Families

Visit Us

We pride ourselves on being family friendly, and are always delighted to welcome our youngest visitors and their grown-ups to our venues.

We have a wide programme of family shows for children including stage adaptations of children’s television programmes and books, as well as our annual family pantomime.

We want your visit to be as stress-free and enjoyable as possible and hope this information will help plan your trip.

What's On for Families

Highlights include:

The Gruffalo

based on the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler The Haymarket

An illustration of The Gruffalo smiling. There is a purple circle with white text saying 'tall stories' in the top left corner, on the right is the 'The Gruffalo' in white text and in white and yellow text is 'Based on the picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler' underneath. Below that is a white circle with purple text reading 'Live on stage'. There are two reviews, the first is from The Sunday Times and has four yellow stars 'Irresistibly charming' the second is from Scotsman and has five yellow stars 'An absolute delight'

The Owl Who Came for Christmas

based on the book by John Hay and Garry Parsons The Haymarket

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An illustration of an owl perched in a Christmas tree. A blue and white bauble, a red and white striped candy cane, and a few fairy lights are also on the tree. The tree is on a red background with gold stars

Sleeping Beauty

Starring Tyger Drew-Honey (Outnumbered), Joanna Adeyinka-Burford (CBeebies), Elly Jay, Jenny O'Leary, Chris Pizzey, and Nic Gibney The Anvil

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Six cast members from Sleeping Beauty in vibrant costumes, all looking at the camera on a pink sparkly background

A Christmas Carol

The Haymarket

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An older man looking at the camera with a half-lit serious face, as if to be looking through a window with snow falling around a dark London background, and a lit candle in the foreground

Cirque Enchantment

The Anvil

Multiple performers on a dark blue and purple glittery background. From left to right, there is a performer in a large hoop, a woman waving a fire stick, a woman in the middle in a sparkly outfit who is singing, a male performer upside down in a handstand, and another performer is twirling multiple glowing hoops

Family Folk Show with Megson

The Forge

An illustration of Megson, a blonde woman in a blue top, pink skirt, black tights, and boots, holding an accordion over her shoulder and a blond man in an orange and white striped t shirt with black jeans, and brown shoes, holding a banjo. They're on a pink background which has a cut out to purple curtains

Tap Factory

10th Anniversary Tour The Anvil

Two men dancing, one doing acrobatics, and another playing a drum with water coming off the top

The Amazing Bubble Man

The Haymarket

Louis Pearl (The Amazing Bubble Man) sitting underneath a bubble in the shape of a rainbow, with his hands outstretched. He is also blowing a bubble from his mouth

The Dinosaur That Pooped

A Rock Show The Haymarket

A illustration of a large red and yellow dinosaur with a young boy on it's back singing and the dinosaur is playing a big blue electric guitar. There are large amp speakers behind them and a red silhouette of a crowd underneath, there's music notes all around

Pirates Love Underpants

based on the beloved book by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort The Haymarket

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A vibrant illustration of a pirate on a sandy beach with the ocean in the background. The pirate, dressed in a traditional outfit with a red coat, black hat, and eyepatch, holds a gold underpants trophy in one hand, and a parrot-topped staff in the other. Nearby, a small crab and a couple of birds are present. In the background, a small boat with another pirate and a monkey can be seen

Taylormania

Taylor Swift Eras – The Ultimate Tribute The Anvil

A woman dressed as Taylor Swift from different eras on a purple/pink cloudy background

Rude Science

The Anvil

The words "Rude Science" in gold text over a blue background with a huge inflatable bottom with red pants on, with a man holding onto a plunger that is attached to it

Tom Gates EPIC Stage Show

The Haymarket

An illustration of Tom Gates and his friends from their books. There is a tall boy, a girl with a bag, Tom with a guitar, a boy with glasses, and a dog stood on a black and white striped line on a yellow background. There is also a small insect under the girl. Above them is a lot of stars that are white and gold, as well as lots of colourful circular shapes, that has a spider hanging down from the left

0 Stars

The Anvil is an ideal venue for families. There's a great deal of space at the entrance so whether you've got a pushchair or a wheelchair there is plenty of room
The Saunders Family, Hampshire

Useful information


Tickets

On select performances Under 16s tickets or a family ticket ( 2 adults, 2 children or 1 adult, 3 children) are available. Please ask the box office for details. 

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult ticket holder.


Age Guidance

Where available we will publish an age guidance for family shows.

Infant in Arms Tickets

Children under 18 months who can sit on a parent or guardian's lap during the performance will require an Infant in Arms ticket, priced at £4. To book, please call the box office on 01256 844244.

When You Arrive

The Anvil and The Haymarket are both fully accessible for buggies and wheelchair users.

Auditorium doors open 30 minutes before the start of the show but you are welcome to use the facilities before.

Booster Seats

A limited number of booster seats are available on entry to the auditorium, to borrow free of charge.

Pre-show Activities

We will supply free colouring in sheets to entertain your little ones before the show.

 

During the Show

Interval and Running Time

If there is an interval, these usually last for 20 minutes. The running time for the show will be displayed in the foyer. Please speak to a member of the Front of House team if you require more information.

Toilets and Baby Changing

Toilets are situated on all levels in both venues. Baby changing facilities can be found in both female and male toilets.

First Aid

There is always a first aider on duty, please contact a member of the Front of House team if anyone is feeling unwell.

0 Stars

When inside the theatre itself there is a good amount of space, too and the staff are always helpful and friendly pointing you in the right direction.
The Saunders Family, Hampshire

How to Get Here

Our venues are located in the town centre and are easily accessed by private or public transport

a map of how to find us

Places to eat

Local restaurants with discounts for Anvil Arts' customers

pitta bread and chips on a plate

Access

Find details of our fully accessible buildings

A low angle photo taken on the accessibility ramp in the stalls foyer looking out towards the large windows

30,000 local children and young people perform on our stages each year

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