What's on at the theatre this summer

Days Out

What's on at the theatre this summer

With so much on at the theatre and more and more shows directed at families it's hard to know which shows you should splash out on


Swamp Juice April 17-May 5 Soho Theatre, 21 Dean St, W1D A ‘3D’ puppet production in which Canadian Jeff Achtem creates an evocative scene of swamplife to delight young and old. www.sohotheatre.com	Kids Week 2012 August, various venues A whole month of theatrical fun this August, from special ticket offers to workshops and backstage tours designed to give under-16s fantastic access to West End theatre. www.kidsweek.co.uk	Matilda the Musical Until Oct 21, ages 6+ Cambridge Theatre  32-34 Earlham Street, WC2H 9HU The Royal Shakespeare Company’s celebrated adap- tation of Roald Dahl’s smart fantasy about an incredibly bright but neglected little girl who takes on the headmistress from hell. www.matildathemusical.com

The Tiger Who Came to Tea July 4-Sept 2, ages 3+ Lyric Theatre, 29 Shaftesbury Av, W1D 7ES Judith Kerr’s much-loved children’s story about a plucky little girl and her unusual guest is simply told but cleverly evocative. The stage show is the same, and grips the attention of small children for its full 55 minutes. www.nimaxtheatres.com	War Horse Until Feb 13 2013, ages 7+ New London Theatre, Drury Lane, WC2B 5PW The National Theatre’s stun- ning adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s novel continues a run at the New London Theatre, with stunning puppet work and live action. warhorselondon.nationaltheatre.org.uk	Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors + Vile Victorians Through 2012, ages 3+ various venues The tight-knit cast from the Birmingham Stage Company returns with a mix of comedy sketches, 3-D screen effects and audience inter-action. The shows tour the south east through 2012. Check the website for shows in Hackney and central London, and for details of Barmy Britains at the Garrick Theatre ( 6+). www.birminghamstage.com

In A Pickle June 19-23, ages 2-4 Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, E15 1BX This Oily Cart/Royal Shakespeare Company co-production uses song, visual performance and even texture and scent to build a magical show. www.stratford-circus.com	Bee Detective Aug 31-Sept 2, ages 6-10 Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Part of the 2012 Festival, here small children can enter the hive themselves to go on an interactive theatrical journey. www.southbankcentre.co.uk	The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe May 8-Sept 9 Threesixty Theatre, Kensington Gardens, W8 4PT This adaptation of the CS Lewis classic is presented at The Three-sixty Theatre pavilion in Kensington Gardens. Expect flying and 360 degree computer generated images. www.lionwitchtheshow.com