Families heading to Melbourne this summer will have a line-up of theatre, outdoor experiences and creative activities to choose from, with Arts Centre Melbourne bringing several productions for children to its stages and Forecourt.
The summer program includes the new musical The Very Cranky Bear, Erth’s life-sized dinosaur puppets and Polyglot Theatre’s free interactive outdoor experience Bees, alongside workshops and other family activities.
Based on Nick Bland’s popular Australian picture book series, The Very Cranky Bear will run at the Playhouse from January 13 to 16, 2027. The production forms the centrepiece of the summer family program and brings the much-loved characters from the books to the stage.
Erth’s Dinosaurs will run at Fairfax Studio from January 9 to 17, featuring life-sized puppets representing prehistoric creatures. The production comes from Erth, an Australian company known for its large-scale puppet work, and combines theatrical performance with updated designs informed by palaeontological discoveries.
For families looking for a free activity, Bees will take over the Arts Centre Melbourne Forecourt from January 18 to 24. Created by Melbourne-based Polyglot Theatre, the experience features three human-sized bees and invites children to participate through movement, non-verbal communication and play.
Pic supplied
The company places children at the centre of its performances and says access and inclusion are priorities in its work. The Bees season is supported by the City of Melbourne.
Arts Centre Melbourne Creative Producer, Families & Children Rebecca Armstrong said the program would give children and families opportunities to experience performing arts together.
“Children and their families visiting Arts Centre Melbourne this summer will be able to engage and connect in whole new ways,” Armstrong said.
“Coming to the theatre transports us to new places, presents us with different perspectives and takes us on unexpected adventures. We hope to see everyone sharing in the magic of the performing arts.”
The summer program will also include creative workshops for children and parents, covering areas such as music production, magic, dance and performance. Dates and session details are available through Arts Centre Melbourne’s PLAY program.
The Forecourt will also host the Connoisseur Gourmet Ice Cream Parlour across the September school holidays and summer months, with flavours rotated to coincide with selected productions and events.
Arts Centre Melbourne has run its Kids & Families program since 2009, presenting productions ranging from smaller theatre works to large-scale performances by Australian and international companies.
Early bird tickets for Erth’s Dinosaurs are available until 11.59pm on September 21.
The summer family program includes Erth’s Dinosaurs at Fairfax Studio from January 9 to 17, The Very Cranky Bear at the Playhouse from January 13 to 16, and Bees on the Arts Centre Melbourne Forecourt from January 18 to 24, 2027.
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