kids theatre shows Manchester 2026
There are loads of great kids theatre shows in Manchester. This post will be regularly updated to make sure all the kids theatre shows I can find are listed for you. I include as much detail as I can find about what age the show is best for, when and where you can see it and of course there are booking links included for you. Find more great Family days out North West England here.
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Our top picks for all ages
The best theatre shows in Manchester this year for under 5s
For this age group, I don’t think you can beat the Julia Donaldson stage shows and there are lots to choose from including:
- The Gruffalo at the Lowry from 3rd – 5th July
- The Singing Mermaid at HOME from 23rd – 24th May
Other great choices are Bluey’s big play in May at The Lowry, Dear Zoo at the Lowry in August and a tribute to Ms Rachel at Stockport Plaza in July.
The best Manchester Theatre shows for children aged 5 – 10 years
For children aged 5 – 6 years, some of the recommendations above still stand out.
Best Manchester theatre shows for teens and tweens
For this age group, I’d particularly recommend:
- Annie at Palace Theatre in June 2026
- Legally Blonde the musical at Opera House in November
Kids theatre shows at Palace Theatre Manchester
Where – 97 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 6FT
Annie, Palace Theatre
When – 9th – 20th June 2026
The smash-hit West End production of Annie is coming to Manchester. Starring Strictly Come Dancing’s La Voix as Miss Hannigan.
Age guidance – no under 3s
Book here – Annie
Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show, Palace Theatre
When – 14th – 15th August 2026
Duration – Not clear
Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show is packed full of music, adventure and surprises for little ones and is the perfect introduction to theatre.
Book here – Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show
Kids theatre shows at Opera House Manchester
Where – 3 Quay St, Manchester M3 3HP,
Piff & Pop’s Magic Shoppe, Opera House
When – 17th September 2026
Their brand-new show, Piff & Pop’s Magic Shoppe, promises a night of jaw-dropping magic, side-splitting comedy, and unforgettable showmanship. Split in two halves, Act one will feature a solo act from both Pop (Penn Jillette) and Piff The Magic Dragon along with Mr Piffles – the world’s only magic-performing Chihuahua.
Each will take to the stage to showcase their signature styles of magic, wit and wonder from Penn’s sharp storytelling and world-class sleight of hand to Piff’s eccentric comedy and offbeat illusions.
Act two will see the pair return to the stage as a duo, blending their unique talents into a one-of-a-kind double act. Expect the unexpected as the ‘Dragons’ combine forces into a larger-than-life finale.
Minimum age is 5 years old.
Book here – Piff & Pop’s Magic Shoppe
Legally Blonde the musical, Opera House
When – 3rd – 14th November 2026.
This ultimate feel-good rom-com, based on the award-winning film starring Reese Witherspoon, follows Elle Woods on her transformation from It Girl fashionista to legal ace at Harvard Law School, all in the name of love.
Suitable for 8+ years
Book here – Legally Blonde the musical
Kids theatre shows at The Lowry, Salford
Where – Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
The Gruffalo, The Lowry
When – 3rd – 5th July 2026
Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler – celebrating 25 years on stage in 2026.
Suitable for age 3+
Book here – The Gruffalo
Bluey’s big play, The Lowry
When – 22nd – 31st May 2026
Back by popular demand Bingo, Bandit and Chilli are returning to Lowry in the Olivier award-nominated live stage show, Bluey’s Big Play. Featuring brilliantly created puppets, this theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series is packed with music, laughter, and fun for the whole family.
Book here – Bluey’s big play
Olaf Falafel’s stupidest super stupid show, The Lowry
When – 28th May 2026.
The comedy show comedians take their kids to is back and even funnier! Join Olaf Falafel (if that is his real name) for an hour of kid’s comedy which will be the stupidest he has ever let trickle from his brain. Expect jokes, poos on pogo sticks, more jokes and truth-telling cheese. There will definitely be a time-travelling portal to the future and a live drawalong!
Book here – Olaf Falafel’s stupidest super stupid show
In the night garden, The Lowry
when – 5th – 9th August 2026
You’ll see all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music. This show lasts just under an hour and your little ones will be amazed when they see a very special visit from the amazing flying Pinky Ponk.
Book here – In the night garden
Dear Zoo, The Lowry
When – 11th – 16th August 2026
See our characters write to the Zoo. Who will be delivered? A cheeky monkey, a jumpy frog and of course a perfect puppy.
Help your children learn as the book leaps onto the stage and share a magical experience as the story unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction.
Rod Campbell’s best-selling lift the flap book has delighted generations of young readers since it was first published in 1982. And has sold more than 8 million copies worldwide.
Book here – Dear Zoo
Kids theatre shows at Waterside, Sale
Where – 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford M33 7ZF.
The utterly revolting science show, Waterside
When – 24th May 2026
Brace yourselves for the Rude Science team’s hilarious, high-tech, highly-explosive new journey through the human body, packed with burp biology, fart physics and revolting edible chemistry. Expect enormous bottoms, edible fireworks, burp machines and the world’s loudest fart in this riotous science spectacular.
Recommended for age 5+
Book here – The utterly revolting science show
The Jungle Book – outdoor theatre
When – 21st July 2026
Filled with original music, audience interaction, and a host of larger-than-life characters, you are invited to join Mowgli and his friends, Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther, on a madcap jungle adventure as they meet and attempt to outwit a slithering snake, some cheeky monkeys, and the fierce tiger, Shere Khan!
Funny, exciting and wildly entertaining, this AOOO-some musical will have you howling with laughter: It’s the perfect treat for the whole family!
Book here – The Jungle Book
The tiger who came to tea, Waterside
When – 11th – 12th July 2026
Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. Don’t miss this stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem… expect to be surprised!
Recommended for children 3+.
Book here – The tiger who came to tea
kids theatre shows at Z-Arts, Hulme
Where – 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5ZA
The Detective dog, Z-Arts
When – 16th May 2026
Tiny & Tall Productions brings you Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie’s well-loved story, The Detective Dog on stage for Deaf and hearing family audiences.
Running time – 55 minutes
Age recommendation – Ages 3 -10
Book here – The Detective Dog
Take flight, Z-Arts
when – 23rd & 24th May 2026
Take Flight is a stunning aerial theatre show for 0-2 year olds and their grown ups.
Running time – 35 minutes plus 15 minutes stay and play
Age recommendation – Ages 0 – 2
Book here – Take flight
Magic Gareth: BALLOONATIC, Z-Arts
When – 6th June 2026
BALLOONATIC is full of mind-blowing magic, balloons and fun for all the family!
Running time – 55 minutes
Age recommendation – Age 5+
Book here – Balloonatic
Family theatre at HOME, Manchester
Where – HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester, M15 4FN
The Singing Mermaid, HOME
When – 23rd – 24th May 2026
You’ll love this adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monk’s hugely popular book, brought to life with beautiful puppetry and performance and music and songs by Barb Jungr (We’re All Going On A Bear Hunt).
Recommended age – 3-8 year olds
Book here – The Singing Mermaid
Malory Towers, HOME
When – 2nd – 13th June 2026
Get ready for high jinks, high drama and high spirits, all set to sensational live music. Based on the novels by Enid Blyton.
Recommended for age 8+
Book here – Malory Towers
Pirate Princess, HOME
When – 20th June 2026
Pirate Princess is a heart warming story of hope against adversity told with physical Theatre, clowning and circus. This brand new solo show by circus performer and professional idiot Gemma Bond tells the tale of poor shipwrecked Princess Poppy. Can she overcome a big dress, extreme weather and the ultimate test of strength to see her way to safety?
Recommended age 5-11 year olds.
Duration – 35 minutes
Book here – Pirate Princess
Family theatre, AO Arena
Where – AO Arena Manchester, Victoria Station , Manchester, M3 1AR
Gladiators live, Ao arena
When – 14th – 15th November 2026
This adrenaline-fuelled two-hour arena event sees the legendary Gladiators storm back into the arena to face fearless contenders in a heart-pounding live adaptation of the smash-hit television phenomenon. Expect iconic fan-favourite events, breathtaking stunts, epic head-to-head battles and the unforgettable Eliminator finale. With non-stop action, heroic showdowns and moments guaranteed to have the entire arena on its feet, Gladiators Live delivers edge-of-your-seat entertainment for the whole family.
Book here – Gladiators
Stockport Plaza,
Where – Mersey Square, Stockport, SK1 1SP
The Sooty Show, Stockport Plaza
When – 24th May 2026
Joining the fun will be the Greatest Showman – Michael Jordan, Singer – Miss Kazia and Mr Brown the Magical Caretaker. Expect jaw dropping juggling, singalong favourites and amazing magic. Plus the return of international blacklight speciality act “Fantasie De La Nuit”.
Book here – The Sooty Show
The Jungle Book, Stockport Plaza
When – 30th May 2026
Swing into the jungle this spring and join Mowgli and friends Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther, a gang of mischievous monkeys lead by King Louie in this enchanting new musical adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s much-loved classic.
Book here – The Jungle Book
The Gasps and Giggles Show, Stockport Plaza
When – 20th June 2026
A show jam-packed with amazing magic, laugh-out-loud comedy, and crazy circus skills. Hosted by the master of magic, Darren Mac, and the maker of mischief, Andy Floss! Also featuring special guest circus performer, direct from The Blackpool Tower Circus and The Sooty Show Live, Michael Jordan.
The show is suitable for all ages and includes lots of participation and prizes — so you could be part of the show!
Book here – The Gasps and Giggles Show
Fun for little ones, a tribute to Ms Rachel, Stockport Plaza
When – 19th July 2026
Fun For Kids. Fun For Parents! The UK’s Premier tribute to Global Phenomenon… ‘Ms Rachel’. Bringing her character to life in a fun LIVE show!
With over 5 Billion Views and over 8 million subscribers on YouTube ‘Ms Rachel’ is the biggest viral sensational to hit our children’s screens since ‘Baby Shark!’
Book here – Fun for little ones, a tribute to Ms Rachel,
Fireman Sam Live! Stockport Plaza,
When – 1st August 2026
Brand new for 2026. Norman Price is determined to win the Pontypandy Treasure Hunt, but when he discovers clues to a real pirate treasure, he goes exploring deep into the caves. It’s up to Fireman Sam, Elvis and Ellie to save the day and find the treasure. With clues, pirate songs and plenty of swashbuckling adventure, Fireman Sam’s new live show is perfect for all budding pirates! Live Show Ahoy!
Book here – Fireman Sam Live!
More things to do with kids in Manchester
Find loads of things to do with teenagers in Manchester here.
Find loads of things to do with toddlers in Manchester here.
