Love a trip to the theatre? We’ve scoured the web to bring you our top 10 picks for kids shows hitting the stage in 2019. Some can be found locally and some make for an exciting day-trip to Sydney or the Hunter-Newcastle area. They’re all sure to be very popular, so book your seats now before they get snapped up.
Without further ado, and in no particular order, here are our “Top 10 Kids Shows for Central Coast Kids in 2019”.
1. ‘Billionaire Boy’ at The Art House, Wyong
Joe isn’t your average 12 year old: no, this kid has his own golden ferrari and personal cinema! David Williams’ “Billionaire Boy” young adult novel has been transformed into a crazy-fun play for the stage – and it’s coming to Wyong. This original Australian adaptation promises many giggles with its schoolyard references of wedgies, cat sick and garbage dumpings. Here’s a show that parents, teachers and kids can all relate to and are sure to love.
PS. Did you know The Art House takes school groups? They’ve scheduled day-time shows to make it super easy for schools to attend. Tell your teachers to check it out.
Cost: Adult $25, Child under 12 $20, Family $75 (2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children). Kids under 2 are free on your lap.
Who: Best suited for kids aged 6-12.
Where: The Art House, Wyong.
When: 6pm Monday 20 May, 10am and 1pm Tuesday 21 May. (Show duration 1 hour; contains mild theatrical haze).
Contact: Click here to book tickets or call 43 351 485 (Mon-Fri 10am-5.30pm).
2. ‘School of Rock’ at Capitol Theatre, Sydney
Based on the hilarious hit movie, this ass-kicking new musical follows dropout Dewey Finn, a failed rock star forced to earn some extra cash by posing as a teacher at a prestigious prep school. But Dewey isn’t going to teach them algebra or arithmetic, oh no. These kids are going to learn what it takes to become the most awesome rock ‘n’ roll band of all time! But can his new group win the Battle of the Bands without being schooled by their parents and headmistresses, or will Dewey have to face the music? With a new score from Andrew Lloyd Webber and an incredible cast of kids shredding guitars, pounding drums and rocking out live, School of Rock is a treat for all ages.
Cost: Tickets from $69.90.
Who: Best suited for 5+
Where: Capitol Theatre, Sydney.
When: From November 2019 (Show duration 2.5 hrs – includes interval).
Contact: Click here to book tickets.
3. Roald Dahl’s The Twits, The Art House Wyong
Roald Dahl’s The Twits is a comedy of rebellion and justice in which Muggle-Wump the monkey races to outwit Mr and Mrs Twit, two of most terrible and disgusting people ever to have lived. The performers bring characters to life using hand-held puppets and great storytelling.
Cost: Adult $25, Child under 12 $20, Family $75 (2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children). Kids under 2 are free on your lap.
Who: Best suited to kids aged 5+.
Where: The Art House Wyong.
When: Thursday 25 – Saturday 27 July 2019. (Show duration 1 hr).
Contact: Click here to book tickets.
4. Dr Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat, Civic Theatre Newcastle
Dr Seuss’s much-loved mischief maker and messer is hitting the stage this Winter! The Cat in the Hat will balance chairs, fly kites, and juggle cakes alongside Thing 1 and Thing 2 at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre. It’s sure to be delightfully cheeky.
Cost: Tickets from $25. 2 years and under free on the knee.
Where: Civic Theatre Newcastle.
When: Wednesday 10 July, 10.30am & 1pm (Show duration 50mins no interval + 10min Q&A).
Contact: Click here to book tickets.
5. Billy Elliott The Musical, Sydney Lyric
Acclaimed by audiences and critics alike, Billy Elliot the Musical is holding its 10th anniversary tour. The recipient of 85 awards internationally (including 10 Tony Awards, 5 Olivier Awards and 8 Helpmann Awards), Billy Elliott follows a young boy’s journey from boxing ring to ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance. When Elton John does the musical score, you know you’re in for a treat.
Cost: Club Lyric members will receive notification and priority access to tickets when the are released. If you are not already a member, you can sign up here.
Who: Best suited for kids aged 12+.
Where: Sydney Lyric, Pyrmont.
When: October 2019.
Contact: Click here for more info.
6. Peter Pan Goes Wrong, Sydney Lyric
Peter Pan Goes Wrong has flown in from London’s West End to the Sydney Lyric. Kids will love watching the physical comedy as the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society battle against technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes with hilarious and disastrous results.
Cost: Tickets from $69.90.
Who: Kids 6+
Where: Sydney Lyric, Pyrmont.
When: Showing now until March 3 2019.
Contact: Click here to book tickets.
7. Possum Magic, performing in Gosford, Sydney and Newcastle
Based on the much-loved Aussie tale by Mem Fox, Possum Magic sees Hush and Grandma Poss come to life on the stage. For more than 30 years, these adorable characters have captivated and enchanted young people with their timeless story of magic. We can’t wait to see their magic come to life.
15 April-28 April | Sydney Opera House. Click here to read more.
27 August -28 August | Civic Theatre Newcastle. Click here to read more.
30 August-31 August | Laycock Street Theatre. Click here to read more.
8. Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo, Sydney Opera House
Journey back in time and meet prehistoric creatures in this uniquely entertaining and educational performance. Kids will get up close and personal to these “alive” creatures, learn the science of palaeontology and have loads of fun along the way.
Who: Kids aged 6+. (Audio loop available & wheelchair accessible. Accessible performances available)
Where: Sydney Opera House.
When: From Saturday 28 September to Saturday 12 October 2019 (Show duration 50 minutes).
Contact: Click here to book tickets.
9. There’s a Sea in My Bedroom, Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House and the Australian Chamber Orchestra proudly present the world premiere of this beautifully reimagined story by award-winning author Margaret Wild. Weaving together captivating storytelling with a newly composed score performed by the Australian Chamber Orchestra Collective, There’s a Sea in My Bedroom is an immersive introduction to live music, capturing the magic of a child’s fantasy world.
Accessible Performance: They have an accessible performance on Friday 17 May at 10.30am, followed directly by a 45 minute Sing & Play music therapy session.
Cost: From $20 + $8.50 Booking Fee per transaction.
Who: Kids aged 2-7.
Where: Sydney Opera House.
When: 10.30am and 12pm Thursday 9 May to Monday 20 May 2019 (Show duration 40 minutes).
Contact: Click here to book tickets.
10. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sydney Capitol Theatre
Roald Dahl’s fabulous tale Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has long captivated children. We loved the book. We loved the films (who was your favourite Wonka – Johnny Depp or the late Gene Wilder?) and we have no doubt we’re going to love the live show that is due to hit Sydney’s Capitol Theatre in January 2019.
The cast will sing songs from the original film, including “Pure Imagination”, “The Candy Man” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket” as well as new Broadway scores. With its oompa-loompas, golden egg-laying geese, chocolate waterfall and shrinking machine, it’s sure to be an absolute gobstopper… or showstopper.
Cost: Tickets from $79.
Who: Best suited to children 6+.
Where: Sydney Capitol Theatre.
When: From Saturday 5 January to 9 May 2019. (Show duration 2 hrs 30 mins).
Contact: Click here to book tickets.
And an extra one to keep in mind for July 2020!
Disney’s Frozen is coming to Sydney’s Capitol Theatre…
