The best: Family theatre coming to Manchester in 2026

Adapted from the best-selling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, The Dinosaur That Pooped brings its gleefully gross and triumphantly silly race against time to the stage for a one-hour, interval-free romp at Manchester Opera House.

When Danny and Dino set out to secure tickets for their favourite band’s final concert, a nefarious manager and Dino’s rumbling belly threaten to derail their plans. Featuring new songs by Fletcher and Poynter, the fast-paced adventure delivers toe-tapping tunes, gleeful toilet humour and endlessly energetic family fun.

For the first time since 1881, London’s Natural History Museum heads out on tour with an epic prehistoric odyssey for the whole family. Journey through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods as life-sized dinosaurs stomp and roar amongst the dense jungle that’s consumed the Lowry stage.

Alongside the spectacle, young explorers will learn about fossils, time scales and how our planet has evolved over millions of years, guaranteeing an unmissable experience for budding palaeontologists of all ages.

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s multi-award-winning adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved tale returns to Manchester this March as part of a nationwide tour.

Faithfully recounting the magical, heartwarming story of an extraordinary young girl who dares to stand up for herself, the production showcases the author’s timelessly anarchic humour and affection alongside unforgettable songs and staging.

Hailed as ‘unique and unforgettable’ by Rolling Stone, the smash-hit global phenomenon remains one of the most celebrated family shows of the last two decades.

Buy one and get one under 16s half price on selected seats at Tue – Thu performances.

This April, Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures leap from page to stage at Bolton Octagon in another playful adaptation of his wildly popular children’s books.

As a group of performers prepare to start their show, they quickly discover they are not alone, as Little Monster and his friends crash the party.

Packed with lively original music, comedy and audience interaction at every turn, this 50-minute production celebrates the joy of books, curiosity and friendship in ideal first theatre experience for infant imagineers.

Taking over the AO Arena for one day only on Sun 5 Apr, the worldwide preschool sensation makes its UK stage debut with Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!, a brand new musical inspired by the hit DreamWorks Animation series.

When a rainbow breaks and causes a colourful catastrophe, Gabby and the Gabby Cats set off on an adventure through the Cat-O-Sphere, Mermaid-Lantis and other enchanting locations to set things right.

Featuring impressive puppetry, dynamic set design and the biggest songs from the TV show, this bright and energetic arena spectacular delivers vibrant family theatre on the grandest stage in town.

Created by Theatre-Rites and award-winning choreographer Gregory Maqoma, Return to the Forest is a captivating new dance and puppetry show for families aged eight and above at Aviva Studios.

Beginning in a museum after hours, the story unfolds as precious objects stir and lead audiences into a living, breathing forest. Mixing high-energy movement with striking puppetry, the mesmerising and gently profound show invites reflection on what we value and how we care for the world around us.

Arriving at Lowry with a dose of family-friendly magic this summer, the Olivier-nominated smash-hit production Bluey’s Big Play brings the beloved blue heeler to life with an original story told through delightful puppetry, iconic sets from the BAFTA-winning TV show and a voice cast featuring the original, unmistakable voices from the TV show including Dave McCormack (Bandit) and Melanie Zanetti (Chilli).

Back by popular demand for a ten-day run in Salford having already entertained over a million fans around the world, Bluey’s Big Play invites families to experience a magical adaptation of the world-famous CBeebies series, as Bluey and Bingo pull out all their mischievous tricks and fun-filled games to get Dad off his bean bag in a fabulously entertaining Heeler family caper.

Bringing together two icons of contemporary magic, Piff & Pop’s Magic Shoppe lands at Manchester Opera House this autumn with a high-energy, all-ages spectacular packed with illusions, comedy and theatrical flair.

Uniting legendary magician Penn Jillette with America’s Got Talent phenomenon Piff the Magic Dragon, the show unfolds across two spellbinding acts. Penn’s entrancing solo acts showcase sharp storytelling and sleight of hand alongside Piff’s offbeat humour, eccentric illusions and appearances from the world’s only magic-performing Chihuahua, Mr. Piffles, the pair combine forces for a playful, unpredictable finale that promises laughs, gasps and an endless supply of family-friendly wonder.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s enduring smash-hit returns to Manchester this November in a dazzling new production that invites kids and grown-ups alike to step into the moonlit world of the Jellicle cats.

Based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, CATS blends striking choreography, lavish costumes and a score packed with unforgettable numbers including Memory and Jellicle Ball. Directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, this Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production brings fresh energy to the kaleidoscopic classic while retaining the magic that has captivated generations.

A magical new British musical takes over HOME this winter, offering an enchanting festive treat for families looking for a captivating alternative to the conventional panto season.

Inspired by Goethe’s classic poem and the iconic Fantasia sequence, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice reimagines the tale with a gender-swapped twist as apprentice Eva grapples with her rapidly growing powers. Set against a Northern Lights backdrop, the story blends humour, heart and exhilarating visuals as brooms spring to life and chaos unfolds amidst inventive staging, a multi-talented ten-strong cast and an original score by Alexander S. Bermange.