The best: Family theatre shows coming to Manchester

Little ones are invited on an adventure across the cosmos in this immersive dome show at Jodrell Bank. Accompanying Ted, the experience is perfect for budding stargazers ages 2-5, introducing them to wondrous new worlds in a show packed with interactivity, music and rhyme.

British Youth Music Theatre brings its brand-new musical, The Clockmaker’s City, to Z-arts this summer. Featuring a cinematic, percussive score, the show invites families into a city on the brink of change, sharing a heartfelt story about the cost of productivity, caring for each other and creating a society that works for everyone.

Arriving sirens wailing into Stockport for one day only, Pontypandy’s favourite firefighter returns to the stage this summer with a swashbuckling new story for budding explorers and preschool audiences alike.

When Norman Price stumbles across clues to a real pirate treasure hidden deep within a cave system, it quickly falls to Fireman Sam, Elvis and Ellie to save the day before disaster strikes. Filled with sing-a-long pirate songs, interactive fun and endless colourful capers, the action-packed live show promises the perfect school holiday activity a short train ride south of the city centre.

Back at Palace Theatre, Peppa Pig and friends return to town with another new stage adventure celebrating the arrival of baby Evie.

As Peppa, George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig race to finish decorating and prepare for their growing family, little audience members are invited to join in the fun with songs, games and a host of fabulous surprises.

‘A fun, colourful and musical production that keeps littles ones entertained throughout’ – Everything Theatre

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 sequences 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, building up to an unforgettable finale.

Hailed as ‘beautiful, rhythmic and faithful to the author’s works’ by Time Out, Rockefeller Productions’ The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show returns to Lowry with its trademark kaleidoscopic wonder and a dazzling collection of life-sized puppets.

Celebrating a decade on stage, the acclaimed production combines more than 75 handcrafted puppets with original music and immersive narration to reimagine four beloved tales, with the gluttonous grub as the headliner. Charming, visually unique and carefully tailored for younger audiences, the magical hour-long show continues to delight families around the world.

Award-winning children’s book The Littlest Yak receives a joyful musical adaptation at HOME this October, in a heartwarming family production filled with puppetry, songs and Himalayan hijinks.

Following spirited young yak Gertie as she dreams of growing up to be like the bigger yaks in her mountain home, the inspiring story of self-acceptance and individuality promises a frosty feast of toe-tapping tunes, wondrous visuals and a dose of early festive cheer for audiences aged three and above.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s enduring smash-hit returns this November in a singularly flamboyant 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 brimming with instantly recognisable 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 strange and spectacular classic while retaining the magic that has captivated generations.

As the Christmas season begins in earnest, Bolton Octagon reimagines the world’s most famous fairytale with a sparkling new production of Cinderella full of music, magic and contemporary charm.

When Ella’s world is turned upside down by the arrival of her cruel new family, she finds comfort amongst the birds and woodland surrounding her home – before a chance encounter with a mysterious stranger changes everything. Written by Sally Cookson and Adam Peck, this witty and energetic adaptation promises a welcome modern twist on the iconic festive tale.

An absorbing 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 bursts forth amidst inventive staging, a multi-talented ten-strong cast and an original score by Alexander S. Bermange.

Kicking off a fortnight before the big day, Matthew Warchus’ acclaimed adaptation of Charles Dickens’ immortal festive classic arrives at Lowry following a hugely successful nine-year run at London’s Old Vic.

Joyously adapted by Jack Thorne, A Christmas Carol transforms the auditorium into the cobbled streets of the Victorian Big Smoke with a cavalcade of music, mince pies and immersive staging, as Ebenezer Scrooge embarks on his ghostly Christmas Eve journey towards redemption.