As summer officially arrives with longer days and terms ending, these shows and events are offering refreshing outings and summer fun for the whole family. From whimsical elves to car safety there are seemingly endless possibilities for ways to make this summer a memorable one.
Ready Steady Go! | Unicorn Theatre | 21st May – 22nd June
The National Theatre for Children is rounding off the Spring season with a fun, craft-based theatre experience for children aged 3-8.
Presented by A Line Art, this immersive production invites young audience members to create their own cardboard cars while learning about road safety. Combining live performance, music, and interactive art, the show offers a hands-on, educational experience that encourages creativity and teaches valuable lessons in a playful and engaging way.
I See You Like This, Unicorn Theatre | 24th May – 31st July 2025
What happens when kids take creative control—and their parents become the canvas? Opening 24th May, I See You Like This is an extraordinary new exhibition at the Unicorn Theatre, crafted by internationally acclaimed participatory artist Jessica Wilson alongside local children. Inverting the typical photo dynamic, this playful, poignant project invites children to direct, style, and visually reinvent their parent or carer.
Ventnor Fringe | 18th – 27th July 2025
Transforming the southernmost town of England’s largest island into a buzzing hub of creativity, Ventnor Fringe is returning for its 16th year. This innovative summer arts festival brings together a varied and eclectic blend of over 150 performances across a range of beautiful local venues.
This year, family events include an interactive retelling of Quentin Blake’s classic tale Mrs Armitage on Wheels, a wild family gameshow presented by acclaimed French comedian Marcel Lucont and a super silly inventive magic show from top comedy magician Seska.
Full family programme detailed here.
Greenwich Theatre | The Elves and the Shoemaker and The 3 Musketeers
The Elves and the Shoemaker (30th July 2025 – 24th August) and The 3 Musketeers(24th July 2025 – 24th August)
Greenwich Theatre has announced their summer season of family shows – a double bill of classic favourites The 3 Musketeers and The Elves and the Shoemaker. Both productions will run from late July to late August 2025, featuring a dynamic ensemble of six emerging performers, who bring fresh energy to these family-friendly adventures.
Reimagined in the French city of Carcassonne, The 3 Musketeers is penned by multi-award winner and Greenwich favourite Anthony Spargo (Alice’s Adventures Underground, Olivier Award nominee; Robin Hood, Snow White, Dick Whittington and his Cat, Greenwich Theatre) winner of Best Script and co-recipient of the Best Panto at the UK Pantomime Awards 2025. In a whimsical retelling of a beloved fairy tale, the cast will split into two teams of three who will revolve parts, show by show, for The Elves and The Shoemaker.
Gorilla Circus: RPM | Corn Exchange Newbury, 12th July
This summer, the Corn Exchange Newbury welcomes one of the UK’s most exciting contemporary circus companies for a truly unique outdoor event. Gorilla Circus brings RPM, a bold, high-octane performance set on a giant moving treadmill, to the heart of Newbury’s Market Place.
Fusing roller skating, street dance and acrobatics, RPM is a powerful, physical investigation into the UK’s colonial legacy, asking whether we’ve truly reckoned with our past.
The Listies: Make Some Noise, 30th July – 25th Aug
Award-winning Aussie duo The Listies return to Edinburgh Fringe with their hit show Make Some Noise as part of the House of Oz 2025 season. Expect a riotous mix of silly songs, chaotic sketches and laugh-out-loud antics in this comedy concert for all ages. Matt Kelly and Richard Higgins bring their trademark ‘kidult’ humour in a high-energy performance packed with puns, inflatable tube people and musical mayhem.
The Black Blues Brothers: Lets Twist Again!, 31st July – 25th Aug
The Black Blues Brothers debut their brand-new circus show at Edinburgh Fringe after thrilling over 50,000 spectators. In a smoky train station, five performers listen to rock’n’roll on a vintage jukebox, unleashing acrobatic stunts, human pyramids and more.
Featuring a soundtrack from Glenn Miller, Elvis Presley, and Aretha Franklin, this high-energy performance blends breathtaking tricks with physical comedy. It’s a celebration of passion, laughter and the joy of letting go.
Family fun activities at the Old Royal Naval College
Experience a thrilling weekend of living history as pirates take over the Old Royal Naval College for the Golden Age of Piracy. Enjoy live music, sword fights, authentic food, and explosive demonstrations in the expansive grounds looking over the Thames.
This Summer, the breathtaking Painted Hall is hosting a raucous retelling of Much Ado about Nothing, for an unforgettable night of laughter to enjoy with the family. Dine like royalty with the Bridgerton Afternoon Tea at the Old Royal Naval College – the iconic Bridgerton filming location. Prepare for an extravagant dining experience as you’ll be treated to a selection of delicious finger sandwiches and sweet desserts as well as a generous array of teas and bubbly.
You might enjoy more events in Our Diary!
