Do you have little ones that need entertaining? Say no more. Whether you’re looking for slapstick comedy to get the whole family belly-laughing, a festive pantomime treat, or a hero you cannot ignore, Norwich Theatre has stacks of family shows coming your way. And best of all, every single one comes complete with the ultimate seal of approval: guaranteed kid delight!
Shelf: The Kids Show 2: The Power of 2 | 10 Oct | Stage Two
Age recommendation: 5 – 11 years old
If your kids love chaotic, laugh-out-loud fun, this award-winning duo are bringing the ultimate silly spectacle. Expect interactive pranks, invisible whips, slapstick, and a tiny bit of “voodoo”. It’s a wildly entertaining, fast-paced hour designed for both kids and adults (and any wandering pigeons).
Why it’s kid-approved: Fast-paced funny jokes, zero boring bits, and permission to pull silly pranks.
The Selfish Giant | 24 Oct | Stage Two
Age recommendation: 4+
When a cross giant builds a huge wall to keep playing children out of his garden, winter decides to stick around forever. Brought to life by Riding Lights Theatre Company, this classic tale blends live music, puppetry, and interactive games to teach a beautiful lesson about love, generosity, and bringing the summer back.
Why it’s kid-approved: Live music, whimsical puppets, and games they can actually join in on.
Fireman Sam Live – The Lost Pirate Treasure | 24 Oct | Royal
Age recommendation: 2+
When trouble-magnet Norman Price sneaks off into deep caves in search of pirate loot, Fireman Sam, Elvis, and Ellie have to save the day! Packed with pirate songs, clues, and action, it’s a brilliant first-theatre experience for budding young adventurers.
Why it’s kid-approved: Real-life TV heroes, catchy pirate tunes, and big cave-exploring adventures.
Red Robin’s Winter Song | 27 Oct | Stage Two
Age recommendation: 3+
Written by award-winner Manjeet Mann and presented by Tutti Frutti Productions, this gentle play follows a brave little Robin who decides not to migrate for the winter. Guided by a mysterious song on the wind, Robin finds new friends and a place to belong. With cosy storytelling and sweet tunes, your little ones will be singing all the way home!
Why it’s kid-approved: A brave animal hero, magical snowy stage scenes, and tunes they can sing along to.
Rob Biddulph: Draw with Rob | 27 Oct | Playhouse
Age recommendation: 5+ but suitable for the whole family
Part of the Norwich Book Festival, join internet legend and bestselling author/illustrator Rob Biddulph for an interactive session! He’ll be introducing his newest picture book, South, and his chapter book, The Last Wolf—before stepping you and your kids through creating your very own masterpieces step-by-step. Bring pencils!
Why it’s kid-approved: They get to draw alongside a real-life famous illustrator and take home their own artwork!
A Tale of Us | 31 Oct | Stage Two
Age recommendation: Children aged 0-18 months and their grown-ups
Tired? Missing sleep? Tiny and Tall Productions gets it. A Tale of Us is an intimate, funny, and frank celebration of that wild first year of parenthood, paired with a multi-sensory space for your baby to enjoy. Plus, every performance ends with a guided Stay and Play session so you can chat with other parents while your babies explore.
Why it’s kid-approved: Lights, sounds, textures to touch, and zero rules against crawling around.
Flotsam | 28 Oct | Stage Two
When a curious child finds a camera washed up on the beach, the photos inside unlock a fantastical secret: starfish dancing, octopi reading by lamplight, and turtles carrying whole cities on their backs! Adapted from David Wiesner’s beloved picture book by OperaUpClose, this breathtaking show mixes movement, storytelling, and an eerie-beautiful music score by Kerry Andrew to dive deep into world of wonder.
Why it’s kid-approved: Dancing sea creatures, magical ocean secrets, and a giant wave of imagination!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar | 24 – 29 Nov | Playhouse
Age recommendation: 0-7 & families
Celebrating 10 years on stage, this globally acclaimed masterpiece brings four of Eric Carle’s iconic stories to life with a staggering 75 larger-than-life puppets! It’s a bright, sweeping, 60-minute spectacle that will captivate everyone from 1-year-olds to grandparents.
Why it’s kid-approved: Seeing their favourite bedtime book character turn into a giant, magical stage puppet
The All New Adventures of Peter Pan | 5 Dec – 3 Jan | Royal
Age recommendation: All families welcome
It wouldn’t be Christmas without the panto! Join Peter, Wendy, and the gang as they take on Captain Hook in an epic quest stuffed with slapstick, brilliant dance routines, and tons of classic audience participation. A festive treat for everyone … including the grown-ups who refuse to grow up.
Why it’s kid-approved: High-flying stunts, silly villains, and screaming “He’s behind you!” as loud as they want!
The Snow Queen | 10 – 20 Dec | Playhouse
Age recommendation: 5+
In the village of Snödal, it’s winter every single day because of the Snow Queen’s broken heart. Siblings Pip and Pelle set off on a quest to restore the village’s magical talisman—meeting a moose named Johan, friendly Vikings, mischievous snowball-throwing elves, and pausing for a traditional Swedish Fika along the way. Can they thaw the Queen’s heart in time for Christmas?
Why it’s kid-approved: Mischievous elves throwing snowballs, a friendly moose, and an epic Christmas quest.
