How to avoid hearing “I’m boooorrrred.”
October half-term is fast approaching, and Warwick Arts Centre is pulling out all the stops for family fun – there’s promenade theatre, hi-wire circus japes, and slapstick tomfoolery for all ages!
If you’re looking to try something different with the kids this October, look no further than Bank On It, a site-specific, interactive, promenade theatre experience for children from Theatre Rites, taking place in a mystery location in Coventry city centre! Bank On It is a magical journey into an interactive bank where even the most mundane office equipment comes to life; a hunt for an elusive bank manager designed to get children thinking about resources and what money can and cannot buy. With performances on Saturdays 19th and 26th October, and all throughout half term week from Monday 28th October–Saturday 2nd November, Coventry is the only place you can see Bank On It in the UK after its smash-hit London run. There’s no need to worry about finding the bank yourself– there will be a coach to the secret location from Warwick Arts Centre, included in the price of your ticket.
The Mead Gallery will be hosting an exciting opportunity, perfect for those with excess energy. To honour the subject of their current exhibition, Buster Keaton, there will be Slapstick Workshops taking place throughout the day on Saturday 2nd November. There are classes for ages 7-10, 11-17 and even a class for big kids, aged 16 and over. Tim Klotz is resident fight director at Drama Centre London, and he’ll be teaching the art of physical comedy, where people will learn pratfalls and fisticuffs in a completely safe environment. The Mead Gallery will also be hosting family activities during half term week, with the Big Draw workshop and a Zombie Hunt on Halloween.
Children’s favourite Michael Rosen will be performing his new poetry show Centrally Heated Knickers in his characteristic, larger-than-life style. The show arrives on Monday 28th October, bringing surprises, songs and musical flights of fancy from The Homemade Orchestra.
On Friday 1st November, there’ll be a chance to meet a prehistoric pet in the Danger Seats at the Dinosaur Zoo. Beasties of all shapes and sizes will feature, from cute baby dinos all the way up to teeth-gnashing giants. For a chance to get right up-close and personal, choose a Danger Seat and get ready for a truly “dinosaursome” time! But if you prefer your shows a little more “Ooooh! Ahhhh!” than “Rawwr!” make sure you catch the high-flying antics in Noodles, where aerialists, hand-balancers and tight-rope walkers perform amongst some kitchen chaos!
Finally, for those looking forward to this year’s 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who, come and see how they celebrated 30 years ago as Warwick Arts Centre screens the 20th Anniversary special The Five Doctors on Sat 26th October.
Box office 024 7652 4524 or www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
