It’s so exciting for kids to see their favourite characters and stories come to life on stage or exist somewhere else besides the pages of a book. Here are six excellent events to get to with your little bookworms this year.
1. “Hitler’s Daughter” at The Art House, Wyong
This show is great for getting older kids interested in history. As four Australian children sit and wait for the school bus, one of them tells a story about a young girl whose dad was one of the most notorious men of the 20th century. The story jumps between 1940s Germany and present-day Australia while the characters grapple with issues of responsibility and humanity.
“Hitler’s Daughter” is perfect for: Kids learning about World War II
Ages: 10+
Click here for dates and ticketing information.
2. “The Twits” at The Art House, Wyong
The Twits is a massive favourite with kids and parents alike, and this new adaptation will have you laughing along with the grotesque antics of Mr and Mrs Twit, the most horrible people on earth. The hour-long show is set to be a high energy combination of storytelling, puppetry and physical theatre, so it will keep young ones engaged and entertained the whole way through.
“The Twits” is perfect for: Roald Dahl fans
Ages: 5+
Click here for dates and ticketing information.
3. “Billionaire Boy” at The Art House, Wyong
David Walliams’ best-selling novel has been turned into a hilarious play. Billionaire Boy is about 12-year-old Joe who has everything a boy could want, such as a golden underwater Ferrari and his very own cinema. But what he really needs is a friend! This show is filled with shenanigans, musical numbers and delivers a positive message at the end.
“Billionaire Boy” is perfect for: Mini comedians
Ages: 8+
Click here for dates and ticketing information.
4. “The Many Story Treehouse” exhibition at Lovett Gallery, Newcastle
Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton are children’s literature royalty, so the opportunity to go behind the scenes of their most popular books is such a treat. This exhibition showcases Terry Denton’s original illustrations, sketches and layouts, showing the development of crazy ideas, characters and stories for The Treehouse series. There’s also a special cartooning workshop on Tuesday April 2 at 9:30am and 11:30am.
“The Many Story Treehouse” exhibition is perfect for: Budding illustrators and artists
Ages: 7+
Admission is free. Click here for opening times and contact details for booking the cartooning workshop.
5. “Revolting Rhymes and Dirty Beasts” at the Sydney Opera House
A little further afield, but totally worth the drive or train trip. This show is the ultimate fairy tale mash up. It takes some of the world’s best loved stories – Cinderella, Snow White, The Three Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and Jack and the Beanstalk – and rearranges them with some pretty surprising twists!
“Revolting Rhymes and Dirty Beasts” is perfect for: Disney Princess enthusiasts and kids just getting into fairy tales
Ages: 5+
Click here for dates and ticketing information.
6. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Concert” at the Sydney Opera House
There’s just something about the magical scores of the Harry Potter films – they instantly transport you into the non-muggle world. Teens will no doubt enjoy a trip to Sydney to sit back and watch Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on a giant screen while the Sydney Symphony Orchestra perform the music. We’ve been told to expect cheering in favourite scenes!
“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Concert” is perfect for: The Harry Potter obsessed and music lovers
Ages: 12+
Click here for dates and ticketing information.
