50+ family-friendly theatre shows and performances in and around Cardiff for spring 2020 and beyond

Cardiff children's theatre

There are so many fantastic theatre shows and live performances coming to Cardiff and the surrounding areas this spring, summer and beyond, from top musicals such as The Lion King and We Will Rock You at Wales Millennium Centre, to TV favourites such as Horrible Histories live on stage at the Sherman, and stage adaptations of favourite bools including Oi Frog (Wales Millennium Centre), Giraffes Can’t Dance (New Theatre) and Owl at Home (Sherman). Dance fans can look forward to several Strictly dancers bringing live performances to Cardiff, plus the highly acclaimed Matthew Bourne’s Red Shoes comes to Wales Millennium Centre. Not strictly theatre, but I’ve included a few sports-related events, such as an evening with Sam Warburton (Barry Memo) and live wrestling events from Welsh Wrestling (Barry Memo) and WWF Live (Motorpoint Arena). Disney on Ice is also returning to Motorpoint Arena, with Moana coming to the ice for the first time. For younger child who have never been to a theatre show before, the Tiddly Prom at St David’s Hall as ideal as a smaller, more informal production with relaxed seating for children and plenty of engagement and interaction. You might also like this article I wrote a while ago – 12 top tips on taking young children to the theatre. 

Here are more than 50 shows taking to the stages across Cardiff and the surrounding areas between now and the end of the year. Click on the name of the show to go straight to the relevant website for more information and booking.

Do let me know if you’ll be seeing any of them. Enjoy!

Will you be seeing any of these performances? Do let me know in the comments below, on the Cardiff Mummy Says Facebook page or you can tweet me on @cardiffmummy

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(Disclaimer: None of the theatres have asked for inclusion in this guide although we are lucky to work with some of those mentioned on reviewing theatre shows.)

MARCH

 

Bond in Concert

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Monday 2 March, 7.30pm

From £23.50

Age guidance: 6+

To commemorate the release of the 25th Bond film, the UK’s top international show band, Session One and top guest vocalists present a celebration of the iconic music associated with the world’s most famous spy. James Bond has been saving the day for more than 50 years and the range of theme music written specially for every single blockbuster Bond film is familiar to audiences all over the world.

 

Chwarae

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff

Sunday 1, Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 March, 11am and 2pm

£8

Memo Arts Centre, Barry

Wednesday 4 March, 10.30am and 1.30pm

£8.50

Grand Pavilion Porthcawl

Sunday 8 March, 10.30am

£4.50

Riverfront, Newport

Saturday 14 March, 11am and 2pm

£8, family of four £30

 

Age guidance: 4-6 year olds

This new Welsh language show for families from Theatr Iolo and Pontio follows a young boy’s journey as he’s unexpectedly catapulted from one world to another. A boy plays with his Mam. The game they play is just for them. They get lost in a make-believe world and nothing else matters. Then suddenly the game changes, but no one has told him the rules and his Mam is no longer around to show him the way… An exploration of the joy and importance of play, Chwarae features live music, movement and an opportunity to play together, exploring how play can help navigate the challenges that life throws us.

 

Muckers

The Riverfront, Newport

Friday 6 March, 1pm and 6.30pm

£8; age guidance 7+

This hour-long family performance tells of two girls, Paloma and Pichón, who have always mucked around together. They dress up like tigers, flamenco dancers, queens, kings, rabbits and Lady Gaga. Life is fun and funny and a little bit loopy. Until one day a blinding white light lands on Paloma and her days of dressing up, running wild, and mucking about seem to be over. Muckers is a quest for self-acceptance; a magnetic, captivating and mucky journey, with original songs and a little bit of Spanish. Highly-acclaimed Theatr Iolo are also touring Wales with the show. Full dates here.

 

 

Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers

Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl

Sunday 1 March, 11am

£6.50

The Riverfront, Newport

Wednesday 8 April, 11.30am and 2.30pm

£8

A family show inspired by the works of Roald Dahl. All around the world Roald Dahl’s words are disappearing, not only from books but children’s minds too! Now only an organisation known as the ancient guild of tale tenders can save the stories – and they need your help.

Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers is a theatrical and interactive experience, especially made for all the family to enjoy. It’s a thrilling story delivered through performance, games and creative play that explores Roald Dahl’s extraordinary stories, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG and The Twits along the way.

 

Beautiful – The Carole King Musical

Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Monday 9-Saturday 14 March

Age 8+

The Olivier award-winning West End and Broadway show returns to Cardiff, telling the inspiring true story of Carole King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit song-writing team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation, with countless classics such as (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, Take Good Care of My Baby, You’ve Got a Friend, So Far Away, It Might as Well Rain Until September, Up on the Roof, and The Locomotion.

 

The Music of Star Wars and Beyond

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Sunday 15 March, 3pm

£17.50-£49.50

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… John Williams scored the music for one of the greatest film sagas of all time!

From Imperial March to Dual of the Fates, experience live the full force of the London Concert Orchestra performing a scintillating selection of music from the Star Wars saga, composed by John Williams. Plus journey into the galaxy of music beyond Star Wars saga, including Back to the Future, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Star Trek, E.T and more.

 

 

Brendan Cole

Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Sunday 15 March

From £22

Age guidance: 5+

Expect every style of ballroom and Latin dance from Brendan Cole and his hand-picked championship dancers, performed to the music and songs of some of the greatest legends and contemporary artistes. The very first winner of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing is joined by an amazing team of professional dancers, singers and a live band to showcase the superb choreography and dazzling performance that has kept him in the public eye for more than 15 years.

 

 

AJ Live

Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Wednesday 18 March, 7.30pm

From £25

Strictly favourite and serial semi-finalist will combine the best moments from Strictly, intertwined with new energy packed choreography for all the family, from AJ and his pick of the best new dance talent in the UK.

 

Lost in the Rhythm

Memo Arts Centre, Barry

Friday 20 March, 7.30pm

Adults £28, concessions £27

Star of Strictly Come Dancing, Wales’s very own Amy Dowden and her partner, British Champion Ben Jones, bring an exciting new show to the stage. With the help of their long-time friend and Strictly finalist Colin Jackson and a cast of supporting dancers, Amy and Ben bring a powerful love-story to life featuring all your favourite Latin and ballroom styles. The show also features a live vocalist and soundtrack to get the audience moving too. Limited edition tickets are available at an extra cost for a meet and greet with the cast; from 6pm.

 

Discover Dance

Sherman Theatre, Cardiff

Saturday 21 March, 1pm

£9

National Dance Company Wales present a fun and relaxed interactive performance where family and school audiences can try some dance, then watch the professionals in action. In 90 minutes, you get the chance to dance on stage with our dancers, ask questions and learn some moves from the show. After the interval you’ll see the professionals in action and watch National Dance Company Wales’ performance about Rugby; called Rygbi: Annwyl / Dear.

 

The Joe and Dianne Show

Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff

Friday 27 March, 7.30pm

£23.50-£46.60

Strictly Come Dancing finalists Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell present an evening of performance, full of glitz, magic and plenty of laughs.

 

 

Burn the Floor

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Sunday 29 March, 5pm

Age guidance 7+

Strictly Come Dancing champions Kevin Clifton and his sister Joanne Clifton tour together for the very first time and will play on their individual successes in an ‘Anything You Can Do…’ inspired theme. And what better way to do it than in the world’s leading Ballroom show, Burn the Floor. In the past two decades Burn the Floor has revolutionised Ballroom style. Combining jaw-dropping choreography and ground-breaking moves, Burn the Floor brings their famous, infectious and rebellious energy to the stage. From seriously romantic Waltz, to a futuristic Foxtrot, the passion of the Tango and Paso Doble expect lights, costumes and eclectic live music.

 

Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes

Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Tuesday 31 March-Saturday 4 April

From £18

Age guidance: 7+

Matthew Bourne’s triumphant adaptation of the legendary film returns, having won two Olivier Awards and dazzled audiences and critics across the UK and the USA. The Red Shoes is a tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s dream to be the greatest dancer in the world.

 

 

APRIL

 

The Black Spider

Memo Arts Centre, Barry

Saturday 4 April 5pm, Sunday 5 April 2pm and 5pm

Adults £15, children £6

Welsh National Opera’s youth opera groups join forces for a full-scale performance, following the enormous success of last year’s Brundibar (2019). The Black Spider is a creepy, comic tale that takes us from the present day back to the Middle Ages. We revisit ancient Poland, where a mysterious green man offers to protect a village from their evil landlord in exchange for the beautiful Christina’s hand in marriage. When she breaks her promise and weds her true love instead, the village is cursed with a plague from a spider that crawls out of her hand. Christina battles to save her people and eventually buries the spider outside the church to end the disaster. However, centuries later amid excavations at the church, archaeologists are hit by an unexplained virus… Sung in English

 

We Will Rock You

Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Monday 6-Saturday 18 April

Age guidance: 5+

The worldwide smash-hit musical by Queen and Ben Elton returns to the UK. Since 2002 over 16 million theatre-goers in 19 countries have thrilled to this awe-inspiring production. The show features 24 of Queen’s biggest hits delivered in a show that boasts the scale and spectacle that marked the band’s legendary live performances.

(Most performances sold out.)

 

What A Wonderful World

Sherman Theatre, Cardiff

Monday 6 April 1.30pm and 3.30pm and Tuesday 7 April 11am and 1.30pm

£9.50

Age guidance: 2-5 years

A 45 minute show aimed at pre-schoolers. Before anything new is made it must be dreamed. From our moon-base in the Sea of Tranquillity we get a great view of the Earth and it’s time to make a new one just like we do every night! What shall we put in tomorrow’s world? Snowballs and flamingos of course! So all aboard the sleeper train as it takes us on our dream voyage. We start with putting the stars in the sky and move through history, creating life, discovering fire all over again and finally arriving at the one-world tree where we celebrate the new home that we made all together. This is an amazing romp through the universe where you can get your hands on the stuff of creation!

 

Mischief and Mystery in Moomin Valley

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Tuesday 7-Sunday 12 April, 10.30am, 1pm, 4.30pm

£7

Age guidance: 4-7 years

Discover a world where anything is possible. Be sure to pack your imagination and join us on an unforgettable journey to Moominvalley where everyone is welcome, nature thrives and adventures are plentiful.

Magical puppetry, an ingenious pop-up book set, original music and interactive play will delight young audiences and encourage them to immerse themselves in a unique participatory story-telling. Expect snow, surprises and plenty of Moomin mischief.

 

Horrible Histories – The Worst of Barmy Britain

Sherman Theatre, Cardiff

Wednesday 8 April, 2:30pm and 7pm; Thursday 9 April 2020, 1:30pm and 5pm

£16; under 16s £8

Age 5+

This West End show is touring for the first time, suitable for ages 5+ and full of hilarious and vulgar tales from history. What if a Viking moved in next door? Will you roar with laughter with Richard the Lionheart? Has William Wallace met his match? Can King Charles keep his head? Why not light up your life with the great fire of London? Will you see eye to eye with Admiral Nelson? Does the Duke of Wellington get the boot? Find out what a baby farmer did and meet the Lady of the Lamp! Get ready for your great escape from the First World War! It’s history with the nasty bits left in!

 

Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers

The Riverfront, Newport

Wednesday 8 April, 11.30am and 2.30pm

£8

A family show inspired by the works of Roald Dahl. All around the world Roald Dahl’s words are disappearing, not only from books but children’s minds too! Now only an organisation known as the ancient guild of tale tenders can save the stories – and they need your help.

Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers is a theatrical and interactive experience, especially made for all the family to enjoy. It’s a thrilling story delivered through performance, games and creative play that explores Roald Dahl’s extraordinary stories, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG and The Twits along the way.

 

Meet Me A Tree

Preseli Room, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Friday 10-Sunday 12 April, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm

£7

An interactive first opera for 0-2-year-olds and their carers, with music by Schumann, Delibes and Handel as well as words and music created by the company. HurlyBurly invites you and your baby on a multi-sensory journey through a year in the life of a tree: singing with blackbirds, marching through fallen leaves, smelling new blossom and feeling the wind on your cheeks. With beautiful singing and relaxing music at its core, Meet Me A Tree is an opportunity to unwind and have fun for new parents, carers and babies

 

Milkshake Live

Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl

Saturday 11 April, 12pm and 3.30pm

Adults £16.50, children £15, family £56.50

Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Saturday 19 April, 12pm

From £16

A live show featuring Milkshake Monkey and his favourite Milkshake friends. Learn the songs and dances with your favourite Milkshake friends, and watch as the music, the lights, the costumes and stage come together. The show features Milkshake Monkey, Fireman Sam, Noddy, Shimmer & Shine, Digby Dragon, Wissper, Nella the Princess Knight and the Floogals, alongside two Milkshake presenters.

 

Kidz Bop World Tour

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Thursday 16 April, 6pm

The British Kidz Bop Kids, Ashton, Max, Mia, and Twinkle, bring the interactive live family-friendly concert experience to Cardiff. The stars will perform some of today’s biggest global pop hits live on stage. The all-new show features awesome set design, costumes, exciting choreography, and tonnes of cool surprises! Dads even have the chance to show off their best dance moves on stage during the “Daddy Dance Off. Their new album Kidz Bob 2020 includes popular hits including Someone You Loved, Don’t Call Me Up, Wish You Well, and more.

 

Welsh Wrestling

Memo Arts Centre, Barry

Saturday 18 April, 7pm

Adults £12, children £9, family of 4 £35

Witness the thrills and spills of live Welsh Wrestling in this two-hour extravaganza. Expect an evening of glitz, glamour and bodyslam mayhem as the Welsh Wrestling roadshow invades for one night only. See the over the top stars of the wrestling world collide in a night of super slamming action at this fun, crazy, family entertainment show.

 

An Evening with Sam Warburton OBE

Memo Arts Centre, Barry

Wednesday 22 April, 7.30pm

£21.50; VIP meet and greet tickets £41.50

Spend an evening in the company of one of Wales’ and the British Lions most successful rugby captains, Sam Warburton OBE. From his club career exclusively with Cardiff Blues to becoming one of Wales’ youngest ever captains, Sam will chat about a career that has seen many highs and lows. On top of that, he became only the second man to lead the Lions on two successive tours remaining undefeated in a Lions series against Australia and New Zealand. Sam is now a popular TV pundit and has recently been appointed as part of the new Welsh coaching team for the forthcoming Six Nations. The evening will include an interview with Sam plus an opportunity for an audience Q&A. Please note that there may be some strong language.

 

Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival

Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff

Thursday 23-Sunday 26 April

From £18.60-£50.50

Enter a world of adventure featuring daring tales from across the kingdom in Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival.  Join fearless wayfinder Moana and the greatest demigod that ever lived, Maui, on an action-packed voyage to return the stolen heart of Te Fiti.  Journey with the Disney Princesses in a magical mix of royalty when Disney On Ice brings this winsome wonderland to Cardiff.

 

A Monster Calls

Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Tuesday 28 April-Saturday 2 May

Age guidance 10+

From £14.50

Based on Patrick Ness’s critically acclaimed bestseller, A Monster Calls offers a dazzling insight into love, life and healing. Thirteen-year-old Conor and his mum have managed just fine since his dad moved away. But now his mum is sick and not getting any better.

Then, one night, Conor is woken by something at his window. A monster has come walking, and it’s come to tell Conor tales. When it’s finished, Conor must tell his own story and face his deepest fears.

 

MAY

 

Oi Frog and Friends

Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Friday 1 May 11am and 1.30pm; Saturday 2 May 10.30am; Sunday 3 May 1.30pm and 4.30pm

£11.50 and £14.50

Age guidance 3+

A new action-packed stage adaptation of Kes Gray and Jim Field’s bestselling books Oi Frog!, Oi Dog! and Oi Cat! Expect songs, puppets, laughs and lots of rhymes. It’s a new day at Sittingbottom school and Frog is looking for a place to sit, but Cat has other ideas and Dod is doing as he’s told. Little do any of them know that chaos is coming… Who knew there were so many rhyming rules and what will happen when Frog is in charge?

 

The Amazing Bubble Man

New Theatre, Cardiff

Sunday 3 May, 11.30am and 2pm

£13.75

For more than 30 years, Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences worldwide with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles, including selling out at Edinburgh Fringe for the last 12 years. In this live show, Louis explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerised. From square bubbles to rocket bubbles, tornado bubbles to flying saucer bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages.

 

WWE Live

Motorpoint Arena Cardiff

Wednesday 6 May, from £52.60

WWE Live is a unique blend of sport and entertainment, combining in-ring match action with dramatic entertainment. Bursting with all the drama and energy of a rock concert, in a fun, lively and exciting environment, WWE Live is family-friendly entertainment.

 

Exciting Science

Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl

Saturday 23 May, 2pm

£10.50

A new and exciting show featuring live experiments from the world of science, such as creating a volcanic eruption, building an air missile launcher, making mini rockets and creating some pretty big bangs!” This highly interactive show is the perfect way to expand your mind in the world of science.

 

Peppa Pig: My First Concert

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Wednesday 27 May, 1.30pm and 3.30pm; Thursday 28 May 10am, 12pm, 2pm

Adults £16/£19, children £12/£15, family of 4 £55 (stalls only)

From Mozart to Muddy Puddles this is a fun interactive introduction to a live orchestra. Peppa and her family invite you on a musical journey at their first classical concert. Join Peppa as she discovers an orchestra for the first time in this accessible and exciting concert specially designed for the youngest audience members. Sing and dance along with Peppa in her favourite songs, watch as Daddy Pig learns how to conduct an orchestra, explore all the different sounds that the instruments make and enjoy familiar tunes as well as discovering some exciting orchestral pieces perfect for little ones.

 

Horrible Histories – The Worst of Barmy Britain 

Blackwood Miners Institute

Thursday 28 May, 2pm and 5pm

£15; concessions £12

Age 5+

This West End show is touring for the first time, suitable for ages 5+ and full of hilarious and vulgar tales from history. What if a Viking moved in next door? Will you roar with laughter with Richard the Lionheart? Has William Wallace met his match? Can King Charles keep his head? Why not light up your life with the great fire of London? Will you see eye to eye with Admiral Nelson? Does the Duke of Wellington get the boot? Find out what a baby farmer did and meet the Lady of the Lamp! Get ready for your great escape from the First World War! It’s history with the nasty bits left in!

 

Owl at Home

The Riverfront, Newport

Monday 11 May, 10.30am

£8

Sherman Theatre, Cardiff

Wednesday 27-Saturday 30 May, 11am and 1.30pm

£9.50

Age guidance 4-8; not suitable for under 2s

Based on the illustrated children’s book by Arnold Lobel and Adapted for the stage by Theatr Iolo. Owl lives alone in a cosy little home in a hollow tree in the woods. With no one to talk to, his imagination runs away with him and ordinary objects begin to take on a life of their own. An enchanting tale with music, Owl at Home shows us how friendship can be found in the most unlikely of places.

 

The Noise Next Door: Through Time

Memo Arts Centre, Barry

Saturday 16 May 4pm

Adults £10, children £8.50, family of 4 £30

Age guidance: 6+

Join the undisputed masters of off-the-cuff comedy for a side-splitting, jaw-dropping, time-travelling adventure that’s fun for literally everyone. The Noise Next Door are 12-time sell-out veterans of The Edinburgh Fringe and have appeared on BBC One, ITV1, BBC Three and BBC Radio 4. Your suggestions are transformed, in the blink of an eye, into ferociously funny scenes and songs on a journey through history, to the future, and back again

 

Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals

Motorpoint Arena Cardifff

Friday 22 and Saturday 23 May

From £46.60

Some of Strictly’s professional dancers take to the road in a sparkling new show. The world class line-up of Strictly professionals performing on the tour are: Australian Open Champion and 2018 finalist Dianne Buswell; Two-time Ballroom and Latin World Champion Nadiya Bychkova; Italian Latin Champion Graziano Di Prima; Professional World Mambo Champion and former Strictly finalist Karen Hauer; World Professional Latin Showdance Champion and 2017 Strictly Champion Katya Jones; undefeated four-time British National Champion Neil Jones; eight-time South African Latin American Champion and 2016 Strictly finalist Oti Mabuse; 2017 Strictly finalist Gorka Marquez; four-time Italian Dance Championship winner Luba Mushtuk and two-time Strictly Come Dancing South Africa finalist Johannes Radebe.

 

Chores

The Riverfront, Newport

Friday 29 May, 3pm

Tickets £8, family of four £30

Chores is the story of two young rascal boys playing in their messy bedroom. Suddenly, their mother’s alarming screams rattle the boys back into acrobatic action. A generous serve of comedy and chaotic acrobatics accompanies every attempt at cleaning their room and doing their chores. This mess of chaos and comedy concludes with a last-minute cleaning spree.

With highlights of skilled stunts and uproarious, interactive gags, and with very little spoken dialogue, the audience will find themselves on the edge of their seats and giggling until the chores are done

 

Morgan & West: Unbelievable Science

Memo Arts Centre, Barry

Sunday 31 May, 2pm

Adults £10, children £8.50, family of 4 £30

Science and silliness abound for ages seven to 107!

Morgan & West present captivating chemistry, phenomenal physics, and bonkers biology in this fun for all the hour-long family science extravaganza. Expect explosive thrills, chemical spills and a risk assessment that gives their stage manager chills, all backed up by the daring duo’s trademark wit, charm and detailed knowledge of the scientific method.

 

JUNE

 

Riverdance

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Monday 1-Wednesdy 3 June, 7.30pm
£40-£55

The 25th anniversary show catapults Riverdance into the 21st century and will completely immerse audiences in the extraordinary and elemental power of its music and dance. The show is a powerful and stirring reinvention of this beloved family favourite, celebrated the world over for its Grammy Award-winning music and the thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. Twenty-five years on, composer Bill Whelan has rerecorded his mesmerising soundtrack while producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan have completely reimagined the ground-breaking show with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection, stage and costume designs.

This event is SOLD OUT. Please contact the box office on 029 2087 8444 nearer the time for any returns or releases or if you would like to be added on our waiting list.

 

Twm Siôn Cati

Memo Arts Centre, Barry

Tuesday 9 June, 10am

£7

Sherman Theatre, Cardiff

Friday 12 June, 11am

£9.50

This 60-minute Welsh-language prediction from Cwmni Theatr Arad Gocg brings to life the dangerous times of the16th century with songs, sword fighting and laughter. Thomas Jones from Tregaron, a man of flesh and blood not like the mythical Robin Hood, made a name for himself as Twm Siôn Cati, a jovial and fun highwayman who opposed the injustice and poverty his community faced with tricks and games that made him a champion of the people. This show celebrates the life of one of our most loveable rogues with one of Wales’ leading companies of theatre for young people.

 

Giselle

Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl

Thursday 18 June, 6.30pm

£13.50-£17.50

Ballet Cymru present a new ballet based on the eternal story of Giselle, the young girl who falls in love with the wrong person and pays a terrible price. Ballet Cymru have put their own unique stamp on this tale of love and loss, bringing relevance, poignancy and grittiness to this most romantic of ballets. Featuring a new score by acclaimed composer and harpist Catrin Finch whose spell binding music is interwoven with mesmerizing movement by Ballet Cymru Artistic Director Darius James OBE and Assistant Artistic Director Amy Doughty.

 

Bring It On The Musical

Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Tuesday 23-Saturday 27 June

From £17.50

Age guidance: 10+

Amber Davies and Louis Smith star in Bring It On, inspired by the film of the same name, a high-flying, energy fuelled journey which tackles friendship, jealousy, betrayal and forgiveness – wrapped up in explosive choreography and tricks. Cheer-royalty and newly crowned Squad Captain, Campbell, should be embarking on her most cheertastic senior year at Truman High School. But when she’s forced to move to the neighbouring hard-knock Jackson High, Campbell fears her life is over.  But an unlikely friendship catapults Campbell back into contention with a powerhouse squad and the fire to achieve the impossible. Bring it On is produced by Selladoor Productions (Flashdance, Avenue Q) and is written by Tony Award Winners Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton), Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q) Tom Kitt (Grease:Live) and lyricist Amanda Green (High Fidelity).

 

JULY

 

West Side Story

Richard Burton Theatre, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff

Wednesday 8-Saturday 11 July

£15, concessions £12.50

Cardiff-based Kinetic School of Performing Arts present their production of the classic musical, West Side Story, a story of racial hatred and the tragedy that results from it. The protagonists are two rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, who live in the same neighbourhood and both want control of the streets. The sister of the Shark’s leader falls in love with the best friend of the leader of the Jets and their romance is used as a reason by the gangs for an all-out fight that ends tragically for both gangs. The plot is advanced through dramatic, energetic dances and some of the most beautiful music ever written for a musical.

 

Giraffes Can’t Dance

New Theatre, Cardiff

Saturday 4-Sunday 5 July;

Saturday 4.30pm; Sunday 10am, 1pm and 4pm

£16.50

Age guidance 2+

This stage adaptation brings to life the much-loved Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees, which encourages everyone to dance to their own rhythm, and to just be a little more Gerald. Gerald the Giraffe has a tall, thin neck and long, slim legs. He’s great at reaching the highest shoots on the tallest trees, but he’s not so good at dancing. Now the annual Jungle Dance is just around the corner, and Gerald is longing to join the waltzing warthogs, rock’n’rolling rhinos and cha-cha cha-ing chimps on the dancefloor. But everyone knows that giraffes can’t dance… or can they? The African jungle bursts to life with puppetry, songs, and a company of five playing warthogs, lions, rhinos, chimps – and a very special violin-playing cricket.

 

The Lion King

Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Thursday 9 July-Saturday 29 August

Age guidance 6+. Children under 3 are not permitted.

Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, Disney’s The Lion King is a worldwide theatrical phenomenon, experienced by 100 million people globally. This stage adaptation of Disney’s classic film transports audiences to a dazzling world that explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music. At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba – the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands.

Some performances close to selling out.

 

Tiddly Prom: Bert’s Magical Musical Farmyard

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Saturday 18, Monday 20-Saturday 25 July, 10.30am

£8

An accessible, interactive concert for the under 5s, the Tiddly Prom is an opportunity for children and the adults with them to enjoy live music. It’s a busy day on Bert’s farm with lots of jobs to be done. But the rain is coming down and the tractor is stuck in a muddy ditch. Even with all his friends helping, Bert cannot pull the tractor out of the slippy slidey hole. Perhaps you and the magic of live music can help? The clarinet, bassoon and viola are showcased in this production amongst silly songs, magic and storytelling.

 

Family Prom

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Sunday 19 July, 3pm

Adults £12.50, children £8, under 5s free

Age guidance: 7+

A fun-filled hour long orchestral concert for all the family. Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Michael Bell MBE, take a walk on the wild side, form the Jurassic to the classic in this year’s Family Prom.  Venture out with them to discover natural wonders, tall tales and fantasy. Prokofiev’s classic Peter and the Wolf will be re-imagined for today’s audience alongside film favourites.

 

 

AUGUST

 

Paw Patrol Live: Race to the Rescue

Motorpoint Arena Cardiff

Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 August, 10.30am, 1.30pm, 4.30pm

£31.50-£41.80

It’s the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race between Adventure Bay’s Mayor Goodway and Foggy Bottom’s Mayor Humdinger, but Mayor Goodway is nowhere to be found.PAW Patrol to the rescue! Ryder summons Marshall, Chase, Skye, Rubble, Rocky, Zuma and Everest to rescue Mayor Goodway and to run the race in her place.

Using their unique skills and teamwork, the pups show that “no job is too big, no pup is too small,” and share lessons for all ages about citizenship, social skills and problem solving as they make several heroic rescues on their race to the finish line.

 

 

September

No shows announced as yet.

 

October

 

Dragons and Mythical Beasts

The Riverfront, Newport

Friday 23 October, 6.30pm; Saturday 24 October, 11am, 2pm and 4.30pm; Sunday 25 October 11am and 2om

£14

A new interactive show for all the family, from the creators of Dinosaur World Live. Unveil a myriad of dark secrets and come face to face with some of the most magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts ever to walk the earth. Discover the colossal Stone Troll, the mysterious Indrik and Japanese Baku; the Tooth Fairy (not as sweet as you’d think), an adorable Unicorn and majestic Griffin.

 

Sister Act

Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Monday 12-Saturday 17 October

From £17.50

Age guidance: 8+

Returning to Cardiff with a new and reimagined production, the Broadway, West End and UK smash-hit musical is produced by Jamie Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg and stars Brenda Edwards (Hairspray, Chicago, Loose Women) in the specially rewritten role of Deloris Van Cartier. Based on the iconic 1992 movie, and updated for the 21st century, this sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music tells the hilarious story of the disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent!  Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. Featuring original music by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken (Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted) and songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, this joyous and hilarious musical is one nostalgia-filled trip you will never forget.

 

Only Boys Aloud

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Saturday 17 October, 7.30pm

Adults £27.50, children £17.50

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Only Boys Aloud with this gala concert. In March 2010, Only Boys Aloud was launched as a new initiative to get boys singing in Wales, breathing new life into the Welsh male choir tradition and inspiring teenage boys to find confidence, community, joy, friendship through song. No audition, no fee and inclusivity is central to the scheme. Fast forward ten years and The Aloud Charity has now engaged with over 1,000 boys through Only Boys Aloud choirs in North and South Wales plus they’ve also created Only Kids Aloud and the Only Boys Aloud Academi. For this extra special evening they will be bringing back some of their original boys to perform alongside all of the Aloud choirs.

With young singers from every corner of Wales, join us as they celebrate a decade of music and memories with two gala concerts in Cardiff and Llandudno.

 

Footloose

Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Monday 19-Saturday 24 October

From £17.50

Age guidance: 8+

 

Based on the 1980s screen sensation Footloose sizzles cutting edge modern choreography, and a host of classic 1980s hits including Holding Out for a Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear It For The Boy and the unforgettable title track Footloose. City boy Ren thinks life is bad enough when he’s forced to move to a rural backwater in America. But his world comes to a standstill when he arrives at Bomont to find dancing and rock music are banned. Taking matters into his own hands, soon Ren has all hell breaking loose and the whole town on its feet.

 

MARVELus: All the MARVEL Movies…Kind Of

Memo Arts Centre, Barry

Friday 30 October, 7pm

Adults £10, under 16s £8.50

Age guidance: 12+

Direct from sold out shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival and a critically acclaimed, award-nominated tour of Australia and New Zealand, The Just Us League, are bringing their incredible Marvel-based comedy show to venues across the UK in Autumn 2020. Squeezing (almost) all the Marvel movies into an action-packed evening of laughs, their short punchy sketches and high-energy style will delight the whole spectrum of Marvel fans; from those that have seen just one movie to mega-aficionados who know the franchise inside out. It’s weapons-free comedy that takes no prisoners.

 

 

November

 

The Elves and the Shoemaker / Y Coblynnod a’r Crydd

Sherman Theatre, Cardiff

Friday 6-Saturday 7 November (previews), Monday 30 November-Saturday 2 January

£9.50

Age guidance 3-6

The Sherman’s annual show for under 7s is Katherine Chandler’s adaptation of The Elves and the Shoemaker. Clara the shoemaker is hungry and cold. No one wants to buy her shoes. One morning to her surprise she finds someone has mysteriously made a pair of the snazziest footwear overnight. Shoes that will sell like hot cakes. Clara’s luck is about to change. Who does she need to thank for this wonderful turn of events?

 

 

Star Waes: Return of the Jedi – Live in Concert

St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Tuesday 10 November, 7.30pm

£38.50-£73.50

Following the huge success of The Empire Strikes Back tour throughout the UK earlier this year, the iconic climactic sixth episode of the Star Wars saga, Return Of The Jedi, will be presented live in concert across the UK for the first time with a live symphony orchestra performing the iconic score of Oscar winner, John Williams along with the film shown in HD on a huge screen.

Return of the Jedi (1983) sees Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia and co. joined by Yoda and the Ewoks in an adventure across the galaxy as Darth Vader prepares to unleash the final blow to the Rebel Alliance.

 

 

DECEMBER

 

Aladdin

New Theatre, Cardiff

Saturday 5 December 2020-Sunday 10 January 2021

£22.50-£43.50

The New Theatre presents the classic panto tale of Aladdin this Christmas, with more details including cast to be revealed later in the year. Expect laugh out loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses. Follow Aladdin, his brother Wishee Washee, and his mother Widow Twankey, on a spectacular adventure that includes flying carpets, a wish-granting genie, an evil sorcerer and a lamp-full of laughs.

 

A Christmas Carol

Sherman Theatre, Cardiff

Friday 27 November 2020-Saturday 2 January 2021

£16-£26

Acclaimed Welsh playwright Gary Owen puts a Welsh spin on Dickens’ classic tale, with the action set in Cardiff in 1843. Scrooge has lots of money – but it’s never made her happy. But om Christmas Eve she meets three ghosts who will teach her the most important lesson of all.

 

 

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Tuesday 1-Saturday 5 December

From £14.50

Age guidance: 6+

Direct from London, the acclaimed production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is coming to Cardiff. Step through the wardrobe into the magical kingdom of Narnia for the most mystical of adventures in a faraway land, as CS Lewis’s famous novel is brought to the stage. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and say hello to a talking Faun, an unforgettable Lion and the coldest, cruellest White Witch.

 

The Phantom of the Opera

Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Wednesday 9 December 2020-Saturday 26 January 2021

From £25.50

Age guidance: 8+

The brilliant original production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera is coming to Cardiff as part of a major UK and Ireland tour. Produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Group Ltd, the romantic, haunting and soaring score includes Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Masquerade and the iconic title song. Now in its 34th phenomenal year in the West End, The Phantom of the Opera is widely considered one of the most beautiful and spectacular productions in history.

 

Aladdin

Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl

Friday 11 December-Sunday 3 January

A magical family friendly pantomime suitable for all ages, Aladdin’s dreams may never come true with a law decreeing that the princess can only marry a prince, and the evil Abanazar up to no good, Meanwhile Aladdin’s mum Widow Twankey has got the mixed-up Chinese laundry blues which are not helped by the fact they’re also very poor…If only Aladdin could make his fortune and then all their dreams could come true.

 

 

2021

 

January 2021

 

The Commitments

Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Monday 18-Saturday 23 January 2021

From £19

Age guidance 12+

The smash hit musical sensation contains tells the story of Jimmy Rabbitte, a young working-class music fan, who shapes an unlikely bunch of amateur musicians and friends into the finest soul band Dublin has ever produced. The musical contains over 20 soul classics performed live on stage including: Night Train, Try A Little Tenderness, River Deep, Mountain High, In The Midnight Hour, Papa Was A Rolling Stone, Save Me, Mustang Sally, I Heard It Through The Grapevine, Thin Line Between Love and Hate, Reach Out, Uptight, Knock On Wood, I Can’t Turn You Loose and more!

 

My Best Friend’s Wedding

Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Monday 25-Saturday 30 January 2021

From £17.50

The smash-hit 90s movie My Best Friend’s Wedding is now a brand new musical comedy, starring Alexandra Burke (The Bodyguard, Chicago, Sister Act), with book by Ronald Bass (My Best Friend’s Wedding, Rain Man, The Joy Luck Club) and Jonathan Harvey (Beautiful Thing, Gimme Gimme Gimme, Coronation Street), My Best Friend’s Wedding features some of the most iconic pop anthems ever written by the legendary Burt Bacharach and Hal David, including I’ll Never Fall in Love Again, I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself, Walk on By, I Say A Little Prayer, What’s New Pussycat and many, many more. Fiery food critic Julianne Potter has always turned her nose up at romance. It’s the reason she broke up with her sweetheart Michael O’Neal. When she hears he’s about to be married, she vows to win him back for good, but with perfect Kimmy in the way, it’s not as easy as she first thought. Can she derail her best friend’s wedding in time and keep Michael all for herself?

 

February 2021

Grease

Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Monday 1-Saturday 6 February 2021

From £17.50

Age guidance: 8+

Back by popular demand following a sell-out and critically acclaimed 2020 UK Tour.

After a whirlwind summer romance, leather-clad greaser Danny and girl-next-door Sandy are unexpectedly reunited when she transfers to Rydell High for senior year. But can they survive the trials and tribulations of teenage life and find true love once more? With its phenomenal score, bursting with hits including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted to You and You’re the One That I Want, this thrilling new version is brought to life by a fresh young cast who bring energy, vitality and passion to this ultimate musical classic. So round-up your Burger Palace Boys, pick up your Pink Ladies and re-discover why Grease really is the one that you want this term.

 

April 2021

 

Strictly Ballroom The Musical

Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Monday 5-Saturday 10 April 2021

From £18.50

Age guidance: 5+

Based on the award-winning world-wide film phenomenon, and with direction from dancer, choreographer, theatre director and Britain’s favourite TV Judge, Craig Revel Horwood, Strictly Ballroom the Musical follows arrogant, rebellious young ballroom dancer, Scott Hastings. When his radical and daring dance style see him fall out of favour with Australian Federation, he must dance with beginner, Fran. Together they find the courage to defy tradition and discover that to win, your steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom. The show features break-into-song numbers such as Love is in the AirPerhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time, as well as several wonderful new songs by internationally acclaimed artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect.

 

School of Rock The Musical

Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

Monday 12-Saturday 17 April 2021

On sale soon

Age guidance: 5+

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End and Broadway hit musical School of Rock is coming Cardiff. School of Rock is the global hit musical based on the iconic movie starring Jack Black. Wannabe rock star Dewey Finn is cast out by his dive-bar bandmates and finds himself in desperate need of cash. Posing as a substitute music teacher at an elite prep school, he exposes his students to the rock gods he idolises, transforming them into a mind-blowing rock band.

 

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