This weekend is all about storytelling. From a chance to see the original versions of Hansel and Gretel; Snow White; and Cinderella, to a festival of children’s literature, the creative juices are flowing in the capital. Elsewhere, Birmingham’s being invaded by the Return of the Dinosaurs; and
At the Polka Theatre (it’s in SW London), renowned theatre company Theatre lolo have collaborated with Carol Ann Duffy (the Poet Laureate) to adapt some of the original versions of children’s fairy tales for the stage. Gruesomely spine tingling, this is fairy stories as they were meant to be – full of the OTT “Grimm”-ness you might have missed from the Disney versions! Kids will love the Gothic sets and lively performances of Ashputtel (that’s Cinderella, to you and me); Snow White; and Cinderella, among others.
The Big Write, at the Discover Children’s Centre in East London, starts this weekend – and runs for a week of literary mayhem. Massive figures from the field of children’s literature will be visiting, giving talks, running workshops, and even letting the kids have a sneak preview of their next work. Q Pootle 5 author Nick Butterworth is there – as are Michael de Souza and Genevieve Webster, the creators of the now-legendary Rastamouse. All events are ticketed and are selling fast, so get your skates on…
There’s a different kind of writing going on at the Furtherfield Gallery in Finsbury Park (that’s actually inside the park, right in the middle). The Scratch workshop at the Gallery is running again this weekend, giving young programmers a chance to live their dream by creating a whole game or animated movie using a special computer environment. No experience is required, though each child has to supply his or her own laptop and an adult guardian must be present for all attendees. The Scratch workshop is ticket only.
The Dudley Museum and Art Gallery, in Birmingham, plays host to the Return of the Dinosaurs, a fun introduction to the real world of Jurassic Park. Life size models, interactive exhibits and a very special fossil take the kids back in time for a real prehistoric fright fest…
There’s another frightful sight on display at Manchester’s National Football Museum: an exhibition of 50 years in football fashion! The “Strike a Pose” exhibition runs until the end of August 2013 and is filled with terrifying haircuts, awful jeans and the ubiquitous celebrity footie couple. The rest of the museum is perfect for the budding Beckham, too, with a wide-ranging Hall of Fame plus tons of cool collections, including Harry Langton’s famous FIFA collection. They’ve even got the actual Jules Rimet Trophy (the old World Cup) on display.
In cinemas, Wreck it Ralph is still top billing for kids. Ralph tells the story of a computer game baddie who breaks out of his own game and goes off in search of somewhere he can be the good guy instead. Kids will be enthralled by the story and adults will enjoy the cameo appearances from (among others) Sonic the Hedgehog; Bowser; and Pac Man.
