CHILDREN’S SHOWS 

By Trial And Error | Unicorn Theatre | 11-22 Feb
I feel as though it’s been a while since we had a specific children’s show set of tips, so, even though that’s just a feeling, I am determined to make sure your small ones are entertained this week. Let’s head first to the Unicorn Theatre for a very heartwarming, fun and funny family show performed by two acrobats from acclaimed French company Le Cirque Content Pour Peu. Click here. 

Cinderella Ice Cream Seller | Half Moon Theatre | 14 Feb
“Over the last four decades, Cinderella’s has become the kingdom’s most beloved ice cream company, with a parlour on every street corner. But how did a humble street seller end up as a multimillionaire businesswoman with her own ice cream empire?” Find out the answer to that question by going to see this new, musical retelling of the classic fairy tale. All the details here. 

Ruby’s Worry | Polka Theatre | 11-22 Feb (pictured)
An adaptation of the book of the same name by Tom Percival, which you may well be familiar with, and which tells the story of Ruby, who loves being Ruby, until one day she discovers a worry that begins to grow and grow and make her sad. Fortunately, she finds a friend with whom to share those worries in a show featuring live music, song, puppetry and physical theatre. More here. 

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SHORT STOPS 

Hansel Und Gretel | The Space | 14-15 Feb
Now this sounds like it might be a show for little people, so don’t be fooled, because it’s definitely not. On the contrary, it’s a gritty opera suitable only for audience members aged fifteen and over. It’s described as an “edgy, dream-like, synaesthetic, urban reimagining” and tells the story of two rebellious teens, and it’s sung by an all female cast in German. I am definitely intrigued. Details here. 

Matt Forde – Defying Calamity | Bloomsbury Theatre | 14 Feb (pictured)
Hmmm, not a huge amount of funny stuff in this week’s tips, I am afraid, but you know, it’s not because we hate comedy, it’s just the way things happened this time. Anyway, we have this one fab comedy tip for you, because the excellent Matt Forde is headed to Bloomsbury Theatre on Valentine’s to find the positives in politics and his own health, despite evidence to the contrary. Click here. 

The Marvellous Adventures Of Mary Seacole | Rosemary Branch Theatre | 11-12 Feb
I always enjoy hearing about Mary Seacole because I so admire her dogged determination, so it’s great to see this one woman show, adapted and performed by Daniella Pollendine, which “rekindles Seacole’s journey through memory, identity and the search for home: a tribute to black history reclaimed and remembered”. Head to the venue website here to book your tickets. 

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SLIGHTLY LONGER RUNS 

Spanish Oranges | The Playground Theatre | 11 Feb-7 Mar
Actually, this run is quite a bit longer, to be honest, than the short stops. Not slightly. But I’d say the other two tips qualify as ‘slightly’ longer, so let’s let that go. This sounds great, a debut play from novelist Alba Arikha starring Maryam D’abo, which explores the power dynamics in the relationship between Fiona and Ivo, the latter a once celebrated actor, the former a novelist on the brink of fame. More here. 

Far Gone | Brixton House | 11-21 Feb 
A one man performance telling the story of a young boy’s journey from the innocence of childhood to life as a child soldier. Set in northern Uganda, the narrative focuses on Okumu, whose village is attacked by the Lord’s Resistance Army – an event that changes his life and that of his brother. Expect a powerful performance featuring humour, poetry and physical theatre. Book here. 

Merry Wives Of Windsor | The Hope Theatre | 17-21 Feb (pictured)
This looks like a fun and interesting version of the Shakespeare classic, set in early 2000s UK and reimagined into a world of “working-class banter, bad decisions and fierce female friendship”. Promises to be quite the experience; expect “alleyway pranks, karaoke chaos, and live, booze-fueled performances where no two shows are ever the same”. All the info here.