The summer holidays are coming… and with them comes the pressure to fill six weeks with summer fun and entertainment. If the thought of it all is leaving you praying for September, well, enter stage left Norwich Theatre with a whole host of creative options to keep the kids occupied.
Now, I can’t promise these recommendations will solve the squabbles or holiday dilemmas, but I can offer some creative fun that will keep the kids smiling and may earn you cool parent brownie points.
Free fun
Family Festival Community Singalong Workshops | 23 & 30 Jul | All ages welcome
If you’re looking for a brilliant way to kick off the summer without spending a penny, you can rock up to these all-ages sessions. They are a warm-up for the Family Festival on 4 Aug and our Community Singalong. The whole family can join vocal coach Jodie Moore from Not Your Average Choir to practice musical songs and learn a harmony or two. No experience is needed; bring your enthusiasm!
Open Day | 26 Jul | All ages welcome
You absolutely cannot miss this one. It is the perfect free day out for the whole family because you get to go behind the scenes of Norwich Theatre. The kids can explore the dressing rooms, stand on the actual stage, try out the lighting desk, and see fly rail demonstrations.
We have packed the day with crafting, puppet workshops, tech talks, face painting, pirate mini-golf, and a costume try-on station. Plus, if you complete the Family Activity Trail, you could win free panto tickets for a family of four.
Family Festival | 4 Aug | All ages welcome
Clear your schedule for a full day of family adventure. If your kids love to craft, build, explore, and sing, they can join our big singalong, craft their own puppets, and build a panto-inspired stage set.
Workshops to get involved in
Sensory Stories for SEND | 4 Aug | Ages 7 – 11
A creative session welcoming families of children with special educational needs and disabilities. This session will be accessible for non-verbal children, guiding the group through a journey of imagination and play in a relaxed, supportive environment, using an array of sensory materials and props.
This session is a pay what you can event and needs to be booked in advance.
Summer Holiday Club | 17 – 21 Aug | Split into two age groups: 7–10 and 11–13
If you haven’t had the chance to book a summer club for the kids, look no further! The five-day theatre-making programme will explore the themes of Courage and Bravery. It builds confidence and teamwork through a fun, inclusive mix of drama, movement, design, and technical theatre.
Each day includes warm-ups, skill-building, and a 60-minute masterclass, beautifully balanced with plenty of breaks, outdoor reset time, and choices like journaling or crafts. The week finishes with a relaxed, low-pressure sharing for families.
Places need to be booked.
Shows to have them captivated
The Dinosaur that Pooped | 12 Jul | Ages 3+
What do you get when you combine catchy rock tunes, prehistoric creatures, and a healthy dose of potty humour? A guaranteed hit with the kids!
Written by McFly’s very own Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, this brand-new stage adaptation features a fresh story and original songs. It’s loud, it’s silly, it’s hilarious, and yes … there will be a whole lot of poo.
Matilda The Musical | 6 Aug – 6 Sep | Ages 6+
The absolute ultimate summer treat, perfect for those revolting children!
Roald Dahl’s beloved story comes to life with Dennis Kelly’s brilliant script and Tim Minchin’s genius, high-energy songs. If you want to teach your kids the power of a sharp mind, a big imagination, and standing up for what’s right, all mixed in with a little bit of naughtiness, this show is an absolute must-see.
Be warned, securing seats for this will earn you cool parent status.
For more information or to book, visit norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000.
