As well as the daffodils bursting onto the city walls – a joyful sight to mark the end of winter – there’s a host of family shows to look forward to at York Theatre Royal as spring begins. In fact, 2022 looks like a bumper year for young theatre-goers, with plenty of inspiring offerings for children of all ages, from CBeebies legend Justin Fletcher to the ridiculous rhyme-fest that is Oi Frog! Here’s our pick of the best (and remember, the earlier you book, the better the price).
Fun for little ones – The Smeds at The Smoos
Soar into space with this fun adaptation of the award-winning Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler book, coming to York Theatre Royal this January. On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back? Age 3+. 29th to 30th January 2022.
Bardy brilliant for older kids – Macbeth with The HandleBards
Cycling from venue to venue with all of their props and costumes on the back of their bikes, the HandleBards are a three-strong troupe of actors who pedal environmentally sustainable Shakespeare to venues across the UK. Forget the tears and tragedy and join the all-female troupe at York Theatre Royal for an unhinged, bicycle-powered, laugh-out-loud version of Macbeth. With music, mayhem and more costume changes than you can shake a spear at, expect the HandleBards’ usual irreverent, charming and hilarious style to come bursting onto the stage. 25th to 26th January 2022.
An adventure for the whole family – Treasure Island
Escape to Treasure island with the award-winning Le Navet Bete and their swashbuckling, smash-hit comedy for all the family. With dastardly pirates, tropical islands and a mermaid you’ll never forget, this hilarious tale sees the company of four play our Robert Louis Stevenson’s tale as you’ve never seen it before. Age 7+. 10th to 12th March 2022.
Oi York! It’s Oi Frog & Friends live on stage
FROG is looking for a place to sit, but CAT has other ideas and DOG is doing as he’s told. Little do any of them know that chaos is coming…Join FROG, CAT and DOG in the Olivier Award-nominated action-packed stage adaptation with original songs, puppets, laughs and rhymes galore. Age 4+. 4th to 5th April 2022.
One for the pre-schoolers – Justin Live, The ‘BIG’ tour
CBeebies superstar Justin Fletcher is set to star at York Theatre Royal in an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza. Justin Live promises well-known songs, lots of dancing, hilarious comedy and plenty of slapstick fun. Well known for his BAFTA award-winning appearances in Something Special, Justin’s House, Gigglebiz and Gigglequiz, fans of Justin Fletcher will love The BIG Tour. 21st to 22nd April 2022.
