From interactive theatrical experiences to drag queen storytelling and a funny, uplifting retelling of Black Beauty for Christmas, the shows at Z-arts this Autumn offer something for the whole family! This season also sees three family fun days, new family gigs with award-winning clarinettist Arun Ghosh, and a host of other activities.

What shows are coming up?
Twinkle Twinkle (Saturday 29 September) Join Marty for brilliant puppetry, magical interaction, and a gorgeous original score. A beautiful adventure in music and light with live music-making for all, this original tale of love, loss and light has been especially made for audiences aged 1 – 3 and its rich, near-wordless storytelling will entrance toddlers and parents alike.

A Square World (Sunday 21 October) What do you do when you’re in a square world but you’re not a square? Through creativity and imagination, three friends work together to make the world welcoming for everyone, a place where everyone can enjoy daily life without any limits. With lots of fun and a little bit of chaos, this uplifting story for ages 3 – 6 is full of friendship, difference, and discovery.

Adrift (Tuesday 23 October) From acclaimed children’s theatre company Action Transport Theatre and writer Beverley Hancock-Smith, Adrift tells the story of two children adrift at sea fleeing conflict. A heart-warming and touching celebration of the resilience and imagination of childhood for ages 8+ and their families.

Plink and Boo (Thursday 25 October) Enjoy acrobatics, music and circus with Plink and Boo! This topsy turvy world is an adventure for ages 2 – 5 and their grown-ups. Using acrobatics, live music and mountains of toys, Plink and Boo is a fun and colourful exploration into what happens when people don’t fit into boxes (even if it is the neatest place to put them).

The Astonishing Vacuum Cleaner Adventure (Thursday 1 November) Get ready for mystery and adventure when Hetty needs your help! In this show the audience won’t be sitting in the dark watching a play, they’ll be at the centre of the action. Brought to you by One Tenth Human and The Dukes Lancaster and directed by Daniel Bye, creator of the award-winning How to Occupy an Oil Rig, The Astonishing Vacuum Cleaner Adventure is a brand new interactive show for ages 7 – 11 aiming to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers, creative thinkers, engineers and scientists.

Black Beauty (Thursday 6 – Saturday 15 December) Andy and Andy have fallen on hard times. When they discover their beloved copy of Black Beauty in the cosy horse trailer they call home, they saddle up with their horse Hamish and re-enact portions of this classic, page-turning adventure. Blending story-telling, puppetry and music, this production is a fun adventure full of friendship, courage, hope and heroes. A festive treat for the whole family that is sure to warm your heart on the coldest winter’s eve.

Special Events
The Witches Immersive Film Screening (Saturday 15 September) Z-arts, Make A Scene and Superbia present an interactive, immersive screening of The Witches for Roald Dahl Day. Expect chocolate, potions, spells and mice plus Afternoon Tea themed food, cocktails (or mocktails for the kids!) sweets, cakes, crafting, workshops and a boot camp on how to spot real-life witches. Come dressed as your favourite Roald Dahl characters and take part in mouse mask-making and magical potions workshops before the show. There will be two screenings, one for families at 2.30pm (ages 8+) and an adult-only showing at 7.30pm.

Drag Queen Story Time (Saturday 8 December) Partnering with Black Gold Arts, Contact and STUN, Drag Queen Story Time presents Shaz Blakefield, who’ll be reading the story of Nimesh the Adventurer, written by Ranjit Singh. Themed arts and craft activities will be available for all ticket-holders before the event.

The Big Draw (Saturday 6 October) a day all about letting loose, embracing happy artistic accidents, and unleashing the whole family’s creative skills! Suitable for all ages kids and big kids alike, come and join Z-arts Resident Visual Artist Suzanne for a fun-filled session of creating, playing and drawing.

Z-Earth Fun Day (Saturday 24 November) Z-Earth fun day will take inspiration from nature and ecology, exploring both through crafts and arts activities for all ages! Created by a team of young people, this fun day suitable for the whole family will be jam-packed with things to do and see. We’ll be having another free fun day the following Saturday with our Black Beauty Christmas Fun Day (Saturday 1 December). There’ll be opportunities to make cards, gifts and decorations, it’s the perfect way for the whole family to prepare for the most wonderful time of the year!

Bright Sparks Winter Showcase (Monday 17 December) Our resident young thespians are performing for your festive delight. After a full term gaining new skills, it’s time to showcase them to their friends and family.

Z-access Family Fun Day (Sunday 21 October) Z-arts’ free fun-day specially designed for families and friends with additional requirements and disabilities returns! Come along to enjoy drama, dance, music, arts and crafts together as a family in a safe, calm and welcoming environment. Trained staff, facilitators, and a BSL interpreter will be at Z-access to welcome you and support all families. As part of Z-access, a relaxed performance of A Square World  will be taking place at 11am.

Rush Hour Jam with Arun Ghosh (Friday 12 October, Friday 2 November, Friday 7 December) Hectic day? Unwind with some live music with award-winning jazz artist Arun Ghosh and his guest artists at Z-café! With a house band, including local young musicians, Rush Hour Jam is an opportunity for families and friends of all ages to enjoy a relaxed evening of open-hearted music and amazing jazz vibes.

For more information on any of the shows, events and activities, drop into Z-arts, visit the What’s On section of our website or give our friendly Box Office staff a call on 0161 232 6089.