Half term is hurtling around the corner, and if the thought of keeping the whole family entertained is already causing a few sleepless nights, don’t worry, Norwich Theatre has your back. With a packed schedule of world-class shows and “pay-what-you-can” activities, there are plenty of ways to get everyone out of the house without breaking the bank.
On 26 May, the theatre hosts Sensory Stories for SEND, a creative session specifically designed for families with children who have special educational needs and disabilities. Perfect for ages 7–11, this session is fully accessible for non-verbal children, using a rich array of sensory props to guide the group through a supportive, relaxed journey of play.
For the younger explorers, the Pirate Adventure on 27 May offers a chance to breathe new life into classic high-seas tales. Through immersive storytelling, movement, and interactive games, you and your little ones will set sail on a daring voyage of the imagination.
In collaboration with the University of East Anglia (UEA), Norwich Theatre Stage Two will host a screening for the annual Green Film Festival. On 27 May, families with children aged 12 and up can attend a free screening of the acclaimed documentary Every Little Thing. The film follows the story of Terry Masear, whose dedicated work tending to fragile hummingbirds becomes a mirror for her own journey toward healing. It is a visually stunning celebration of nature that fits perfectly within this global festival of environmental filmmaking.
Anne Lister, better known to many as Gentleman Jack (27 – 30 May), inspired the hit BBC series with her defiance of 19th-century social norms. Now, her story leaps onto the Norwich Theatre Royal stage in Northern Ballet’s Gentleman Jack. This production is a must-see for audiences aged 12 and up, offering a compelling look at one of history’s most formidable women.
If you have a young thespian in your life, get them booked onto Play in a Day (28 May). The session is a fun, friendly exploration of theatre making, encouraging creativity, imagination and confidence through performance. Participants will warm up with games and exercises, before delving into the piece, through acting, directing, movement and physical theatre. The group will produce a short, original piece of theatre to share with their families.
If your household is full of gamers, WiFi Wars (28 May) at Norwich Theatre Playhouse is the ultimate half term highlight. This is an interactive comedy gameshow where the audience plays along on their own smartphones. Families with children aged 6 and up can enjoy the high-energy matinee, while adults looking to escape the chaos can head to the evening performance for a more competitive night out.
Not enough gaming for you? Try award-winning comedian Juliette Burton and her show Going Rogue (31 May) at Norwich Theatre Stage Two. This show is a vibrant fusion of geek culture, neurodiversity, and LGBTQIA+ themes, all wrapped in a video-game aesthetic. Audiences are invited to create their own avatars and steer the story toward a Street Fighter-style climax. It’s an “introvert-friendly” journey from cosplay to confidence that asks a powerful question: can superhero stories help us rewrite our own?
For more information or to book, visit norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000.
For more information or to book, visit norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000.
