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  1. 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, please see our list below.

    Canva Family Friendly Shows

        

    OUT OF THE BOX

    Info: Out Of The Box is a family-friendly circus comedy show, which sees an unlikely character and his box bring audiences together through joyful awe, never knowing what to expect next. With every opening of the box comes new trick shots, mini acts, and hilarious opportunities for participation.

    Dates: Tuesday 17th & Wednesday 18th February 2026
    Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
    Booking: Lighthouse Poole

     

    THE WOW BUBBLE SHOW

    Info: Mixing bubbles, music and comedy, Richard engages and delights audiences of all ages. Be amazed as Richard performs some wonderful bubble tricks which will include breath taking giant bubbles. Be wowed at the smoking bubble volcano and the amazing bubble sculptures including a bubble caterpillar, bubble dog etc. There will be plenty of interactive entertainment with some fun bubble games. With the grand finale of maybe the opportunity to stand inside a giant bubble!!!!

    Date: Wednesday 18th February 2026
    Address: Shaftesbury Arts Centre, 13 Bell Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8AR
    Website: Shaftesbury Arts Centre

    Feb 18 Wow Bubble Show Shaftesbury 2026

     

    ALADDIN

    Info: The spectacular family pantomime Aladdin is performed by a talented local cast. Expect magic, mischief, and mayhem as the adventure unfolds. Cheer the heroes, boo the baddies, and join in the fun!

    Dates: Wednesday 18th – Saturday 21st February 2026
    Address: Woodmead Halls, Hill Road, Lyme Regis DT7 3PG
    Website: Lyme Panto

    Feb 18 to 21 Aladdin Lyme Regis 2026

     

    DINO TALES – JURASSIC RESCUE

    Info: Calling all dinosaur rangers - Jurassic Rescue needs your help! There's a baby Ankylosaurus that needs rescuing before The Doc gets his evil hands on it… Along the adventure you’ll meet Freya the dancing Raptor, Dylan the cheeky Dilophosaurus, Angie the Ankylosaurus, Scar the fearsome Spinosaurus and Roxy the mighty T-Rex!

    Date: Thursday 19th February 2026
    Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
    Booking: Weymouth Pavilion

     

    RED RIDING HOOD AND THE THREE LITTLE PIGS

    Info: Preston Pantomime Group is an amateur dramatic group and this year they will be performing Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs.

    Dates: Thursday 19th – Saturday 21st February 2026
    Address: Preston Village Hall, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 6BH
    Booking: Preston Pantomime

    Feb 19 to 21 Preston Red Riding Hood 2026

     

    CINDERELLA

    Info: The Cinderella Pantomime will be performed by the Burton Bradstock Players and promises an entertaining show for all the family.

    Date: Thursday 19th – Saturday 21st February 2026
    Address: Burton Bradstock Village Hall, Church Street, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4QS
    Website: Bridport and West Bay

    Feb 19 to 21 Burton Bradstock Cinderella 2026

     

    UNICORN LIVE!

    Info: Harmony, Melody and Starlight are the best of unicorn friends… Join them as they use their magical unicorn powers to save the show and conjure up the magical fourth band member. Watch in amazement as they use the power of song and dance to create the band, Unicorn Live! Featuring your favourite pop and musical theatre songs, dazzling costumes, and a real unicorn called Sparkle.

    Date: Sunday 22nd February 2026
    Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
    Booking: Weymouth Pavilion

     

    CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

    Info: Step into a world of pure imagination as The Swanage School hits The Mowlem with their delicious 10th annual production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.The world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory…but only to a lucky few. Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka’s army of curious Oompa-Loompas.

    Dates: Wednesday 25th – Saturday 28th February 2025
    Address: The Mowlem, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1DD
    Booking: The Mowlem

    Feb 25 to 18 Swanage Charlie and the Choc Factory 2026

     

    THE SOOTY SHOW

    Info: Join Sooty, Sweep, Soo and friends in their spectacular new show. There’s guaranteed giggles for the whole family! 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.

    Date: Saturday 7th March 2026
    Address: The Tivoli Theatre, 19 West Borough, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1LT
    Website: Tivoli Theatre Wimborne

     

    TAYLOR FEVER

    Info: Get ready to Shake it Off with Taylor Fever; the ultimate tribute concert experience to global icon, Taylor Swift!

    Date: Thursday 19th March 2026
    Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
    Booking: Weymouth Pavilion

     

    BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

    Info: Step into the enchanting story of Beauty and the Beast as Swanage Musical Theatre Company invites you to be their guest for this captivating production. This beloved tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption comes alive on stage, transporting audiences to a fairy-tale kingdom where anything is possible.

    Dates: Thursday 19th – Saturday 21st March 2026
    Address: The Mowlem, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1DD
    Booking: The Mowlem

    Mar 19 to 21 Beauty and the Beast Swanage Mowlem 2026

     

    K-POP ALL STARS TRIBUTE

    Info: Feel the power of stadium-sized anthems, razor-sharp choreography, and a cast that delivers every beat with precision and passion.

    Date: Friday 20th March 2026
    Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
    Booking: Lighthouse Poole

     

    ALADDIN – A SPECTACULAR EASTER PANTOMIME

    Info: The magic of pantomime returns to Christchurch as Highcliffe Charity Players proudly present the timeless classic Aladdin! Step into a world of adventure, comedy, and dazzling spectacle as Aladdin takes you on a journey filled with mystical genies, daring heroes, hilarious antics, and, of course, plenty of audience participation! Featuring a talented cast, stunning costumes, toe-tapping musical numbers, and high-energy choreography, this pantomime promises an unforgettable theatrical experience for the whole family.

    Dates: Friday 27th March – Thursday 2nd April 2026
    Address: The Regent, 51 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AS
    Booking: The Regent

     

    TAYLOR SWIFT TRIBUTE

    Info: Step into the unparalleled world of Taylor Swift in this enchanted tribute show featuring the incredible: Xenna as Taylor. A celebration of the iconic pop sensation's music, style, and unrivalled stage presence.

    Date: Tuesday 31st March 2026
    Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
    Booking: Lighthouse Poole

     

    RUDE SCIENCE

    Info: Brace yourselves for BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates’ revolutionary, high-tech, highly-explosive new show, packed with outrageous science stunts!

    Dates: Wednesday 1st & Thursday 2nd April 2026
    Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
    Booking: Lighthouse Poole

     

    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: Saturday 4th April 2026
    Address: The Tivoli Theatre, 19 West Borough, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1LT
    Booking: Tivoli Theatre Wimborne

     

    ALICE IN WONDERLAND

    Info: Hot Rock Productions is excited to be bringing to stage their fun-filled family pantomime Alice in Wonderland, featuring stunning scenery, colourful costumes, toe-tapping songs and bucket loads of laughter. Join Alice as she falls down the rabbit hole and finds herself in the most peculiar place she’s ever seen. She’ll need to have her wits about her as the evil, but hilarious, Queen of Hearts is after the secret recipe to create the best Jam Tarts for her tea party!

    Date: Tuesday 7th April 2025
    Address: The Tivoli Theatre, 19 West Borough, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1LT
    Booking: The Tivoli Theatre

     

    TALES FROM ACORN WOOD

    Info: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage for the first time in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience. Packed full of toe-tapping songs, puppetry, and all the friends from Acorn Wood, this beautiful show from the team that brought you Dear Zoo Live and Dear Santa promises to be the perfect treat for children of all ages.

    Dates: Tuesday 7th & Wednesday 8th April 2026
    Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
    Booking: Lighthouse Poole

     

    THE SOOTY SHOW

    Info: Expect wonderful wizardry, thrills and spills, and of course lots and lots laughs with Sooty, Sweep and Soo - but watch out for Sooty’s supercharged water pistol! A fabulous mix of audience participation music and mess. Guaranteed giggles for Sooty Fans old and new.

    Date: Thursday 9th April 2026
    Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
    Booking: Weymouth Pavilion

     

    THE THREE LITTLE PIGS

    Info: Join Poppy and Pat as they excitedly leave the family sty in search of new adventures! Will they make a pig’s ear out of it, or will they raise the roof? It’ll take brains, bravery and curly-tails to build bridges and forge friendships with each other and those they meet along the way. Get those trotters tapping and those snouts a-squealin’ with new catchy songs, dancing and plenty of audience participation for piglets of all ages.

    Date: Thursday 9th April 2026
    Address: Bridport Electric Palace, 35 South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NY
    Booking: Bridport Electric Palace

     

    THE LITTLE MERMAID – EASTER PANTOMIME

    Info: Take a deep dive under the sea as Enchanted Entertainment present a fin-tastic Easter pantomime version of The Little Mermaid. Boo the wicked Sea Witch as she rocks the boat with King Neptune, Ariel the mermaid and all their fishy friends in this magical family adventure. Packed with brilliant dance routines, well known pop songs, lots of audience participation and plenty of laughter for all the family!

    Date: Sunday 12th April 2026
    Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
    Booking: Weymouth Pavilion

    Apr 12 The Little Mermaid Weymouth Pavilion 2026

     

    GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE LIVE!

    Info: In this a-MEOW-zing musical show, Gabby unboxes a special acorn that needs the magical touch of a rainbow to grow. But when CatRat causes a colour cat-astrophe and breaks the rainbow, Gabby and the Gabby Cats must find the colours again to set things right. The exciting original story features incredible puppets, dynamic staging, a talented live show cast of singer-actor-puppeteers and songs from the beloved series, including “Hey Gabby”, “You Can’t Spell Meow Without Me” and “Sprinkle Party”.

    Date: Thursday 16th April 2026
    Address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5BH
    Website: Bournemouth International Centre

     

    MY FIRST BALLET: CINDERELLA

    Info: Meet the nature-loving Cinderella, who lives on the edge of an enchanted forest where she once gardened and sang with her mother. After loss and silence settle over her home, she’s left with a sharp-tongued stepmother, two noisy stepsisters, and a house full of chores and shadows. With a narrator to help the young audience follow the story, and a shortened, recorded version of Prokofiev’s ravishing score, this is the perfect introduction to ballet, and a fantastic family day out.

    Date: Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th April 2026
    Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
    Booking: Lighthouse Poole

     

    PEPPA PIG’S BIG FAMILY SHOW!

    Info: Peppa Pig and friends are back in their brand new live stage show! With a new arrival on the way, the whole family are busy getting ready. With building and decorating work to be done, it’s an oinktastic makeover and Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and George all need your help to get everything ready before the arrival of baby Evie! There’s so much to do – will they get it all finished in time? Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show is packed full of music, adventure and surprises for little ones.

    Dates: Tuesday 21st & Wednesday 22nd April 2026
    Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
    Booking: Bournemouth Pavilion

     

    THE ENORMOUS CROCODILE: THE MUSICAL

    Info: The Enormous Crocodile is weaving his way through the jungle to Lighthouse in search of delicious little fingers and squidgy podgy knees… Only the other jungle creatures can foil his secret plans and clever tricks, but they’re going to have to find a large amount of courage to stop this greedy brute.

    Dates: Thursday 7th – Sunday 10th May 2026
    Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
    Booking: Lighthouse Poole

     

    BIPPO’S CIRCUS ADVENTURE

    Info: Get ready for laughter-pack extravaganza with Bippo’s Circus Adventure! Starring Bippo the Clown, one of the UK’s top circus clowns for over 26 years, this family-friendly theatre show promises to be a whirlwind of hilarity and heart-pounding circus stunts.

    Date: Sunday 17th May 2026
    Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
    Booking: Weymouth Pavilion

     

    K-POP FOREVER LIVE ON STAGE

    Info: Immerse yourself in the worldwide phenomenon that is K-Pop with this all-action tribute concert. Featuring all-live performances of smash-hits including: Blackpink, BTS, Twice, Soda Pop, Golden and many more, this is the ultimate non-stop party! Amidst a back-drop of world class lighting and effects, the show takes audiences on a journey that they will never forget. With breathtaking choreography, plus songs inspired by the record breaking film K-Pop Demon Hunters, this production is one not to be missed.

    Date: Saturday 23rd May 2026
    Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
    Booking: Weymouth Pavilion

     

    ICE AGE ADVENTURE LIVE

    Info: Join the fearless explorers as they trek through snow-packed valleys, outwit sabre-toothed surprises, and make friends with the coolest cavemen, even bringing back some extinct dodo friends for the ride. This icy adventure is sure to knock your snow boots off! Help the heroes save the wooly mammoth by joining in with the frosty fun in this live theatre show.

    Date: Tuesday 26th May 2026
    Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
    Booking: Lighthouse Poole

     

    UNICORN LIVE!

    Info: Harmony, Melody and Starlight are the best of unicorn friends… Join them as they use their magical unicorn powers to save the show and conjure up the magical fourth band member. Watch in amazement as they use the power of song and dance to create the band, Unicorn Live! Featuring your favourite pop and musical theatre songs, dazzling costumes, and a real unicorn called Sparkle.

    Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
    Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
    Booking: Bournemouth Pavilion

     

    MINISTRY OF SCIENCE LIVE: SCIENCE SAVED THE WORLD

    Info: Join the presenters as they dive deep into the world of science and look at how science shapes the modern world we live in with a few loud bangs along the way! They’ll take an anarchic approach to science communication whilst looking at the scientists, engineers and inventors who have shaped the modern world that we live in whilst proving that each and every one of you have the ability to change our world for the better!

    Date: Saturday 13th June 2026
    Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
    Booking: Bournemouth Pavilion

     

    SHREK THE MUSICAL

    Info: Join Shrek, a grumpy but lovable ogre in a hilarious and heart-warming adventure to rescue the feisty Princess Fiona and reclaim his swamp! Along the way, he’s joined by the fast-talking Donkey, faces off with the villainous Lord Farquaad, and discovers that true love and friendship really does come in all shapes and sizes. Filled with dazzling costumes, laugh-out-loud moments, and a big green heart, it’s the show that proves being different is truly what makes you special. Presented by Wimborne Musical Theatre Society.

    Dates: Thursday 25th – Saturday 27th June 2026
    Address: The Tivoli Theatre, 19 West Borough, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1LT
    Booking: The Tivoli Theatre

    June 25 to 27 Shrek Wimborne Tivoli 2026

     

    DINOSAURS LIVE!

    Info: 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. You’ll go on a pre-historic journey together to the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods and watch the life-like dinosaurs come alive right on stage! Not only that, but you’ll also find out more about fossils, time scales and how our planet has changed over hundreds of millions of years.

    Date: Saturday 11th July 2026
    Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
    Booking: Bournemouth Pavilion

     

    THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA

    Info: A musical play adapted and directed by David Wood, based on the book by Judith Kerr. The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! 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!

    Date: Tuesday 28th July – Thursday 30th July 2026
    Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
    Booking: Lighthouse Poole

     

    RUDE SCIENCE

    Info: Brace yourselves for BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates’ revolutionary, high-tech, highly-explosive new show, packed with outrageous science stunts!

    Date: Wednesday 29th July 2026
    Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
    Booking: Weymouth Pavilion

     

    LEGALLY BLONDE

    Info: Get ready to bend and snap your way to the theatre! Join Elle Woods, the fashion-savvy sorority girl who takes Harvard Law School. This fabulously fun and award-winning show follows Elle as she defies expectations, tackles stereotypes, and proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style! With catchy songs, dynamic dance numbers, and a heartwarming story, this musical is a delightful celebration of self-discovery and empowerment.

    Dates: Thursday 30th July – Saturday 1st August 2026
    Address: The Regent, 51 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AS
    Booking: The Regent

     

    BLUEY’S BIG PLAY

    Info: When Dad feels like a little bit of afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag.

    Dates: Thursday 6th – Sunday 9th August 2026
    Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
    Booking: Bournemouth Pavilion

     

    TOTO THE NINJA CAT AND THE GREAT SNAKE ESCAPE

    Info: Meet Toto. She might look like an ordinary cat, but she’s no ordinary feline. Almost completely blind, Toto has incredible ninja skills, a big heart, and a nose for adventure. By day, she naps like any other pet… but by night, she’s out on daring missions with her cheeky brother, Silver. In their very first adventure, a deadly King Cobra has escaped onto the streets of London, and it’s up to Toto to use every ounce of her courage and cunning to save the day.

    Dates: Tuesday 18th & Wednesday 19th August 2025
    Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
    Booking: Weymouth Pavilion

     

    AMAZING ANIMALS

    Info: A show dedicated to and celebrating all creatures great and small. The only show around that you get to see life sized crocodiles, sloths, reindeer, penguins, orangutans and maybe even a spraying skunk bursting out onto the stage right before your very eyes. The heart-warming show packed full of music, comedy and amazing animal effects is suited to all ages from toddlers to grownups.

    Date: Sunday 6th September 2026
    Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
    Booking: Weymouth Pavilion

     

    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

     

    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

     

    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

     

    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

     

    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

     

    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?

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    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. Moonfleet Manor is a wonderful family friendly hotel situated on the Jurassic Coast in Weymouth, boasting views of Fleet Lagoon and Chesil beach. This Georgian Manor is very impressive and at Christmas time the building is fully festive with beautiful trees and decorations in every room.

    Myself and a friend had booked a Nourish Facial and Body Ritual which included full use of the facilities and an Elemis Expert™ package. We also booked Afternoon Tea which is always an absolute treat for us.

    MOONFLEET MANOR SPA DAY WEYMOUTH DORSET 9

    When we checked in we were warmly greeted and given a dressing gown plus door code for the leisure facilities and treatment building. Since we had different times for our treatment we decided my friend would go first while I went to explore the leisure facilities. The swimming pool is a good size and has views of the garden outside. The changing facilities are well equipped for little ones and once I was changed I swam a few lengths while staring outside and day dreaming about summer sunshine.

    Moonfleet Manor Hotel Spa Day Weymouth Dorset 26

    After my swim I had a wonder around the lawn and looked down onto the lagoon. Chesil Beach and the Fleet are important areas for wildlife and have national and international protections. Chesil Beach is 18 miles long and The Fleet Lagoon is the largest tidal lagoon in the UK and one of the most important Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in the country. I could see several birds and swans from my vantage point but without my glasses on I couldn’t tell you if they were pigeons or geese haha. There are many birds that reside here which include dunlin, oyster catchers, little egret and ringed plover as well as hundreds of brent geese and other migrating and wintering wildfowl. In spring, there is a rare colony of little terns which breed on the beach.

    I still had time to explore while my friend was having her treatment and I found a pool room, cinema room and the amazing Play Barn which I know my children would love to explore. The large entertainment complex boasts arcade games, climbing walls, football court, slacklining tight rope, table tennis and an under 5’s area with soft play shapes, sensory activities and sofas. On a raised section at one end there’s lots of comfy seating so the adults can sit and relax while the children play.

    MOORS VALLEY HALLOWEEN TRAIL 2025 BLOG 3

    MOONFLEET MANOR SPA DAY WEYMOUTH DORSET 1

     

    MOONFLEET MANOR SPA DAY WEYMOUTH DORSET 2

    The hotel takes pride on being family friendly and this is clear to see as they have trails for the children to enjoy and even wellies and crabbing buckets to borrow.

    MOONFLEET MANOR SPA DAY WEYMOUTH DORSET 4

    Outside the hotel I noticed tennis courts and the garden has a lovely play frame and sand pit for children to play with. If you’re feeling energetic you can take the coastal path down to the waters edge where I’m told you might even find a fossil.

    MOONFLEET MANOR SPA DAY WEYMOUTH DORSET 5

    When I met up with my friend we sat in the leisure lounge and enjoyed a cuppa together before going for a walk and then heading off for Afternoon Tea. A waiter asked if we were asked if we would like to dine in the restaurant or a lounge and we chose the latter because we could sit on a sofa and be surrounded by pretty Christmas decorations.

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    After we were asked about our choice of tea or coffee our Afternoon Tea arrived and we couldn’t wait to get tucked in. My friend had vegetarian sandwiches while I had delicious finger sandwiches with salmon and rocket, cheese and chutney, egg mayo, and ham and mustard. In addition to this I had a lovely sausage and apricot roll. For me, the scones and cakes are the best part and the ones we received were delightful. We had one plain and one fruit scones each with jam and clotted cream, a carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, a cherry chocolate dome with an amazing chocolate mousse, and a bannoffe pie dome. As much as we tried, we couldn’t quite finish everything and our waiter kindly brought us over a box to put a couple of scones in.

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    Now it was my turn for my treatment and I was so excited. My therapist Charlotte was really welcoming and very professional which made me feel relaxed in her company. The treatment room smelt amazing and for a full 1 hour 45 minutes I was in sheer heaven. Charlotte started with a facial and the scents would change as she cleansed and massaged my face and shoulders. I could feel myself melting further and further into the bed while I was having my body massage and scrub and I’m pretty sure I slipped in and out of consciousness a few times! I have honestly never in my life felt so relaxed and would of quite happily curled up on that bed and stayed there for the rest of the day.

    For a full list of products I received, please see below.

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    When I recovered from my amazing treatment in the lounge, my face felt incredibly smooth, radiant and refreshed, and although my body was like jelly, I felt restored from head to toe. We sat drinking tea and watched the sun go down which was the perfect end to a perfect day.

    The Moonfleet Manor Hotel have only recently started using Elemis Expert's award-winning ultra-indulgent products and treatments and these are designed to drive glowing results for your face and body. You can also purchase their products from the hotel if you wish to take them home or buy a gift for someone special.

    It’s worth noting that aside from the hotel offering child and dog friendly accommodation, you can also book a day pass for pool access, or pool and Play Barn access. Both passes are reasonable in price and you’ll also receive a discount in the restaurant. I’ll definitely be back with the children in the summer because I know they’ll have great fun in the pool and barn. If they still have energy then I’ll take them down to the lagoon for a walk and maybe a nice ice cream after.

    Elemis Expert™ Products We Received:

    • Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm
    • Pro Collagen Energising Cleanser
    • Soothing Apricot Toner
    • Pro Collagen Marine Mask
    • Pro Collagen Vitality Eye
    • Pro Collagen Rose Oil
    • Pro Collagen Complex Serum
    • Pro Collagen Marine Cream
    • Rose Skin Bliss Capsules

    If you would like to read more about treatments and stays, please visit Moonfleet Manor.

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