Sydney❜s Best Kids Shows In Winter 2018

By: Melissa Fine, ellaslist

Brrr...the beanies are on and the hot chocolate is out. When it's too cold to hit the beach or the playground, a cosy morning or afternoon at the theatre is the perfect alternative, and one that the parents will enjoy too. From movies to musical and theatre productions, here's a wrap-up of the must-see kids' shows over the winter. 

The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time

Based on the best-selling novel by Mark Haddon, the story of 15-year-old maths whizz and socially-challenged Christopher Boon will come to life on stage with a British and Irish cast at the Roslyn Packer Theatre from July-August. 

Christopher has little trust for strangers and has never ventured further than the end of his street by himself...but this all changes when his neighbour's dog is killed, and Christopher is named a suspect. This marks the start of his detective work, where Christopher goes outside his comfort zone to find the real culprit...a journey which flips his world. All the details here. 

 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show At Chatswood

It's one of the most iconic children's stories of all time, Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar comes to life in a joyous and masterful theatrical experience. For one day only, that's right, only one, you can see this wonderful production at The Concourse, Chatswood (June 21). See over 75 magical puppets emerge from the page guaranteed to excite, educate and entertain new readers and first-time theatre-goers. Don't miss out on tickets, there are three sessions throughout the day - book here. 

 

Kinderling House Party At City Recital Hall 

On Saturday 7 July, Kinderling House Party will transform City Recital Hall into a funhouse of amazing music and thrilling activities for children of all tastes and talents. On the mainstage, expect the biggest names in kids’ entertainment, alongside a special performance of Together Time Live with Kinderling Kids Radio’s own Groovy Ruby and interactive hip-hop dance workshops.

The foyer features a broadcast booth, where children can record and manipulate their voices with sound effects. There are photo booths and games, and a Play & Learn area with craftmaking, colouring and creative adventure. For the sleepy ones, a children’s ‘chillout’ area offers quiet meditation and storytelling. Details here. 

 

Family-Friendly Films At The Sydney Film Festival 2018

Who says the Sydney Film Fest is just for adults? With a handful of films that the whole family will love, we have our eyes on the bubbly Maya The Bee: The Honey Games, and the doco The Pick of the Litter, which chronicles the lives of a litter of five puppies over 20 months as they learn how to become guide dogs for the blind. Adapted from the well-regarded novel and Executive Produced by Angelina Jolie, the Oscar-nominated, Irish animated film The Breadwinner (pictured above) is suitable for older kids and teens, confronting the misogyny and chauvinism of contemporary Afghanistan through the story of 11-year-old girl Parvana; she takes on the role of her father, cutting her hair and dressing like a boy after the Taliban raids her home and arrests him in 2001.  

 

78-Storey Treehouse At The Jon

With yet another 13 levels, the 78-Storey Treehouse now has a Scribbletorium, a high-security potato chip storage facility (guarded by one very angry duck!) and even an open-air movie theatre. Create a memorable experience for your children or grandchildren with The 78-Storey Treehouse show this school holidays at the Joan in Penrith. More details here.

 

Scotland The Brave Concert

Go on a magical journey through Scotland in this special family concert for all ages showing at The Concourse in Chatswood this winter. Chief Conductor and Artistic Director, Dr Nicholas Milton AM will engage and entertain as he leads the Willoughby Symphony in a performance of Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony. More details here.

 

Disney On Ice - 100 Years Of Magic

Coming to Qudos Bank Arena, the 2018 Disney On Ice tour will delight kids and adults alike, with more than 14 timeless Disney tales coming to life - from the old-school classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, and Beauty and the Beast, to the newer much-loved tales like The Lion King, Toy Story and Frozen. Micky Mouse will lead the character parade, while you sing-a-long with Donald Duck, Elsa, Nemo and all the rest of them to your favourite Disney songs. Hakuna Matata! 

Sleeping Beauty - A Knight Avenger's Tale

 Sleeping Beauty - A Knight Avenger’s Tale is coming to Sydney’s majestic State Theatre this July. Produced by Bonnie Lythgoe, this is her 5th pantomime in Australia, and they have become annual unmissable school holiday events. With a cast including Rhonda Birchmore, Melissa Tkautz, Kev Orkian (returning from the UK) and Frazer Hines (of Dr Who fame) and packed with comedy, romance and action Sleeping Beauty is suitable for ages 3 to 103. 

 

Sydney Youth Orchestra's 'Meet The Orchestra'

Stomp your feet to the timpani drum beat! Performed in Leichardt by the SYO's Peter Seymour Orchestra in August 2018, this relaxed and informal concert has been specially designed to be interactive, informative and most importantly, lots of fun! The SYO conductor, John Ockwell and SYO musicians will help guide children through the different wind instruments and their individual sounds. 

Young children are very welcome here, with tickets being required for kids 2+. Details here. 

 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at The Joan

If you missed the Chatswood show you can still delight in a magical experience over at the Joan in Penrith. The whole family will love seeing four of Eric Carle’s incredible short stories –- The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse, The Very Lonely Firefly and of course, the star of the show, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. More details here.

 

The Jeral Puppets At Puppeteria

We love an old-school puppet show! From Goldilocks and Old McDonald, to Wind in the Willows and The Reluctant Dragon, you're sure to find a story that your little one will love at Castle Cove's Puppeteria over the July school holidays. If the kids need to burn off some energy and it's not too chilly, why not head to the playground nextdoor before or after the show? 

To discover more family inspiration, events and news click here.