With World Book Day (6 Mar) looming around the corner, the quest for a perfect costume begins. Draw inspiration from our exciting lineup of literary adaptations, from picture book classics to some silly options for the grown-ups. You are sure to look showstopping in these bookish costumes, complete with a theatrical twist.
The Frog and the Princess and Other Stories | 9 Mar | Norwich Theatre Stage Two | 3+
This endearing show explores the many Grimm stories with heart-warming adaptations of some of the most well-known fairy tales. Box Tale Soup bring these treasured stories to life with spellbinding music and charming puppetry.
Costume: Pull inspiration from the Princess and the Frog, wearing a crown and jewels. Or your little one can easily transform into the big bad wolf with a pair of ears, and some pointed canines drawn on their face!
English Touring Opera present: The Vanishing Forest | 15 Mar | Norwich Theatre Stage Two | 7+
A captivating story following the adventures of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream told through endearing puppetry and live music. Join Puck on his journey to save the magical forest from being chopped down, saving the creatures and his friends along the way.
Costume: Puck is a fairy spirit, so this is a chance to find a pair of wings and sprinkle copious amounts of glitter. Add some dried leaves to the look to emphasise the forest vibes!
The Farmer and the Clown | 18 May | Norwich Theatre Stage Two | 3+
A beautiful adaptation of a picture book by the multiple award-winning author and illustrator Marla Frazee. Using innovative visual storytelling, the show tenderly explores the unlikely friendship between a lonely farmer and a lost baby clown.
Costume: This makes a great duo for siblings or friends. For the clown, wear some red and white face paint, and some brightly coloured clothes to match. The farmer can wear a floppy hat and a pair of braces over a checkered shirt.
The Elmer Adventure | 27 – 29 Jun | Norwich Theatre Playhouse | 3+
Embark on a vibrant jungle journey with three friends in Tall Stories’ magical and musical rendition of a classic children’s tale, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant. Come along and help to find Elmer hiding amongst the trees and bushes, brought to life through unique puppetry.
Costume: Paint a piece of cardboard in bright colours and cut out a big pair of elephant ears and trunk, sticking them to a headband. Pair it with vibrant clothes to make the perfect rainbow elephant!
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe | 8 – 12 Jul | Norwich Theatre Royal | 6+
The West End hit of C. S. Lewis’ timeless novel is returning to our stage, delivering a magical array of characters and stories. Follow Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter on a journey of courage, sacrifice, and love as they make new friends and face scary enemies.
Costume: There are endless possibilities with this one! Unbutton the fluffy trim from a coat hood and use it as a lion’s mane, representing the beloved Aslan. Or adorn a crown and wear all white, making a very convincing White Witch.
The Koala Who Could | 17 – 19 Jul | Norwich Theatre Playhouse | 3+
Based upon the best-selling picture book by Rachel Bright, this new stage adaptation uses puppetry and music to depict Kevin the Koala’s epic journey. Come along to discover whether his kangaroo and wombat friends can convince him that life is great when trying something new.
Costume: To transform your little one into a koala, find some matching grey clothes and paint on a black nose. Cut out some big grey ears and stick it to a headband to complete the look.
English Youth Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty | 25 – 26 Jul | Norwich Theatre Royal | 3+
A classic fairy tale is brought to life through a spellbinding performance from the English Youth Ballet. Aurora is cursed to sleep for a hundred years and a group of fairies come to protect her, but only true loves kiss can lift the curse.
Costume: To stand out from other princess costumes, accessorise the look with a pillow and a perfectly ruffled bedhead!
Cinderella | 6 Dec – 4 Jan | Norwich Theatre Royal
Our latest pantomime is a tale of love and hope, where Cinderella dreams of a life outside the confines of her home, where she spends most of her time cleaning, cooking, and looking after her wicked mother and stepsisters. The show will be filled with dazzling dance numbers, memorable songs and plenty of crowd participation.
Costume: A lost shoe is an integral part of a Cinderella’s costume, so if the little one goes as a dazzling princess, be sure they are spending most of the day inside. Accessorise the look with a pumpkin!
For the grown-ups wanting to join the World Book Day fun…
The Picture of Dorian Gray | 9 Mar | Norwich Theatre Stage Two
Box Tale Soup return with a literary adaptation more suited to adults amongst us, with a remarkable adaptation of Wilde’s classic book. Dorian is youthful and beautiful, indulging in a life of selfish abandon, with only his hidden portrait revealing the truth about his inner corruption.
Costume: You can easily transform into Dorian himself by wearing a white shirt and holding an empty picture frame up to your face! Kudos if you add some creepy makeup.
Kate Butch: Wuthering Sh*tes | 27 Mar | Norwich Theatre Playhouse
Fresh from the runway of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Kate Butch needs your help in her latest show to help get “BUSH!”, a chaotic Kate Bush jukebox musical, to Broadway! The show blends stand-up, vocals, and lip-sync for a raucous night out.
Costume: Emily Brontë and Kate Bush fans, it’s time to unite. Wear your floaty red dress, let down your hair, and go haunt someone!
Hold on to Your Butts | 30 Mar – 1 Apr
This is a hilarious shot-for-shot parody of Jurassic Park, based upon the book by Michael Crichton. Brimming with dinosaurs and filled with ridiculously silly humour, it is a tour-de-force of comedy.
Costume: If you don’t have a dinosaur costume, adorn some cargo pants, a red ascot and a blue button-up shirt, you’ll make a picture-perfect Dr. Grant.
Austentatious | 6 Apr | Norwich Theatre Royal
A smash-hit comedy show improvising a hilarious new Jane Austen novel, inspired by the audience. Complete with authentic period costume and live musical accompaniment, this is a riotous show filled with wit and laughter.
Costume: For the ladies, grab your fans out ready for swooning. Be sure to wear a floor length skirt or dress and wear some pearls. For the men, tousle your hair and pop on a button-up white shirt… extra points if you fall into a lake!
For more information, please call the Box Office on 01603 630 000 or visit norwichtheatre.org.
