Children’s Theatre And Family Events At Greater Manchester Fringe This July

Kerry Cabbin | 8th June 2017

The Greater Manchester Fringe features more children’s shows than ever before with Colourquest, The Magnificent Captain Moth, Planet Caravan, and a visit to Narnia.

 

Colourquest at Salford Arts Theatre 6-9 July.

Colourquest traces the journey of two 11-year-olds, Talia and Aaron, as they seek to recover The Heartstone from the evil Shadowfolk in an attempt to rid their world of a terrible curse.

They journey through fantastical places such as, ‘The Forest Of The Whispering Trees’ and ‘The Chamber Of The Light Maiden’, aided by fantastical creatures such as Treeleapies, a Mudman and a Hepbird and threatened by evil, dangerous creatures that are out to stop them by any means they can.

McAllister said: “Colourquest sprang from a desire to create a story that can be enjoyed by children and adults. A story that I, as a writer, could share with fellow readers, performers, friends and families, with people of all ages and cultures. We all enjoy a story and Colourquest is an adventure in storytelling.”
MadBeth, at the King’s Arms 9-12 July.

MadBeth is an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth but in this story Mad Beth is jealous of the social media and reality television star Donna Duncan and has a mum pushing her to achieve more.

This is a family friendly show, staged by Ten Ninety Productions, and welcomes children in the King’s Arms Theatre, as long as they accompanied by an adult (over 18).

The Magnificent Captain Moth at 53two 15-16 and 22-25 July.

The story concerns Lucy, a ten year old girl who has bad dreams due to internalised stress in her waking life. Frightened by nocturnal sounds of gun fire and loud voices, she prays for a saviour to help her wake up, get to the toilet and avoid wetting the bed.

Instead of an all-conquering superhero however, Lucy is confronted by a shell shocked army veteran ‘Captain Moth’, who cannot fly and is afraid of venturing into the light. Through heart felt conversation and game playing, the pair learn how to face up to their fears and re-discover their real selves.

The play has been written for a family audience and although it is generally fun and light hearted in nature, it does deal with some serious themes as writer Anthony Morgan explains. “The play is essentially about conflict and its effects on children,” he says.

“The main character conflates her parents break up and the military conflicts she sees on the news into a menacing, unseen presence that is the cause of her nightmares.” Happily for the audience though, it does seem that all ends well.  The themes of conflict mean that the play may not be suitable for the very young.

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe at Salford Arts Theatre 20-21 July.

Based on the classic C. S. Lewis novel, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, four young evacuees from war-torn London, arrive at the home of the Professor and his sharp-tongued housekeeper Mrs. Macready. The children are shown to the spare room, which is empty but for a large wardrobe and, while the others go off exploring the house, Lucy opens the wardrobe and the adventures begin.

Planet Caravan at Oldham Library, 28-29 July.
Planet Caravan is a brand new play that promises to entertain the whole family. Featuring intergalactic adventure, original songs and – you’ve guessed it – a caravan! Jump aboard this wild journey through the stars and join the crew as they face untold perils and challenges along the way.
Suitable for ages 6+.
 The Dale Wingbottom Experience at The Seven Oaks 26-29 July.
This Family Puppet Show is full of high energy characters that will leave you pleasantly entertained! Meet Dale Wingbottom, AKA Mr Showbiz, and his friends as they sing songs, tell stories and play games to keep little ones entertained! Adults go free when accompanying a child.

The Dale Wingbottom Experience Family Puppet Show has been specifically adapted for families with children with an autistic spectrum, individuals with sensory and communication disorders, those with learning disabilities and anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment.

Around the world in 80 Notes is an interactive diverse musical for humans aged 4+. Frankie is eight and doesn’t like practicing the guitar. One day Frankie discovers a magical musical world in a forgotten attic. Frankie meets instruments from around the world, who help to deal with life’s problems.Mini humans up to 18 months go free!
For more details of Greater Manchester Fringe
Friday 30 June – Monday 31 July 2017 visit www.greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk