Family Friendly Shows in Dorset 2025
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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.
• 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.
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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.
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