are widely regarded as one of the 'Europe's' Premier ABBA Tribute Bands. Their sensational LIVE concerts have taken them all over the World. Tickets £25.
Warwick Arts Centre CV4 7AL | www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
2 Oct – 6 Oct
Fup: A Modern Fable
7:15pm This is a big-hearted, uproarious modern fable about family, love and nature set in a weird and wild Cornwall not so different from the one you know. Featuring live, foot-stomping music, quacking puppetry and Kneehigh’s infamous eccentricity and charm, Fup: A Modern Fable is a story like no other. 2pm matinee performance on Saturday 6 October
13 Oct
Half Moon Leaf
11am & 1pm This lively production tells the life story of a very special leaf in this heart-warming and playful new piece inspired by nature and the seasons. Framed within an evocative soundscape, this is the perfect introduction to theatre for very young children. At the end of the performance, children are invited onto the stage to play among the leaves and explore a landscape created by the changing seasons.
16 Oct – 20 Oct
Dishoom!
Summer 1978, Simon and his friends should be looking forward to leaving school, but the National Front are on the streets, Simon’s Bibi is ashamed of him and his Dad spends his life hiding in the pub. Captioned performance on 19 October.
23 Oct
Harry Hill's Kidz Show
11am To celebrate the launch of award-winning comedian Harry Hill’s new book, Matt Millz Stands Up, Harry is taking to the road for the first time in five years to offer hints, tips and anecdotes for children who fancy themselves as a bit of a joker, running through his dos and do nots, as well as offering kids the chance to try out their comedy skills. Kids – bring your best jokes! If you’re sitting near the front – bring an umbrella.