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 TV and book characters, dinosaurs, science, bubbles, pirates and princesses, and much more!
To see what’s on near you, please see our list below.
• JANUARY •
CINDERELLA
Dates: Sunday 5th, Friday 10th – Sunday 12th, Friday 17th & Saturday 18th January 2025
Address: Broadstone War Memorial Hall, Tudor Road, Broadstone, Poole, Dorset, BH18 8AW
Booking: Broadstone Pantomime
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Dates: Friday 10th & Saturday 11th, Friday 17 & Saturday 18th January 2025
Address: The Mowlem, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1DD
Booking: The Mowlem
KNIGHT FEVER FAMILY PANTO
Dates: Thursday 16th – Saturday 18th January 2025
Address: Bournemouth Life Centre, 713 Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 2AU
Booking: All Saints Dramatic Society
TREASURE ISLAND
Dates: Thursday 16th – Saturday 18th January 2025
Address: Weymouth Bay Church, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7TH
Booking: Weymouth Drama Club
PETER PAN
Dates: Saturday 18th – Saturday 25th January 2025
Address: Verwood Hub, Brockway, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 7QE
Booking: Verwood Pantomime Society
THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ
Dates: Thursday 23rd January – Saturday 1st February 2025
Address: Shaftesbury Arts Centre, 13 Bell Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8AR
Booking: Shaftesbury Arts Centre
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS
Date: Friday 24th – Sunday 26th January 2025
Address: The Regent, 51 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AS
Booking: The Regent
TREASURE ISLAND
Date: Tuesday 28th January 2025
Address: Elim Church Hall, Curzon Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 4PP
Date: Wednesday 29th January 2025
Address: Stour Connect Day Centre, Stourview Close, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1JF
Booking: Treehouse Theatre
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
Dates: Thursday 30th January – Saturday 1st February 2025
Address: The Anne Biddlecombe Hall, Tarrant Keyneston, Dorset, DT11 9JE
Booking: Ticketsource The Tarrant Valley Players
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Dates: Friday 31st January & Saturday 1st February 2025
Address: West Lulworth Village Hall, 4 Church Road, West Lulworth, Dorset, BH20 5SG
Booking: Ticketsource Lulworth Players
• FEBRUARY •
THE WIZARD OF OZ
Date: Wednesday 5th – Saturday 8th February 2025
Address: Bridport Electric Palace, 35 South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NY
Booking: Bridport Electric Palace
THE BADDIES
Date: Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th February 2025
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
CINDERELLA
Dates: Wednesday 12th – Saturday 15th February 2025
Address: Stur Exchange, Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1FH
Booking: Stur Exchange
COMING TO ENGLAND
Info: Floella Benjamin’s award-winning and iconic book ‘Coming to England’ comes to life in this joyful stage adaptation with music, storytelling and song. An inspirational story of hope, determination and triumph. Suitable for children age 7+.
*SPECIAL OFFER*
Enjoy *£10 tickets when you book using promo code: INSPIRE (Offer ends at midnight, Monday 27 January 2025)
Offer T&C's: Subject to availability. Cannot be redeemed against tickets already purchased or used in conjunction with any other offer.
Dates: Thursday 13th – Saturday 15th February 2025
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
TALES FROM THE WOODS
Dates: Friday 14th – Sunday 16th February 2025
Address: Colehill Village Hall, Cannon Hill Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 2LR
Booking: Ticketsource Co.MaD
WONDERFUL WORLD
Info: Can you fit the entire world into one show? Well, if anybody can, Squashbox Theatre can! Join intrepid explorer Craig on a breathless race across the planet, as he attempts to decipher the clues left by his globe-trotting Great Aunt Gladys – clues that could finally explain her mysterious disappearance! This brand-new show incorporates ingenious puppetry, fantastic facts, silly slapstick, crazy comedy and marvellous live music. Suitable for children age 4+.
Date: Tuesday 18th February 2025
Address: The Mowlem, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1DD
Booking: The Mowlem
CRAFTY FOOLS: ADVENTURE IN SCIENCE
Info: Join ‘The Magical Mr West’ on an incredible adventure into the world of science! Aided by his corvid companion Crowbert and a collection of curious contraptions, Mr West demonstrates the fundamental principles of scientific enquiry and tackles some of the trickiest questions in the history of humanity. Expect skills, silliness and the studious application of logic as you embark upon ‘Adventures in Science!’
Date: Tuesday 18th February 2025
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
ROLLERBOYS
Info: Experience the electrifying fusion of music, skating, and extreme stunts with The Rollerboys. Watch sparks fly off their wheels with the all singing, all dancing, roller skating phenomenon!
Date: Wednesday 19th February 2025
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
DING DONG BELL
Dates: Wednesday 19th – Saturday 22nd February 2025
Address: Preston Village Hall, Preston Road, Preston, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 6BH
Booking: Preston Pantomime
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Dates: Wednesday 19th – Saturday 22nd February 2025
Address: The Ringwood Waldorf School, Folly Farm Lane, Ashley, Ringwood, BH24 2NN
Booking: Poulner Players
JURASSIC EARTH: LIVE DINOSAUR SHOW
Info: Meet the bravest of rangers as they take you on a journey through Jurassic Earth, introducing their herd of the most incredible Dinosaur species to have ever lived! Featuring roaming, state-of-the-art animatronic life-like Dinosaurs in an interactive and exciting story-telling show, Jurassic Earth is a unique, immersive experience for all audiences.
Date: Thursday 20th February 2025
Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
Booking: Weymouth Pavilion
AVAST BEHIND
Dates: Thursday 20th – Saturday 22nd February 2025
Address: Burton Bradstock Village Hall, Church Street, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4QS
SHREK THE MUSICAL
Dates: Thursday 20th – Saturday 22nd February 2025
Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
Booking: Bournemouth Pavilion
BABES IN THE WOODS
Dates: Thursday 20th – Saturday 22nd February 2025
Address: Woodlands Village Hall, Verwood Rd, Woodlands, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 8LJ
Booking: Ticketsource Join the Company
PRINCESS LIVE!
Info: The Princesses, Snow White, Belle, Cinderella, Rapunzel and Elsa, are tired of their royal duties, so they decided to come together and make the ultimate pop girl group. Cinderella’s fairy godmother has given her a magic wand so she can give the other princesses a new look and style. With pop and musical theatre songs that will get the whole family singing and dancing along.
Date: Saturday 22nd February 2025
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
• MARCH •
GROOVE ONTO THE MOON
Info: In this fun sci-fi adventure, children aged 3 to 7 and their adventurous grown-ups will be transported into space, encountering alien creatures, embarking on daring missions, and facing challenges that will put their bravery to the test. Follow three intrepid astronaut friends on a mission to discover the first lunar footprint left by Neil Armstrong, proving to their grown-ups that they’re ready for big-kid adventures!
Date: Saturday 1st March 2025
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
BING’S BIRTHDAY
Info: It’s Bing’s birthday and everyone is very excited! Things won’t always go to plan but, with the guidance of Flop and his friends, Bing has a birthday he won’t ever forget.
Dates: Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th March 2025
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG
Info: Based on Ian Fleming’s timeless story for children and later made into the famous 1968 film. Meet absent-minded inventor Caractacus Potts who restores a broken-down old racing car with the help of his children Jemima and Jeremy. Soon the family discover the car has magical powers, and along with the delectable Truly Scrumptious and Grandpa Potts, they end up on a fantastical adventure to far off lands.
Date: Wednesday 19th – Sunday 23rd March 2025
Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
Booking: Bournemouth Pavilion
• APRIL •
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 5th April 2024
Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
Booking: Weymouth Pavilion
THERE’S A MONSTER IN YOUR SHOW
Info: Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved ‘Who’s in Your Book?' series makes its debut as a brand-new musical show. A group of performers are preparing to start their show, but quickly discover they are not alone on stage. Little Monster wants to be part of the fun too! With an invitation to his friends, Dragon, Alien and Unicorn to join him, you can expect comedy and chaos as they help to create a magical show, learning about the joy of books and friendship along the way.
Dates: Tuesday 8th – Thursday 10th April 2025
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Info: Step into the magical world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as WOW brings Roald Dahl’s classic tale to life. Follow young Charlie Bucket, one of five lucky golden ticket winners, on an unforgettable journey through Willy Wonka’s extraordinary chocolate factory, where surprises and secrets lie around every corner. From chocolate waterfalls and nutty squirrels to the mysterious Oompa-Loompas, nothing in Wonka's world is quite what it seems!
Date: Wednesday 9th – Saturday 12th April 2025
Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
Booking: Weymouth Pavilion
MILKSHAKE! LIVE
Date: Thursday 10th April 2025
Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
Booking: Bournemouth Pavilion
TOP SECRET: THE MAGIC OF SCIENCE
Info: Fusing the mystery of magic with wondrous and miraculous feats of science. Hang on to your seats and experience a non-stop action packed interactive magical science show with experiments and magic that will capture the imagination.
Date: Saturday 12th April 2025
Address: Electric Palace, 35 South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NY
Booking: Electric Palace
THE ULTIMATE BUBBLE SHOW
Date: Monday 14th April 2025
Address: The Mowlem, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1DD
Booking: The Mowlem
THE WIZARD OF OZ EASTER PANTOMIME
Info: Join Kansas farm-girl Dorothy and her pet dog Toto on this magical adventure suitable for all ages. Watch in amazement as they are picked up by a tornado and carried off to the magical Land of Oz. With help from their new friends the Munchkins, they to travel to the Emerald City where the great Wizard of Oz lives.
Date: Monday 14th April 2025
Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
Booking: Weymouth Pavilion
ANDY AND THE ODDSOCKS ‘ARE YOU READY TO ROCK?’
Info: Join Andy, Moxy, Rio, Blu and Cousin Mac and sing along with all their favourite songs from the smash hit CBBC TV show ‘Andy and the Band’! Join the ‘Odd Socks’ as they bring their brilliant madcap mix of songs, slapstick comedy and silliness to life with a show to entertain families of all ages.
Date: Tuesday 15th April 2025
Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
Booking: Bournemouth Pavilion
TALES FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE
Date: Tuesday 15th April 2025
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
I’VE LOST MY BOBBLE HAT
Info: Help Nick find his beloved bobble hat in this fun filled musical hour with all your favourite Nick Cope hits and more. With his charming songs and humour, Nick engages, entertains, and enthrals all generations. Suitable for children age 3+.
Date: Wednesday 16th April 2025
Address: The Tivoli Theatre, 19 West Borough, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1LT
Booking: The Tivoli Theatre
RUDE SCIENCE
Date: Wednesday 16th April 2025
Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
Booking: Weymouth Pavilion
THE ENCHANTED PRINCESS BALL
Info: Once upon a time, in the land of fairytales, Chester the Castle Jester has muddled up all invitations to The Royal Ball. Join him as he goes on an adventure to meet Cinderella at The Royal Castle, The Little Mermaid Under The Sea, Princess Rapunzel in the Tallest Tower, Belle in her little bookshop in Paris and The Snow Queen in the freezing village of Snowydale to deliver all the invitations by hand to make they all make it to The Enchanted Princess Ball. This Royal Princess Extravaganza is a fast paced, high energy and engaging musical toe tapping adventure that is perfect for the whole family featuring stunning sets, sparkling costumes and lots of songs, dance, laughs and audience participation!
Date: Saturday 19th April 2025
Address: The Tivoli Theatre, 19 West Borough, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1LT
Booking: The Tivoli Theatre
THE LITTLE MERMAID
Info: Immersion Theatre invite you on a vibrant underwater adventure like no other in their most spectacular and fantastical family musical yet, The Little Mermaid. Packed with dazzling sets, colourful characters, astounding choreography, original music, and heaps of audience participation.
Date: Saturday 19th April 2025
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Info: When the wicked enchantress Elora transforms the handsome Prince into a monstrous Beast, Fairy Flambe` casts a spell of her own: if Beast can find true love before the last petal of the rose falls, the curse will end and the Prince will be restored. However, when spirited villager Belle, a bibliophile who dreams of adventure, chooses to take her fathers place as the Beast's prisoner, the first meeting is anything but enchanting. Will the Beast be able to find true love before the last petal falls, or will our fabulously evil villain Elora finally take over the kingdom? Find out in this action-packed Pantomime with something for all the family!
Date: Friday 25th – Sunday 27th April 2025
Address: The Factory Space, 1172-1180 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 6DY
Booking: The Factory Space
• MAY •
MILKSHAKE! LIVE
Date: Sunday 4th May 2025
Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
Booking: Weymouth Pavilion
PIG HEART BOY
Date: Wednesday 7th – Saturday 10th May 2025
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
THE WIGGLES: BOUNCING BALLS TOUR
Info: Experience the magic of this interactive and engaging live show experience set to spark creativity, curiosity and a love of learning through The Wiggles signature mix of entertainment and education. Get ready to sing, dance and wiggle in this high energy musical extravaganza featuring all 8 Wiggles including OG Blue Wiggle Anthony, Simon, Lachy, Tsehay, John, Lucia, Caterina and Evie. Plus all the Wiggly friends including Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, Captain Feathersword and TikTok sensation The Tree of Wisdom!
Date: Saturday 10th May 2025
Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
Booking: Bournemouth Pavilion
SHLOMO’S BEATBOX ADVENTURE FOR KIDS
Info: SK Shlomo makes amazing music with just a mouth and a mic, and has performed around the world. Anybody can become one of this sonic superhero’s sidekicks in a world of funny sounds, brilliant noises, and cool music, whether they’re aged 1 or 101.
Date: Saturday 24th May 2025
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Info: When Charlie Bucket finds one of the five golden tickets to the Wonka Chocolate Factory, he and the other winners can’t wait to feast on the sweets of their dreams. But, beyond the gates they discover more than just remarkable edible delights. As they embark on an extraordinary journey through Willy Wonka’s marvellous mind, they soon learn that nobody leaves the same way that they arrived! This is an amateur production presented by Bournemouth and Boscombe Light Opera Company.
Date: Wednesday 28th – Saturday 31st May 2025
Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
Booking: Bournemouth Pavilion
OLIVER!
Date: Wednesday 28th – Saturday 31st May 2025
Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
Booking: Weymouth Pavilion
• JUNE •
PIRATES LOVE UNDERPANTS
Info: Join the swashbuckling party of pirates on their quest to find the fabled Pants of Gold for the Captain’s Treasure chest! Dodge hungry crocs beneath Long-John Bridge, bob upon the waves of Big Knickers Bay, spot sharks in fancy underpants and trek across Three Pants Ridge. Filled with music, puppetry and glittering pants of gold, get ready to set sail for a family adventure!
Date: Thursday 12th June 2025
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
• 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
Booking: Bournemouth Pavilion
DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE
Date: Friday 29th – Sunday 31st August 2025
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM PRESENTS DINOSAURS LIVE!
Date: Sunday 31st August 2025
Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
Booking: Weymouth Pavilion
• 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
Booking: Bournemouth Pavilion
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
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
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
Booking: The Tivoli Theatre
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
Booking: Bournemouth International Centre
Please 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
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.
