Manchester-based Z-arts, which specialises in arts and theatre for children and families, has a packed spring season full of dinosaurs, gingerbread men and mysterious eggs.
Stan, a playful new story for children aged seven or over, launches the season on February 10. Celebrating the joy of communication and the positive force of friendship and featuring some awesome animated dinosaurs, it is performed in English and BSL.
Take children aged three-plus on an adventure to meet the bravest biscuit of all times, The Gingerbread Man. Stuff and Nonsense apply their mix of puppetry, live action, music, humour and staging to this well-loved classic
Could your small sleuth help Scribble and Clipboard investigate a mysterious egg in Curious Investigators? This adventure suitable for children aged three to seven, is created in collaboration with engineering experts from Lancaster University.
Or join Hedgehog and Tortoise in the search for friendship in The Hug, a puppet performance based on the heart-warming book by Eoin McLaughlin (for two to eight-year-olds).
Later in the season, families will also get the chance to meet Josephine - recommended for children aged eight and over. The show is the inspiring (and age-appropriate) story of Josephine Baker, the little girl from Missouri who became a dancer, actor, activist, campaigner, spy, and mother. And get stuck in with Squidge, an interactive experience for children aged three-eight.
A number of shows in the season will be socially distanced – check with the theatre for details.
Z-access Family Fun Days are also returning in March, days of creativity in a safe and welcoming environment for families with disabilities and additional needs.
Alongside the theatre programme, Bright Sparks classes are also back, with activities from drama, yoga and art to dance and music.
The venue is also planning special events for the family, including Chinese New Year, Mother Language Day, International Women’s Day, Z-Earth Day & International Dance Day.
And there’s still chance to explore the works of popular children’s author Judith Kerr in an immersive exhibition which encourages play and exploration. The Tiger Who Came To Tea finishes its successful stay in February.
Zoe Pickering, head of programming, Z-arts said: “We have a jam-packed brilliant season of work that I am so excited to share with our families.”