What to Book to Keep the Kids Entertained this July
These feel-good family shows will bring everyone a dose of happiness
SEUSSICAL JR
1ST JULY
Gala Durham
0300 026 6600
galadurham.co.uk
All of our favourite Dr.Seuss characters are coming to life in this production, transporting you from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus. The Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect them while also guarding an abandoned egg. This bizarre show is all about friendship, loyalty, family and community, and it’s just as mad as you might expect.
TALL SHIPS HARTLEPOOL
6TH–9TH JULY
Hartlepool
tallshipshartlepool2023.co.uk
The Tall Ships are coming back to Hartlepool. The North East will see a fleet of more than 30 ships arrive at one of the largest free maritime events in the UK. Expect four days of celebrations which will transform Hartlepool’s Waterfront with music, art, dance and song. On Friday 7th July, Maximo Park will headline the Friday live music programme and don’t miss The Tower of Light – a magical theatre production with pyrotechnics.
HORRIBLE HISTORIES: BARMY BRITAIN
7TH & 8TH JULY
Gala Durham
0300 026 6600
galadurham.co.uk
The hit West End show Barmy Britain is back and full of crazy new characters and new rude rulers. You’ll join the gorgeous Georgians as they take over England, then break into Buckingham Palace and hide from Queen Victoria. Horrible Histories is a children’s favourite so it’s no surprise that this show is still so popular.
ANNA HIBISCUS’ SONG
7TH–15TH JULY
Playhouse, Sheffield
0114 249 6000
sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
Told through music, dance, puppetry and traditional African storytelling, this theatrical adaptation of Nigerian storyteller Atinuke’s much-loved children’s book is the epitome of happiness. It’s a story of self-discovery that’s sure to inspire your children.
Read More: How to Make the Most of July
JURASSIC TAKEOVER DAY
8TH JULY
First Direct Arena, Leeds
firstdirectarena.com
Leeds’ First Direct Arena are hosting the UK’s only interactive walkthrough and performance experience where state-of-the-art animatronic dinosaurs will take centre stage. This year marks 30 years since the film Jurassic Park was released and they’ll be celebrating with roarsome displays to take you back to when it all began. Children can talk to a Triceratops, look up to a Brontosaurus, roar with a T-Rex, and run from a Raptor. Train as a ranger, learn about the baby dinosaurs in the Hatchery, take photos and watch the dinosaur show. There are three 90-minute sessions available to book across the day.
TIME CASTERS
15TH JULY
Cast, Doncaster
01302 303959
castindoncaster.com
It’s 2114 and Cast would have been celebrating its centenary
if it hadn’t been demolished decades ago. The Time Casters are a determined group of teenagers who travel the globe to share the history of famous forgotten sites. As they arrive in Doncaster, there’s a glitch in their equipment and they must travel to a different time and place to search for what they need to fix it.
IN THE NIGHT GARDEN
15TH & 16TH JULY
Darlington Hippodrome
01325 405405
darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and their friends are back. Igglepiggle is looking for his friends in the Night Garden by following their funny sounds until he finds them all. Children will spot all their favourite characters in full-size costumes, as well as magical puppets, and this show lasts just under an hour so there’s no fear of them getting restless. Now in its 14th year, In the Night Garden Live is one of the UK’s favourite family events.
Hey Duggee
19TH–22ND JULY
Leeds Grand Theatre
leedsheritagetheatres.com
Hey Duggee is touring for the first time ever, so expect your children to be bugging you for tickets for this live show. Betty wants to make costumes, Happy wants to sing, Tag wants
to make music, Norrie wants to dance, Roly wants jelly and you’re all invited to the Clubhouse. Be part of the hit CBeebies show as music and puppets bring it to life. Two-year-old Mabel recently got the chance to go to her very first theatre performance and Hey Duggee didn’t disappoint – read our review here.
Read More: The Most Popular Musicals Coming to the North East and Yorkshire
THE TORTOISE & THE HARE: A SUITCASE STORY
25TH JULY
The Witham, Barnard Castle
01833 631107 thewitham.org.uk
Who will win this race? The slow and steady or the fast and furious. On your marks, get set…go! This interactive story for under sixes, presented by the North East’s own family theatre company Kitchen Zoo, comes with live music and puppetry to tell a tale you thought you knew. This performance lasts 45 minutes and there’s a free activity sheet to take home.
BEACHFEST
FROM 31ST JULY
Dalton Park, Murton
dalton-park.co.uk
This free, three-week beach bonanza will celebrate the great British seaside with a sandy beach and play area open every day and music, beach hut trader stalls and fairground rides (plus more to be announced).
