World Book Day is right around the corner, and it is the perfect excuse to dress up as your favourite literary character to celebrate the day. Here at Norwich Theatre, we simply love stories and have a fantastic collection of shows on the way to our stages that have been adapted from books that will get you inspired for that World Book Day costume.
Hamlet | 10 – 14 Mar | Royal
Hamlet’s mother has married his uncle, and at a less than decent interval since the death of his father. As he pulls at the threads of his not-so-happy new family, Hamlet unravels a web of deceit and immorality that leads to the ultimate crisis of conscience.
Costume idea: To mirror the iconic character of Hamlet, find your best white shirt, waistcoat and a pair of black trousers. Finishing it off with a skull in hand is a must to emulate this classic tragedy.
Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes | 7 – 11 Apr | Royal
A timeless fairytale by Hans Christian Anderson and Academy Award-winning movie, The Red Shoes, has captivated audiences and inspired generations of dancers with its powerful tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s dream to be the greatest dancer in the world. Victoria Page lives to dance, but her ambitions become a fierce struggle between the two men who inspire her passion.
Costume idea: To embody the elegance and determination of the main character, Victoria, opt for classic ballet attire, from the rehearsal room to the stage. To enhance the look, add a pair of red shoes.
Death on the Nile | 5 – 9 May | Royal
Bitter rivals. Buried secrets. A love to die for.
On board a luxurious cruise under the heat of the Egyptian sun, a couple’s idyllic honeymoon is cut short by a brutal murder. As secrets that have been buried in the sands of time finally resurface, can the world-famous detective, Hercule Poirot, untangle the web of lies and solve another crime?
Costume Idea: To take on Hercule Poirot, find your Sunday-best suit, draw on a moustache and a walking stick in hand to cruise away with it!
The Tiger Who Came to tea | 2 – 5 Jul | Playhouse
Based on the book by Judith Kerr. Direct from the West End, the Olivier Award-nominated smash hit show, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, returns on tour. The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger!
Costume Idea: Any orange onesie will do the trick, if it is stripey, even better! Paint on some whiskers, and you will be ready in time for tea as the tiger!
The Dinosaur that Pooped | 12 Jul | Royal
When Danny and Dino’s favourite rock band are playing their last ever concert, they go on a quest to get the last two tickets. But with a villainous band manager lurking, nothing goes to plan. Will the band perform? Will Danny rock out? Or will Dino’s rumbling tummy save the day?
Adapted from the number 1 best-selling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, the whole family will have a poopy good time enjoying a brand new story for the stage. Featuring new songs by Tom and Dougie, a lot of laughs and a whole lot of poo!
Costume Idea: To bring this hungry dinosaur to life, find your claws and a dinosaur jumpsuit or onesie. Since Dino and Danny are heading to a concert, why not add a toy guitar or some star-shaped sunglasses to show you’re ready to rock? For the ultimate finishing touch, carry a small brown plush or a “poop” emoji to embrace the story!
Matilda The Musical | 6 Aug – 6 Sep | Royal
Matilda The Musical, the multi-award-winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, is coming to Norwich!
Matilda is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to stand up and change her own destiny.
Costume idea: Matilda is the ultimate oops, I forgot it was World Book Day. To recreate her iconic look, pair a classic grey school uniform with a signature vibrant red headband. For those wishing to look a little more “revolting,” a touch of theatrical smudge or dirt adds the perfect rebellious edge. Bonus points for a stack of library books and a slice of chocolate cake.
Fireman Sam Live – The Lost Pirate Treasure | 24 Oct | Royal
Norman Price is determined to win the Pontypandy Treasure Hunt, but when he discovers clues to a real pirate treasure, he goes exploring deep into the caves. It’s up to Fireman Sam, Elvis and Ellie to save the day and find the treasure. With clues, pirate songs and plenty of swashbuckling adventure, Fireman Sam’s new live show is perfect for all budding pirates! Live Show Ahoy!
Costume idea: Fireman Sam is the hero you cannot ignore, and this costume is sure to be a hit. Wear a blue long-sleeve t-shirt, with a firefighter’s badge, yellow trousers, and a firefighter’s hat to complete the look.
The All-New Adventures of Peter Pan Pantomime | 5 Dec – 3 Jan 2026 | Royal
Buckle up and get ready to laugh until your cheeks hurt. Join Peter and friends as they take on the dastardly Captain Hook in an epic adventure full of magic, mayhem, and mischief. With spectacular dancing, show-stopping musical numbers and more audience participation than you can shake a hook at, this is the Christmas treat that has something for everyone — kids, grown-ups, and the grown-ups who act like kids!
Costume idea: To be Peter Pan, it has to be green, green, green! With a green hat on top and a red feather to accessorise.
For more information, please call the Box Office on 01603 630 000 or visit norwichtheatre.org.
