Dorset has a number of fantastic theatres and community spaces, 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, unicorns, and much more!
To see what’s on near you in 2026, please see our list below.
NICK COPE’S FAMILY SHOW
Info: Join Nick Cope for a delightful fun filled musical hour featuring all your favourite hits. Nick has a magical way of reaching into people’s hearts, igniting children’s imagination in an organic, educational and fun way. With his charming songs and humour Nick engages, entertains, and enthrals all generations.
Date: Saturday 3rd October 2026
Address: The Tivoli Theatre, 19 West Borough, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1LT
Booking: The Tivoli Theatre
BETTY AND THE YETI
Info: In a far away land of igloos and ice, the villagers panic when they see large footprints in the snow - could it be a Yeti?! But brave Betty knows that appearances are not always what they seem and sets off on an adventure involving an avalanche of lost property, northern lights, singing polar bears, and a super-speedy Arctic hare!
Dates: Thursday 22nd – Friday 30th October 2026
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
THE AMAZING BUBBLEMAN
Info: Louis explores the breath-taking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized. From square bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, fog-filled bubbles, giant bubbles, bubble volcanoes, tornados and trampolines to people inside bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages.
Date: Saturday 24th October 2026
Address: Bridport Electric Palace, 35 South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NY
Booking: Bridport Electric Palace
ONCE UPON A RHYME
Info: Get ready to Sing, Dance, Rhyme, Repeat with Once Upon A Rhyme, the brand-new children’s show bringing nursery rhyme characters to life like never before! Join some of your favourite nursery rhyme characters in a modern, fun, and pop-inspired musical adventure! From classic rhymes to today’s kid-friendly pop hits, this interactive show is packed with catchy tunes, dazzling costumes and non-stop dancing.
Date: Sunday 25th October 2026
Address: The Tivoli Theatre, 19 West Borough, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1LT
Booking: The Tivoli Theatre
BRIANIAC LIVE
Info: This family science show will take you on a breathless ride through the wild world of the weird and wonderful. Watch from the safety of your seat as the Brainiacs delve fearlessly into the mysteries of science and do all those things on stage that you’re too scared to do at home.
Date: Thursday 29th October 2026
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
HORRIBLE HISTORIES: TERRIBLE TUDORS
Info: We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! Using actors and eye-popping 3D special effects, these astounding shows are guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips! From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed. Survive the Spanish Armada as it sails into the audience! It’s Tudor history with the nasty bits left in!
Dates: Thursday 5th – Sunday 8th November 2026
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
HORRIBLE HISTORIES: AWFUL EGYPTIANS
Info: We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! Using actors and eye-popping 3D special effects, these astounding shows are guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips! From the fascinating Pharaohs to the power of the pyramids, discover the foul facts of death and decay with the meanest mummies in Egypt. Are you ready to rumble with Ramesses the Great? Dare you enter through the gates of the afterlife? It’s the history of Egypt with the nasty bits left in!
Dates: Thursday 5th – Sunday 8th November 2026
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
ANIMAL GUYZ – AMAZING ANIMALS
Info: A show dedicated to and celebrating all creatures great and small. The only show around that you get to see your favourite animals bursting out onto the stage right before your very eyes. The original animal show with no live animals. The heart-warming show is packed full of music, comedy and amazing animal effects is suited to all the family.
Date: Sunday 8th November 2026
Address: Stur Exchange, Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1FH
Booking: Stur Exchange
THE ELVES AND THE SHOWMAKER
Info: In the nooks and crannies of the old Shoemaker’s shop live the Elves. These cheeky stowaways live off the odds and ends left behind at the end of the day; shoelaces, scraps of leather and sandwich crumbs. They stay hidden from the big world – that’s just how they like it. But this Christmas, all is not well in the Shoe Shop. Sales are dwindling and customers are looking for shoes elsewhere. When it looks like the shop might get closed for good, it’s time for the Elves and the Shoemaker to work together and save their home!
Dates: Saturday 21st November – Sunday 13th December 2026
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
SANTA LIVE!
Info: Disaster strikes in Christmas town when Santa’s cheeky elf Muddles has gotten all the presents in a muddle! Join the magical elves as they help Santa save Christmas and fix Muddles’ mistake and deliver the presents to lots of exciting characters the meet along the way. This hour-long interactive show in the Festival Hall is perfect for the whole family and will get everyone singing and dancing along.
Dates: Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th, Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th December 2026
Address: Verwood Hub, Brockway, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 7QE
Booking: Verwood Hub
ALADDIN
Info: Step into the enchanted world of Aladdin, where a humble boy discovers a mystical lamp that unlocks unimaginable power - and a journey of danger, love, and laughter unfolds. Expect jaw-dropping staging, breath-taking lighting displays, and scintillating choreography that will sweep you away on a magic carpet ride like never before. With each scene more spectacular than the last, you’ll be transported to the glittering depths of the genie’s cave. Prepare to boo the baddies, cheer the heroes, and hold your breath as the most magical of magic carpet rides soars across the stage. With stunning special effects, outrageous comedy, and dazzling dance numbers, Aladdin is not just a pantomime - it’s an experience you’ll never forget!
Dates: Saturday 5th December 2026 – Sunday 3rd January 2027
Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
Booking: Bournemouth Pavilion
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Info: CBeebies and pantomime legend Chris Jarvis is back in a gigantic and larger-than-life adventure that promises you the very best in festive fun. Forced to sell his beloved cow for a handful of beans, Jack embarks on a fantastically exciting journey that sees him climb a magical beanstalk, defeat an enormous giant, win riches beyond his wildest dreams and find true love that truly gleams.
Dates: Thursday 10th December 2026 – Sunday 3rd January 2027
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
BEST EVER CHRISTMAS PANTO
Info: More info coming soon!
Dates: Friday 11th - Thursday 24th December 2026
Address: The Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1AS
Website: The Allendale Centre
CINDERELLA
Info: Cinderella tells the story of a girl who dreams to escape her life as a servant, being bossed around all day by her wicked step sisters. Her best friend Buttons and her Fairy Godmother will make her dreams come true in this enchanting fairytale, as a dashing Prince and his best friend Dandini hold their annual ball at the palace.
Dates: Saturday 12th – Wednesday 30th December 2026
Address: The Regent, 51 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AS
Booking: The Regent
JACK AND THE BEASTALK
Info: More info coming soon!
Dates: Saturday 12th December 2026 – Sunday 3rd January 2027
Address: The Tivoli Theatre, 19 West Borough, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1LT
Booking: The Tivoli Theatre
CINDERELLA
Info: Watch with amazement as Cinderella’s pumpkin and white mice are transformed into a beautiful coach and horses in this true rags-to-riches story, but will Cinderella remember to leave the ball before midnight? From the same team behind last year’s magical production of Jack and the Beanstalk, Weymouth Pavilion and Enchanted Entertainment bring the nation’s favourite and most treasured pantomime to life.
Dates: Wednesday 16th December 2026 - Sunday 3rd January 2027
Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
Booking: Weymouth Pavilion
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
Events & Info
Rainy Days in Dorset
Sport & Leisure Centres
Children's Pre Loved Sales
Car Boot Sales
Where to see Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Free and low cost things to do in Dorset with kids
Crazy Golf Courses in Dorset
Pubs with Play Parks
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.
