Lyric life

• Burglar Bill, presented by Pied PiperTheatre Company, adapted from the charming picture book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg, and by arrangement with Penguin Books Ltd. comes to the Lyric Studio for February half term (14 – 18 February).
• Wrongsemble presents The ‘Not So’ Grimm Twins, a fun and unexpected adventure for all families to enjoy during the Easter holidays (11 – 15 April).
• The Lyric Studio welcomes the latest children’s shows from Olivier-nominated Hattie Naylor, Pickled Image, Get Lost & Found, A Wonderful Adventure, Lyngo Theatre, Folksy Theatre, Tessa Bide Productions Ltd, Monstro Theatre/Little Angel Theatre, Jessica Thanki, Irrational Theatre/Paula Chitty, and Zoo Co with new shows from 28 January – 15 April 2023.
  
• Young Lyric Spring term classes covering dance, children’s choir, musical theatre, and acting are on sale now and will run for 10 weeks from January 2023.

 

The Little Lyric 2023 Spring Season at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre features some of the very best children’s shows from family-beloved theatre companies with new shows on every Saturday as well as February half term and the Easter holidays for ages under 10.

From Pickled Image and Olivier-nominated writer Hattie Naylor’s Woodland Tales with Granddad (28 Jan), to Mischief and Mystery in Moomin Valley (04 Feb), Mary Anning and the Sands of Time (11 Feb), Burglar Bill (14 – 18 Feb), Tom Thumb (25 Feb), Mister Magnolia (04 Mar), The Tap Dancing Mermaid (11 Mar), The King of Nothing (18 Mar), Funnybones (25 Mar), Lily and Bear (01 Apr), Bossy (08 Apr), and The ‘Not So’ Grimm Twins (11 – 15 Apr), this spring programme promises a fun extravaganza for the whole family to enjoy.
Tickets are on sale today at www.lyric.co.uk or call box office on 020 8741 6850.

 

Woodland Tales with Granddad

Presented by Pickled Image and Hattie Naylor

Saturday 28 January, 11am & 1pm | Lyric Studio

Running time: 60mins, for ages 3+

Olivier-nominated Hattie Naylor has teamed up with Pickled Image once again, crafting a
magical tale with an urgent environmental message.

Something is happening in the woods, voices can be heard, and a strange metallic smell fills the air. Machines are gathering at its edge and a mysterious call is heard across the valley. Laura the ladybird, Jeffrey the spider, Brett the Woodlouse and Willoughby the Woodpecker are worried. Velda the Vixen knows there’s only one person who can help them – Granddad. But is there enough time? Can they save the wood? And will the mysterious stranger help?

Featuring a cast of extraordinary puppets, this uproarious family show not only entertains, but has an important and timely environmental message to share.

 

Mischief and Mystery in Moomin Valley

Presented by Get Lost & Found

Saturday 04 February, 11am & 1pm | Lyric Studio

Running time: 60mins, for ages 4 – 7

Discover a world where anything is possible. Be sure to pack your imagination and join us on an unforgettable journey to Moominvalley where everyone is welcome, nature thrives and adventures are plentiful. Magical puppetry, an ingenious pop-up book set, original music and interactive play will delight young audiences and encourage them to immerse themselves in a unique participatory storytelling. Expect snow, surprises and plenty of Moomin mischief.

 

Mary Anning and the Sands of Time

Presented by A Wonderful Adventure

Saturday 11 February, 11am and 1pm | Lyric Studio

Running time: 40mins, for ages 3+

Join Mary Anning and her little dog Tray on this wonderful adventure of science and discovery!
Mary made her first major discovery when she was just 12 years old and became one of the great British pioneers of fossil hunting! She made discoveries that transformed science as well as our understanding of the natural world! Live actors and prehistoric puppetry bring the Jurassic world to life again! Meet Ammonites, Pterosaurs and Ichthyosaurs and help Mary and Tray uncover amazing creatures from another time! A world of prehistoric life right beneath your feet will appear before your eyes!

 

Burglar Bill

Presented by Pied Piper Theatre Company

Adapted from the book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. By arrangement with Penguin Books Ltd.

Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 February, 11am and 1pm | Lyric Studio

Running time: 50mins, for ages 3+

Who’s that creeping down the street?
Who’s that climbing up the wall?
Who’s that coming through the window?
Who’s that?… It’s Burglar Bill.

By arrangement with Penguin Books Ltd, a Penguin Random House company, the Pied Piper Theatre Company present a retelling of the classic story Burglar Bill, adapted from the charming picture book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.

 

Tom Thumb

Presented by Lyngo Theatre

Saturday 25 February, 11am and 1pm | Lyric Studio

Running time: 50mins, for ages 3+

One night tiny Tom overhears Mum and Dad talking – there’s nothing left to eat so they are going to leave him and his six brothers in the forest!

Outwitting his parents and the ogre Tom shows everybody that even though he is small he is still mighty as he protects his brothers, finds the treasure and makes sure they’ll never be hungry again. Performed entirely on and under a kitchen table, this classic story is brought to life in a playful and fascinating show full of Lyngo’s magic with feathery spinning birds, a flying house and a portable forest. Come and join tiny Tom on his very big adventure!

 

Mister Magnolia

Presented by Folksy Theatre

Based on the book by Quentin Blake

Saturday 04 March, 11am and 1pm | Lyric Studio

Running time: 60mins, for ages 4 – 10

Join Mister Magnolia on his wacky adventures to find his boot!

Mister Magnolia has many things, such as an old trumpet that goes rooty-toot, some fat owls, who are learning to hoot, a big purple dinosaur, who’s a magnificent brute, two sisters who play on the flute, and even a swimming pool with a chute! But he still only has one boot! Join Mister Magnolia on his wacky adventures, filled with colourful characters, live music,puppetry and audience interaction!

It’s a fun, family extravaganza, not to be missed! Based on the book by the wonderful Quentin Blake.

 

The Tap Dancing Mermaid

Presented by Tessa Bide Productions Ltd

Saturday 11 March, 11am and 1pm | Lyric Studio

Running time: 60mins, for ages 3+

It’s time to hear the Moon’s story, one you will NEVER forget…

Gather round for the Moon’s magical story about a tippetty-top tap dancer who he has been watching at night. Marina Skippett creeps out of her house every night to shuffle and stomp on the boardwalk to the sounds of the sea. She can’t tap dance at home any more since her evil, tractor-sized Aunty banned it! But then, one moonlit night, Marina meets a mysterious, watery boy swimming in the sea and her life is never the same again!

The “truly amazing one woman power house” (Guide 2 Bristol) Tessa Bide is returning with her solo show, heralded “just everything a children’s theatre experience should be” (Childplays) to celebrate its 10 year anniversary. Featuring stunning puppets, original live music and tap dancing that will make you want to stick 50ps to your shoes and join in!

 

The King of Nothing

Presented by Monstro Theatre and Little Angel Theatre

Saturday 18 March, 11am & 1pm | Lyric Studio

Running time: 50mins, for ages 5+

King Reginald is a ruler who likes to keep in style. But the fashions change so fast, he’s afraid he can’t keep up…

Hearing of the King’s predicament, two fast-talking “Weavers” head to the palace with their brand new fabric: it’s “smart” and it’s “in” and it NEVER goes out of fashion. Soon the Kingdom is alive with talk of the magical cloth and Reginald can’t wait to wear his “smart” new suit to the Big Parade. But what are these “weavers” really spinning…?

Inspired by The Emperor’s New Clothes, this wild new puppet musical sets out to prove… you’ll believe anything!

 

Funnybones

Presented by Jessica Thanki

Based on the book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

Saturday 25 March, 11am & 1pm| Lyric Studio
Running time: 60mins, for ages 4 -7

In the dark dark street there was a dark dark house…

Two scientists are working in their lab. Bored and in need of some inspiration, they’ve lost all their ideas and just can’t seem to make their experiments work. Can Big Skeleton, Little Skeleton and Dog Skeleton help the scientists get their imaginations going again?

Step inside the dark, dark world of Funnybones as we discover the joy of imaginative play in this brand new, visual and non-verbal storytelling adventure based on the beloved story by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. With puppetry, object manipulation, projection and movement, this heart-warming new show is suitable for ages 4 – 7 and their families.

Funnybones has been created as part of Developed With The Lowry. In association with Leeds Playhouse and Z Arts. By arrangement with Penguin Books Ltd, a Penguin Random House company.

 

Lily and Bear

Presented by Irrational Theatre and Paula Chitty

Based on the book by Lisa Stubbs

Saturday 01 April, 11am & 1pm| Lyric Studio
Running time: 45mins, for ages under 6

Once in a while, along comes the perfect picture book, bearing the hallmarks of a true classic. Lisa Stubbs’ Lily and Bear is one such book, adapted for the stage with songs and music.

Following its 2022 performances in the Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room, Lily and Bear makes a welcome visit to the Lyric to entertain your under 6 year olds.

This musical for children with animation and puppets tells a truly magical tale about the give and take of friendship. Lily likes nothing better than to imagine and draw the things she loves. She draws cats and birds, boats and houses, and one day she draws a bear who comes to life. Lily and Bear play pirates, sing, and partake in all manner of bear activities, discovering the joys of sharing along the way.

 

Bossy

Presented by Zoo Co

Saturday 08 April, 11am & 1pm| Lyric Studio
Running time: 60mins, for ages 5 – 9

Beth is confident, clever and wants to become the world’s best leader. But people keep calling her bossy. When Beth decides to run for Head Girl, she must embark on a quest to find out who she really is, what she stands for. On a hunt to find a role model she can call her own, she finds herself bopping with pop stars and mingling with mermaids. But Beth soon realises that what’s really important might be found in her roots a little closer to home.

Multi-award winning Zoo Co presents this brand new show celebrating Black culture. Featuring a kick-ass Caribbean soundtrack, and performed in BSL and English, you’ll leave this show feeling pumped up and powerful!

 

The ‘Not So’ Grimm Twins

Presented by Wrongsemble

Tuesday 11 – Saturday 15 April, 11am & 1pm| Lyric Studio
Running time: 50mins, for ages 4+

A (f)un-expected family adventure, where fairytales really do come true…

Roll up one and all, to hear the fabulous Grimm Brothers’ fairytales like never before…

Meet world-famous twins Jake and Will Grimm, as they tumble from their magical wagon brimful of stories collected from every inch of the world – from Rapunzel to Red Riding Hood. Behold as your favourite tales are respun by our storytelling duo (oh, and their little sister Lottie too!).

But sometimes even familiar fairytales can take a turn for the unexpected, and our heroes will need all the help they can get to defeat the creatures of their own creation and save the world!

Performed by three actor-musicians and featuring original live music and puppetry, this production is suitable for the whole family, though some elements may be best enjoyed by those aged 4 and above.

 

Young Lyric Spring term classes

Alongside the family shows, the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre also offers Young Lyric Spring term classes to nurture young talent and creativity in West London. A variety of classes ranging from children’s choir, dancing, musical theatre, acting, and ballet are available for all interests and abilities. The classes are open to young people in Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, Richmond upon Thames and Wandsworth and will run for 10 weeks from January 2023.

Young Lyric classes are delivered by eight Young Lyric Partners: Action on Disability, AMICI Dance Theatre Company, DanceWest, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Musiko Musika, New English Ballet Theatre, Tri-Borough Music Hub, and Turtle Key Arts.

To book, a young person must be a Young Lyric Member. Membership is free and provides access to classes, £5 tickets to all Lyric Main House shows and further creative opportunities throughout the year. Bursaries are available for some classes and can be applied for online.

All places must be booked in advance. For full details on classes and to book, visit www.lyric.co.uk or call 020 8741 6850.