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  1. Dorset has a number of fantastic theatres and venues in Dorset and through the year you can expect to find a whole host of family shows which include our children’s favourite characters, dinosaurs, science, bubbles, pirates and princesses, and much more!

    To see what’s on near you, please see our list below.

    Canva Family Friendly Shows     

    • JULY •

     

    THE WIZARD OF OZ

    Info: Step into a world of wonder as the children of Swanage Primary School proudly present The Wizard of Oz!  Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with dazzling costumes, catchy songs, and a cast of lovable characters who will capture your heart.

    Date: Thursday 17th July 2025
    Address: The Mowlem, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1DD
    Website: The Mowlem

     

    THE LITTLE MERMAID JR

    Info: The Marine Youth Theatre presents this production.  In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home and her fins behind, and live in the world above.  But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking.

    Date: Sunday 20th July 2025
    Address: Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QB
    Website: Marine Theatre

     

    RUDE SCIENCE

    Info: The naughtiest, funniest, most revolting science show in the world.  Brace yourselves for BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates’ revolutionary, high-tech, highly-explosive new show, packed with outrageous science stunts.

    Date: Tuesday 29th July 2025
    Address: Bridport Electric Palace, 35 South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NY
    Website: Electric Palace

     

    • AUGUST •

     

    DINO TALES: JURASSIC RESCUE

    Info: Flapping frills and dino thrills await as you set off on the ultimate wild rescue mission with state-of-the-art walking dinosaurs, some of which have never been seen on a stage before.  You’ll encounter Freya the dancing Raptor, Dylan the Dilophosaurus, Angie the Ankylosaurus, Scar the Spinosaurus and Bruce the mighty T-Rex!

    Date: Friday 8th August 2025
    Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
    Website: Bournemouth Pavilion

     

    NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM PRESENTS DINOSAUR LIVE!

    Info: For the first time since 1881, the home of dinosaurs, London’s Natural History Museum, is going on tour!  Ever since they were first identified in the 1800s, dinosaurs have sparked the imagination of kids and adults alike and for the first time ever, the world-renowned Natural History Museum has teamed up with Mark Thompson Productions to take you on a dinosaur adventure like no other.

    Date: Friday 8th August 2025
    Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
    Website: Weymouth Pavilion

    Aug 31 Dinosaur Live Weymouth Pavilion 2025

     

    CIRQUE: THE GREATEST SHOW REIMAGINED

    Info: Get ready for a dazzling fusion of musical theatre and jaw-dropping circus acts, taking the original circus meets musical theatre spectacle to thrilling new heights.

    Date: Saturday 9th August 2025
    Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
    Website: Bournemouth Pavilion

    Aug 9 Cirque Bournemouth Pavilion 2025

     

    THE PRINCESS PROMS

    Info: Calling all Princesses and Princes, you are invite you to an enchanting concert singing the magical themes from your favourite Princess movies including Frozen, Cinderella, Little Mermaid plus many more.

    Date: Sunday 10th August 2025
    Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
    Website: Bournemouth Pavilion

     

    HORRIBLE HISTORIES: GERGEOUS GEORGIANS & VILE VICTORIANS

    Info: Are you ready to swing with a Georgian king?  Can you see eye to eye with Admiral Nelson?  Does the Duke of Wellington get the boot?  Dare you dance the Tyburn jig?  Will you be saved by Florence Nightingale?  Find out what a baby farmer did and move to the groove with party Queen Victoria!  Don’t miss this horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in!

    Date: Sunday 10th August 2025
    Address: The Regent, 51 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AS
    Website: The Regent

    Aug 10 The Regnt Horrible Histories 2025

     

    CIRQUE: THE GREATEST SHOW REIMAGINED

    Info: Get ready for a dazzling fusion of musical theatre and jaw-dropping circus acts, taking the original circus meets musical theatre spectacle to thrilling new heights.

    Date: Sunday 10th August 2025
    Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
    Website: Weymouth Pavilion

    Aug 9 Cirque Bournemouth Pavilion 2025

     

    SHREK THE MUSICAL

    Info: Bridport Musical Theatre Company return to the Electric Palace Stage this summer with another ‘Shrektacular’ production!  This award-winning ‘Shrek the Musical’ brings to life the world of Shrek live on stage in an unforgettable production to melt hearts of all ages.

    Dates: Wednesday 27th August – Saturday 30th August 2025
    Address: Bridport Electric Palace, 35 South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NY
    Website: Electric Palace

     

    DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE

    Info: Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs.  Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus!  A special meet and greet after the show offers all our brave explorers the chance to make a new dinosaur friend.

    Date: Friday 29th – Sunday 31st August 2025
    Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
    Website: Lighthouse Poole

    Aug 29 to 31 Dinosaur World Live Lighthouse Poole 2025 

     

    • SEPTEMBER •

     

    THE ZOO THAT COMES TO YOU

    Info: The Zoo That Comes To You follows the impassioned attempts of two animal enthusiasts to share their love of and concern for animals with the world.  They take in animals that need respite, care or a temporary home and have, accidentally, ended up with a whole sanctuary, but with no visitors!  So everybody, animals and humans alike, have decided it is time to get out, see the world, and bring the zoo, to you.  Featuring puppetry, live music and playful characters, Scarlet Oak Theatre welcomes you to join the conversation about animal conservation.

    Date: Saturday 27th September 2025
    Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
    Website: Lighthouse Poole

     

    • OCTOBER •

     

    THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW

    Info: Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, this production of the critically acclaimed show features a menagerie of over 75 magical puppets.  The production faithfully adapts four stories by author/illustrator Eric Carle: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Busy Spider and of course, the star of the show – The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

    Dates: Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th October 2025
    Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
    Website: Lighthouse Poole

     

    DICK WHITTINGTON

    Info: Join Dick and his trusty cat as they set off on a whirlwind adventure to London to seek their fortune, battle the villainous King Rat, and prove that good always triumphs over evil!

    Dates: Thursday 9th – Saturday 11th October 2025
    Address: The Barrington
    Website: The Barrington

     

    FRANKY

    Info: It’s not easy being a Frankenstein. Prof has no friends, and the villagers won’t even speak to her.  She thinks a baby might help, so one stormy night, with a flash of lightning, she creates Franky!  Although Franky is not quite what Prof expected, he sets off on an adventure to win over the hearts of the villagers at the Halloween funfair with the hottest new dance craze ‘The Franky Walk!’

    Date: Saturday 25th October 2025
    Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
    Website: Lighthouse Poole

     

    HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR

    Info: This Halloween, get ready for a spine-tingling adventure packed with hilarious comedy, toetapping tunes, and jaw-dropping magic as Halloween Spooktacular comes to town!  Featuring impressive Ultra Violet puppetry, chart-topping Halloween hits, and tons of audience participation, Halloween Spooktacular is packed with tricks, treats, and laughter for all ages.

    Date: Monday 27th October 2025
    Address: The Tivoli Theatre
    Website: The Tivoli Theatre

     

    VILLAINS UNLEASHED

    Info: This devilishly fun show brings together all your favourite Villains for the ultimate Halloween party.  Losing their magic powers as the screams of Halloween fade away, the Villains plan the perfect Halloween party.  Join them as they plot and scheme to conjure up a magical event, guaranteed to make everyone celebrate the most haunting time of year.

    Date: Tuesday 28th October 2025
    Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
    Website: Lighthouse Poole

     

    STEVE BACKSHALL: DEADLY LIVE!

    Info: Join Steve as he embarks on heart-pounding adventures, tackling daring stunts, mind-blowing experiments, and cutting-edge science.  Brace yourself as he tracks down some of the world’s most formidable predators—the creatures most would never dare to face!  From big cats and birds of prey to Dinomania dinosaurs, snakes, and more, this electrifying live show takes you across land, sea, and sky in an unforgettable wildlife spectacle.

    Date: Tuesday 28th October 2025
    Address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5BH
    Website: Bournemouth International Centre

    Oct 28 BIC Deadly Live 2025

     

    MARK THOMPSON’S SPECTACULAR SCIENCE SHOW

    Info: You think science is boring, think again; this is science like you have never seen it before.  Designed for children and adults alike, Mark’s Spectacular Science Show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies.

    Date: Wednesday 29th October 2025
    Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
    Website: Lighthouse Poole

     

    ANNIE

    Info: Annie is presented by Bournemouth and Boscombe Light Opera Company.  Set in 1930s New York during the Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage.  Her luck soon changes when she's chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks.  Meanwhile, Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family.

    Dates: Wednesday 29th October – Saturday 1st November 2025
    Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
    Website: Bournemouth Pavilion

     

    FUN FOR LITTLE ONES: A TRIBUTE TO MS RACHEL

    Info: The UK’s Premier Tribute to Global Phenomenon… ‘Ms Rachel’!  Bringing ‘Ms Rachels’ character to life in a FUN, interactive LIVE on stage performance with lots of audience participation for the little ones!

    Date: Thursday 30th October 2025
    Address: Electric Palace, 35 South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NY
    Website: Electric Palace

     

    JUSTIN LIVE – JUSTIN TIME TO ROCK

    Info: Justin and his friends are putting together a rock band.  But with so many songs to choose from, they are going to need your help to choose the best songs to sing and dance to. Come and see CBeebies’ megastar Justin Fletcher live on stage, in an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza packed full of well-known songs, lots of dancing, hilarious comedy and plenty of rocktastic fun!

    Date: Thursday 30th October 2025
    Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
    Website: Lighthouse Poole

     

    SPOOKY SCIENCE SHOW

    Info: Join mad scientist Ian B Dunne and his robotic assistants this Halloween for a thrilling journey through potions, sparks, and spectres!  Expect spooky experiments, electrifying demonstrations, and plenty of hands-on fun in this science-packed show that’s perfect for all ages.  Don’t miss this frightfully fun fusion of science and spooks!

    Date: Friday 31st October 2025
    Address: The Barrington Centre, Penny's Walk, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9TH
    Website: The Barrington Centre

     

    • NOVEMBER •

     

    THE WIZARD OF OZ

    Info: Follow the yellow brick road in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum's beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the Oscar-winning MGM film including, Over The Rainbow, Follow The Yellow Brick Road and We’re Off To See The Wizard.  This spectacular production from Artisan Theatre School will be a magical experience for all the family.

    Date: Sunday 2nd November 2025
    Address: The Regent, 51 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AS
    Website: The Regent

    Nov 2 The Regent Wizard of Oz 2025

     

    THE GOOSE AND MRS FROST

    Info: Mrs Holly Frost lives with her goose keeping an eye on the world below.  When she bakes the sun shines, when she hangs up her washing it rains and when she shakes out her bedding soft feathery snowflakes fall, covering the earth in a blanket of snow.  A gentle story of intergenerational friendship full of live action and puppetry combined with beautifully illustrated paper theatre to tell a heart-warming story about the changes in the seasons, working together to make amends and the transformative power of kindness.

    Date: Saturday 22nd November 2025
    Address: The Mowlem, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1DD
    Website: The Mowlem

     

    LITTLE ROBIN RED VEST

    Info: One frosty evening, a week before Christmas, Little Robin washes and irons seven warm vests for the chilly nights to come.  As the days go by, he comes across lots of cold and shivering animals, and kindly gives them his vests to wear. But by Christmas Eve, Little Robin is cold and alone with no vests left.  That is, until a mysterious friend arrives to reward his kindness with a perfect little red vest.  This brand-new adaptation is aimed at children aged 2-6 and their families.  Using original songs, puppetry and integrated Makaton, the playful performers will share this heart-warming tale of friendship, generosity, and the joy of giving.

    Dates: Saturday 22nd November – Sunday 14th December 2025
    Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
    Website: Lighthouse Poole

     

    • DECEMBER • 

     

    CINDERELLA PANTOMIME

    Info: You shall go to the ball!  Get ready for our brand new panto at the Bournemouth Pavilion, Cinderella!  Noel Brodie will return for his 11th year in panto as Buttons.

    Dates: Saturday 6th December 2025 – Sunday 4th January 2026
    Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
    Website: Bournemouth Pavilion

     

    SANTA AND THE PIRATES (THAT DON’T WANT CHRISTMAS)

    Info: Father Christmas has a problem – somebody has robbed his reindeers, they’ve nicked his naughty list AND they’ve ‘elped themselves to his elves!  When some very naughty pirates head to the North Pole and pinch the plunder of the century, is Christmas about to be cancelled?  With pieces of eight at stake, a stolen red nose – and Santa all at sea – will Christmas be able to go ahead at all?  You will have to join him to find out in an action-packed family show.

    Date: Sunday 7th December 2025
    Address: The Mowlem, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1DD
    Website: The Mowlem

     

    DICK WHITTINGTON PANTOMIME

    Info: Once again CBeebies’ favourite Chris Jarvis is back to write and direct a joyfully funny script that tells this magical rags to riches tale.  This year’s show will be brimming with dazzling costumes, stunning scenery and a dose of feline flavour.

    Date: Thursday 11th December 2025 – Sunday 4th January 2026
    Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
    Website: Lighthouse Poole

    Dec Jan Lighthouse Dick Whittington 2025

     

    BEST EVER CHRISTMAS PANTO

    Info: Santa is back in town with a brand new show.  This is a fantastic Christmas treat for all the family, providing laughs aloud, songs, dance and much, much more.  Suitable for children of all ages.  Free ice cream for every child in the interval and a chance to meet Father Christmas himself after the show.

    Dates: Friday 12th – Wednesday 24th December 2025
    Address: The Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1AS
    Website: The Allendale Centre

     

    BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

    Info: Suitable for the whole family, the show features spectacular scenery, glittering costumes, amazing special effects, toe tapping tunes and plenty of audience participation, as well as real panto pooches!

    Dates: Saturday 13th - Sunday 28th December 2025
    Address: The Regent, 51 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AS
    Website: The Regent

     

    GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS

    Info: Goldilocks and the Three Bears takes centre stage in this all-new, action-packed panto production, where the classic tale is brought to life with a twist of circus magic!  Follow the curious and adventurous Goldilocks as she stumbles upon the cozy home of The Three Bears – but that’s just the beginning… Enter the dazzling world of Dame Betty Barnum, the ringmaster extraordinaire, Joey the Clown and a whole host of hilarious characters who will have you rolling in the aisles and shouting for more!

    Dates: Saturday 13th December 2025 – Sunday 4th January 2026
    Address: The Tivoli Theatre, 19 West Borough, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1LT
    Website: The Tivoli Theatre

    Dec Jan The Tivoli Goldilocks 2025

     

    ELF: THE MUSICAL

    Info: This larger-than-life production brings the festive magic to the arena with unforgettable scenes, including Santa’s flying sleigh, an interactive snowball fight with the audience, and a giant candy cane journey from the North Pole, all set against breath-taking video-film backdrops on a massive LED screen.

    Dates: Friday 19th & Saturday 20th December 2025
    Address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5BH
    Website: Bournemouth International Centre

     

    JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

    Info: Join the cast this Christmas in the land of fairy tales, where the poor hero Jack and his dotty mum Dame Trott are tricked into selling their beloved cow for a useless bag of beans.  Laugh at Silly Simon, boo and hiss the wicked Fleshcreep and cheer-on the hero Jack as he climbs the Beanstalk to rescue his sweetheart Jill from the Giant‘s castle in the clouds.  Packed with great songs, amazing dance routines and plenty of laughter for all the family.

    Dates: Friday 19th December 2025 – Saturday 3rd January 2026
    Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
    Website: Weymouth Pavilion

     

    SANTA LIVE!

    Info: Get ready this Christmas as Darling Productions UK brings you Bridport’s brand-new festive extravaganza… SANTA LIVE!  Disaster strikes in Christmas town when the Christmas spirit runs out and all the children’s names have mysteriously vanished from Santa’s naughty and nice list.  Join the cheeky elves Tinsel, Snowflake, and Candy as they try to help Santa save Christmas with the power of song and dance.  This hour-long interactive show is perfect for the whole family and will get everyone singing and dancing along.

    Dates: Saturday 20th – Tuesday 23rd December 2025
    Address: Electric Palace, 35 South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NY
    Website: Electric Palace

    Dec 20 to 23 Bridport Electric Santa Live 2025

     

    Please note that some performance dates or times may change.  Check back for more shows being added through the year.  If you know of a great show we’ve missed then please do Contact Us.

     

    Need more ideas for things to do in Dorset with the kids?

    Attractions & Places to go

    Soft Plays & Play Cafes

    Car Boot Sales

    Where to see Planes, Trains and Automobiles

    Free or low cost things to do in Dorset with kids

    Crazy Golf Courses in Dorset

    Pubs with Play Parks

    Canva Family Friendly Shows

    Dorsetmums has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this site and does not accept liability for any errors or omission.  Please also note that an event or venue may cancel or close at any time and you should consider contacting beforehand to check an event is running.

  2. I've lived in Dorset for a few years but until now I'd never actually visited Badbury Rings which sits between Wimborne Minster and Blandford Forum.

    Badbury Rings Dec DM 2024 11

    Badbury Rings is an Iron Age hillfort which dates from around 800 BC and was in use until the Roman occupation of 43 AD.  All that remains of the hillfort today are three rings that would have helped defend its residents.

    There is a large car park which is free for National Trust members, just scan your card at the machine to receive a ticket.  For non-members the parking fee is or £1.50 for an hour or £4 for all day*.

    BADBURY RINGS BLOG 2

    As you approach the entry gate you will see a map of the area and suggested routes.  We decided to follow other walkers, past the friendly grazing cows and up onto the rings.  After a little deliberation of which way to go we decided to walk through to the middle woodland area where we found a stone marker post and then walked out to the rings on the other side where we then decided to go anti-clockwise.  The sweeping views from the top of the rings are just incredible and the children loved going up and down the numerous steps again and again.

    BADBURY RINGS BLOG 1

    We had such a fantastic time with the kids but next time we'll do the 1 ½ hour circular walk which we saw on the entry gate.  Depending on the time of your visit you may see protected wildlife such as ground-nesting birds, orchids and the Red Ruby cows which belong to the Kingston Lacy Estate.

    BADBURY RINGS BLOG 3

    If you need a treat before or after your visit then I’d recommend heading to Pamphill Dairy which is about a 5 minute drive away.  Not only will you find my favourite homemade ice cream but there is also a lovely restaurant, farm shop, butchers, pet shop and an outdoor play area for the children to enjoy.

    Good to know:

    • Entry to Badbury Rings itself is free.

    • There are no toilet facilities.

    • It is recommended by the National Trust that dogs be kept on leads, especially if animals are grazing nearby.

     

    *Car park prices are correct at the time of writing in December 2024 and may be subject to change in the future.

    For more information and suggested walking routes, please visit the National Trust Badbury Rings.

     

    If you need more ideas on places to visit in Dorset then please take a look at some of our other blog posts below.

    Bluebell Woods and Pamphill Dairy

    Steamer Point Nature Reserve 

    Tout Quarry Nature Reserve

    Longham Lakes Circular Walk

    Lawrence of Arabia Trail

    RSPB Arne

    Where to see Planes, Trains and Automobiles

    Free or low cost things to do in Dorset with kids

    Crazy Golf Courses in Dorset

    Badbury Rings Dec DM 2024 11