Two egg-cellent family shows coming to York Theatre Royal this Easter

There is plenty of Easter fun to be had at York Theatre Royal as two family shows open in the Main House. Starting the Bank Holiday fun is a brand-new musical show, There’s a monster in your show (26 – 28 March) based on the beloved ‘Who’s in Your Book?’ series, and continuing the celebrations into the Easter holiday’s is Northern Ballet’s, Tortoise and the Hare (02 – 03 April). 

Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations leap from page to stage in There’s a Monster in Your Show, a high-energy 50-minute adventure featuring lively original music. Adapted for the stage by Zoe Bourn and directed by Miranda Larson with new music composed by Tom Fletcher and Barry Bignold it is the perfect introduction to live theatre. Expect plenty of playful fun for your littlest ones as their favourite characters come to life in a show that is packed with interactive moments to enjoy together. 

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. 

There’s a Monster in Your Show… and he can’t wait to meet you! 

Tom Fletcher said, “I’m so excited to see ‘There’s a Monster In Your Book,’ come to life on stage! The whole journey is incredibly exciting and I can’t wait to get to rehearsals to meet the puppets. Theatre is such an important way to introduce children to the arts and ‘There’s a Monster In Your Show’ is the perfect first theatre trip for pre-schoolers and their families. I’m so looking forward to seeing their reactions first-hand.” 

The Who’s in Your Book? picture-book series by Tom Fletcher and Greg Abbot is published by Puffin. 

As the Easter Bunny disappears for another year, another hops on to the stage as Northern Ballet return to York Theatre Royal with Tortoise and the Hare. A re-imagining of Aesop’s much-loved fable of a Tortoise who, tired of being teased for his slowness, challenges a speedy Hare to a race. The colourful production has been created especially for children aged three and above, and their families. It is designed as a way for them to experience live dance, music and theatre together at an affordable price. 

Tortoise & the Hare is just one in Northern Ballet’s award-winning series of children’s ballets which have toured to theatres, schools and community centres across the UK. Choreographed by former Northern Ballet dancers Dreda Blow and Sebastian Loe, Tortoise & the Hare premiered in 2015 and was the second children’s ballet by the pair. Their 2012 Ugly Duckling was later adapted into a BAFTA winning programme for CBeebies. The production includes an original score composed by Bruno Merz, set designs by Ali Allen and live music performed by members of the Northern Ballet Sinfonia.  

A relaxed performances will be available on Wed 03 Apr which, whilst open to anyone, aims to reduce anxiety around theatre visits to help everyone have an enjoyable time. They may benefit people with sensory or communication difficulties, or a learning disability.