There is something for all - toddlers to teenagers - on the region's stages this half-term. SIMON PARKIN highlights shows, from fairytales to puppets, that offer the perfect family treat.
Comedy Club 4 Kids
Norwich Playhouse, February 13, 2pm, £10, 01603 598598, www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk
Like the name says, this is a comedy club but for kids. Since 2005, Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children and their families…but without the rude bits! It's just like a normal comedy club, but it's on in the day, kids are allowed in, and thus there is a higher than usual chance of heckles like 'why is that your face!?' For this Norwich show, braving the audience will be Jim Smallman, Tom Webb and improvising sketch group Noise Next Door. Ages 6+
Peppa Pig's Surprise
King's Lynn Corn Exchange, February 13, 1pm, 4pm/February 14, 10am, 1pm, £20-£16, £18-£14 children, £72-£56 family, 01553 764864, www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
Peppa Pig, George and their friends are back with this latest live stage show. It's a lovely day and Peppa is playing outside with her friends. Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig have got a surprise for her and George – they can't guess what it is, can you? Fun, games and of course, surprises in this charming, colourful new show with songs and new life size puppets. It is sure to be the perfect half-term theatre show for all pre-schoolers.
Tom Thumb
Norwich Puppet Theatre, February 13, 2.30pm, £8, £28 children, 01603 629921, www.puppettheatre.co.uk
Highly rated children's theatre experts DNA Puppetry and Visual Theatre, makers of Chicken Licken and Terry Jones Fairy Tales, bring the story of Tom Thumb to life. This epic tale of the smallest hero in the world is told with superb puppetry, music and fantastic design. Ages 4+
Prof Kaos' Science Blast 2
Seagull Theatre, Pakefield, Lowestoft, February 13, 3pm, £10, £6.50 under-14s, £28 family, 01502 589726, www.theseagull.co.uk
Prof Kaos is back. Returning to the Seagull for another explosive helping of cool science, chaos and bad jokes. From Arctic Explorer to Space explorer, nine scientists 12 experiments, loads of explosions. The live-action family show that likes to blow stuff up. Lasers, lights, explosions, the coolest experiments abound.
Here Be Monsters
Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, February 13, 1pm/3.30pm, £13.50-£8.50, £11.50-£8.50 children, 01284 769505, www.theatreroyal.org
A new musical adaptation of the children's book by bestselling author Jonathan Emmett and illustrator Poly Bernatene. Join the villainous Captain Cut-Throat and his fearsome crew as they set sail through monster-infested waters in search of a mysterious island crammed with jewels and gem stones. A thrilling adventure, performed by five actor-musicians. Ages 3+
Snow White
Spixworth Village Hall, February 13-20, 7.30pm, 2pm Feb 14/20, £6 (£5 cons), 01603 897605
A panto isn't just for Christmas. Celebrating their 25th anniversary year, Spixworth Amateur Players have waited until half-term to stage their pantomime at Spixworth Village Hall. Expect the usual tale of an enchanted mirror, a wicked queen, a handsome prince, seven dwarfs, a poisoned apple and a whole lot in store for Snow White.
Rapunzel
Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, February 14-15, 3pm, 6.45pm Feb 15, £12.50-£8.50, £11.50-£8.50 children, 01284 769505, www.theatreroyal.org
This musical version of the classic fairytale comes with a hilarious script from the Emmy Award-winning team behind the mega-hit television series Friends - no really the book and lyrics are by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, with music by Michael Skloff. Immersion Theatre's witty, tongue-in-cheek retelling of a perennial favourite which gives us a possessive mother who happens to be a witch, a tentative young man who happens to be a prince and a strong-willed but naïve young girl with the longest hair you're ever likely to come across! Ages 4+
The Boy Who Bit Picasso
Metfield Village Hall, February 15, 2pm, £7.50, £2.50 children, £16 family, 01379586307, www.creativeartseast.co.uk/Palgrave Community Centre, February 20, 11am/2pm, £6, £4 children, 01379 652241, www.disscornhall.co.uk
Interactive theatre show for children is inspired by the book by Antony Penrose. Tony has the most extraordinary friend...Pablo Picasso. Together they will have loads of fun, make crazy pictures and tell the true story of how a young boy became friends with one of the greatest artists who ever lived. With storytelling, music and lots of chances to make your own art, the best bits are hands-on and messy, and turn the audience into little Picassos.
Where Have All The Fleas Gone?
Seagull Theatre, Pakefield, Lowestoft, February 16, 2pm, £5, 01502 589726, www.theseagull.co.uk
Much-loved clowns Cosmo, Lucas and Tom plus the rest of the Foolhardy Circus Arts troupe take you on a zany journey through the madcap circus world, where anything could happen and usually does. Polished clown routines, circus skills, tumbling and magic. Some beautiful moments of delicate clowning and lots of audience participation.
Circus Bizerkus – Another Fine Mess
Fisher Theatre, Bungay, February 17, 2pm, £5, 01986 897130, www.fishertheatre.org
More Foolhardy Circus here with fine juggler Lucas Hardy (seven ball and club routines) and trapeze artiste Chameleon, while there will also be the famous decorators slosh routine from the Foolhardy clowns. A mini circus show with a big heart and lots of skill and finesse and of course buckets of laughter.
Ali Baba & the Forty Thieves
Great Heath Academy, Girton Close, Mildenhall, February 17-20, 7.30pm, 2.30pm Feb 20, £8 (£6 cons), £6 children, £25 family, www.ticketsource.co.uk/bunburyplayers
The Bunbury Players' annual pantomime, a magical trip to the old Bazaar in Baghdad where the story follows the tale of Ali Baba, his trusty camel, his mother Dame Barbara Baba and a little help from a retired Genie. Colourful costumes, lively dance routines and many great songs. All tickets £6 for the Wednesday performance.
Humpty Dumpty
Tithe Barn, Horstead, February 17-20, 7.30pm, 2.30pm Feb 19-20, £6 (£5 cons), 01603 736676/738764, www.jubilee-players.co.uk
Another local theatre company who traditionally wait until half-term to stage their pantomime is the Jubilee Players in Horsed. This year's production has been written by Graham Barraclough and has all the usual suspects. The Dame, her son, a princess, witch, and, of course, Humpty Dumpty. Lots of traditional fun and audience interaction promises a family treat.
Sid's Show
The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, February 18, 1pm, £12, £10 children, £40 family, 01284 758000, www.theapex.co.uk
Sid from Cbeebies back live on stage in his fun-filled adventure that will blow your socks off! He is setting out on a heroic quest to find out where in the world his favourite socks and shoes have go to - share in the adventure at the bottom of the sea, deep in the jungle or floating in outer space you'll meet some funny characters along the way. An interactive live experience crammed with games, songs, poems and magic. Ages 3+
The Wizard of Oz
Aylsham Town Hall, February 18-20, 7.30pm, 2pm Feb 20, £8 Fri-Sat/£7 Thurs, Sat matinee, 01263 735915, www.aylshamplayers.co.uk
The whirlwind adventures of young Dorothy Gale as the Aylsham Players present their production of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Scarecrow, Tinman and the Cowardly Lion join Dorothy on her journey to find the Wizard of Oz in the Emerald City. This up-lifting show includes memorable songs, merry Munchkins plus loveable Yorkshire terrier Mia in the role of Dorothy's beloved dog, Toto.
Count Duckula
Princess Theatre, Hunstanton, February 19, 2pm, £10, £8 children, £30 family, 01485 532252, princesshunstanton.co.uk/Marina Theatre, Lowestoft, February 21, 11am, £10.50 (£8.50 cons), 01502 533200, www.marinatheatre.co.uk
Count Duckula returned to our TV screens last year. He will also be appearing 'live on stage' this half-term. From the producers of the highly successful live 'Rainbow' show, this production, set in Duckula Castle, with its highly colourful and instantly recognisable characters, will contain loads of 'spooky goings on' and have something the children of all ages will love.
Sound of Music Sing-A-Long
St George's Theatre, Great Yarmouth, February 19, 7.30pm, £8, 01493 331484, www.stgeorgestheatre.com
St Georges Theatre screens a Sing-A-Long version of the movie. Go dressed up based upon the characters of the classic film. There will be prizes for those deemed the 'Best Dressed' so join in the fun and look the part just as much as you sound the part.
The Emperor's New Clothes
Norwich Puppet Theatre, February 20, 11am/2.30pm, £8, £28 children, 01603 629921, www.puppettheatre.co.uk
Martin Bridle, one of England's finest puppeteers, is worried! Has he arrived on the wrong day? How can he do the show if there's nothing there? Ever resourceful, he rummages in the washing basket to create this funny and imaginative version of The Emperor's New Clothes. The well known story of vanity is recounted with a washing machine and a clothes line, puppets and song.
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