The Three Little Pigs. Credit: Pamela Raith Photography
What’s in Grace’s Satchel?
Grace Hatchell reports from Birmingham – where laughter, clay, and big bad wolves are taking over The Rep!
There’s never a dull moment in Birmingham, and The Rep’s new family-friendly programme proves it. Hot off the post, they’ve announced five brand-new shows for kids (and the grown-ups who secretly love them just as much).
Leading the pack is the world premiere of Planet Omar, zooming onto The Rep’s main stage from Wednesday 17 to Saturday 21 June. This brilliant co-production between The Rep, Leeds Playhouse and Unicorn Theatre brings Zanib Mian’s much-loved books to life. Adapted by Asif Khan and directed by Sameena Hussain, it follows the adventures of 8-year-old Omar — a boy with a massive imagination, a big heart, and a knack for causing chaos. It’s a funny, feel-good story about family, empathy, and seeing the world through someone else’s eyes.
Then, just in time for the half term, the classic tale of The Three Little Pigs will be trotting into The Studio on Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 February. Written by the award-winning duo Stiles and Drewe (of Honk! and Mary Poppins fame), this musical ‘tail’ comes packed with clever rhymes, catchy tunes, and enough huffing and puffing to make your hair stand on end. Beneath all the laughs, it’s a story about home, family, and the power of sticking together — something we could all use a reminder of these days.
If you prefer your theatre a little messier, Claytime will be in The Door on Saturday 11 April. It’s an utterly unique show for children aged 4–6, where imagination meets mud. Kids get to create wild creatures and wobbly worlds out of real clay, all guided by the inventive minds of Indefinite Articles. Expect laughter, creativity, and a fair bit of splatter!
And when summer arrives, Comedy Club 4 Kids takes the stage on Thursday 30 July. It’s just like a grown-up comedy night — but without the rude bits (or the overpriced nachos). Expect jokes, sketches and some well-timed giggles for ages 6 and up.
Of course, The Rep hasn’t forgotten the parents! On Wednesday 13 May, Bring Your Own Baby Comedy arrives for a one-afternoon-only event in The Door. It’s the UK’s top baby-friendly comedy club — meaning you can laugh your socks off while the little one naps, feeds, or joins in with the applause.
It’s a jam-packed season of imagination, laughter, and family fun — the kind of thing that reminds us theatre is as much for the young as the young-at-heart.
Booking Information
Priority booking for Gold, Silver and Access Register members is now open.
Priority booking for Bronze Friends opens Thursday 16 October at 12pm.
Public booking opens Friday 17 October at 12pm.
To book, visit birmingham-rep.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0121 236 4455
(Monday to Friday, 12pm–6pm. Saturdays 12pm–6pm, or 4pm if there’s no evening performance).
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