FAMILY FRIENDLY STUFF

Hopeful Monsters | Half Moon Theatre | 19-20 Jun  
Thought we might kick things off this week with a few shows and events that might work for a family outing, if that’s the kind of fare you are looking for. This one is suitable for those aged five and up, a non-verbal story of evolution, survival and struggle, and because it’s non-verbal it’s very accessible, obv, for non English speakers, and the deaf or hard of hearing. Click here. 

Arthur | Polka Theatre | 20 Jun-9 Aug (pictured)
Ohhh, this one’s time travel-y: In 2026 Grace is in A&E with Lego stuck up her nose and, in 526AD, the legendary Arthur is trying to find Excalibur. When Grace runs into Merlin, he sends her back to the Sixth Century, where she and Arthur find themselves on a joint quest. It’s for older children, aged six to twelve, but I reckon you grown ups will enjoy it too. Find out more here. 

The Art Of Mini Golf | Battersea Arts Centre | 17 Jun-26 Jul 
This isn’t a children’s show, it’s intended for adults, but you’re allowed to bring children aged nine and over along, so it’s something to consider: a playable exhibition featuring nine mini golf holes, each designed by different leading female artists. And did you know that mini golf was invented by Nineteenth Century Scottish women banned from ‘real courses’? More info here. 

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MUSICAL SHOWS 

The Secret Circus Musical | Rosemary Branch Theatre | 20 Jun 
This first entry in this here musical shows section is also not necessarily aimed at kids, but definitely family friendly. “When feelings have been outlawed, a gregarious rock n roll ringleader and their circus friends establish an underground Big Top, a place for freedom and self-expression that’s welcome to all identities – person or puppet”. All the details here. 

Don Juan: The Dazzling Irreverence Of Lord Byron | OSO Arts Centre | 17-19 Jun
Always been interested by Byron – because he was kinda scandalous, obv – and also his satirical, unfinished, epic poem ‘Don Juan’, so naturally I’m attracted to a piece of theatre weaving together the life of Byron and Don Juan, which is set to the music of the time. Expect “poetry, hilarity and philosophy”, and head to this page here to get your tickets booked. 

The Chocolate Soldier | Wilton’s Music Hall | 23-27 Jun (pictured)
Continuing something of a theme, I have also always been interested by Bernard Shaw, and was exposed to ‘Arms And The Man’ at an early age. That’s the anti war play that ‘The Chocolate Soldier’ – Oscar Straus’s 1908 operetta – is based on. This version by Opera della Luna restores much of Shaw’s dialogue and original characters, read about it here. 

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FUNNY STUFF

Michael Brunstrom: William Tell Versus The Algorithm | Museum Of Comedy | 18 Jun 
And now, after all that singing and music, how about some laughing and smiling? As a result of some funny performances? First pick comes courtesy of surrealist comedian Michael Brunstrom, who offers an interesting take on the William Tell legend, in which the mediaeval folk hero takes a stand against social media and AI. Head to the venue website here to book.

Matt Winning: Solastalgia | Soho Theatre | 22-24 Jun (pictured)
I’m 100% sure I have tipped Matt Winning’s work before, and 90% sure that I have tipped this very show before, because we are, of course, big fans of Matt Winning. Not least because he is a proper scientist – a climate scientist, in fact – who is good at being funny as well as being correct and educational about stuff. Don’t miss him, click here. 

After Ive | Playhouse East | 21-22 Jun  
“Damon, an aspiring theatre director, studied at Oxford alongside Thomas Ive. After graduation, Ive became the youngest-ever Olivier winner and the defining director of his generation. Damon drifted into obscurity”. This is a play, but it’s a darkly comical psychological drama about “ambition, artistic envy and the pain of inspiration”. All the info right about here. 

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MORE GREAT SHOWS 

Camdenwalla | Camden People’s Theatre | 17 Jun-4 Jul (pictured)
And now, for our final section, let’s have three more fabulous looking theatrical offerings. Over first to Camden People’s Theatre for ‘Camdenwalla’, which is based on true stories from real Camden-based people, and looks at the Camden Monitoring Project, a group of volunteers who mobilised against growing numbers of racist attacks back in 1994. Find out more here. 

Reformed | Bread & Roses Theatre | 17-18 + 22-23 Jun   
“2028. Nigel Farage has recently been elected Prime Minister in a landslide, Joe is on track to another promotion, Lewis finally might be getting a job and England have made it to another final at Wembley”. Written by Tommy Fletcher Mcmeekin, and directed by Rikki Beadle-Blair, ‘Reformed’ sees three young working class men coming face to face with a violent nationalist. See listings here. 

Woman Business | Jack Studio | 23-27 Jun
Final tip of the week is for a one woman play, written and performed by Shilpa Varma, focusing on identity, belonging and what it means to be female. Its central character is Diya, a woman shaped by inherited ritual and traditions and expectations, and the piece explores what happens when she finally begins to speak in her own voice. Find out more about it here.