What’s on this weekend
FRI 6 – SUN 8 APRIL
Katherine Ryan: Glitter Room, Hexagon Reading, Fri 6 Apr
If you haven’t heard of Katherine Ryan, where the hell have you been? She’s ruthlesslessly funny and all over the telly box. Her latest show Glitter Ball is a celebration of single motherhood. Who needs a lover in your life to unzip your tight dresses when you’ve got an eight-year-old or (if desperate) an Uber driver on hand? The woman is a force of nature, be prepared for a girl crush. readingarts.com/hexagon
‘Pride & Prejudice meets Absolutely Fabulous… it’s not going to be a museum piece.’ explains director Jonathan Humphreys. You had me at Ab Fab, The Rivals is a funny, fast-moving satirical rom-com full of desire, intrigue, delusion and a twilight duel. Let the fizz be overflowing, it’s sounds fabulous daaaarling. watermill.org.uk
The Elephant Man, South Hill Park Bracknell, Fri 6 – Sat 7 Apr
The David Lynch award-winning film, starring John Hurt and many other huuuge stars, is a classic. Now The Elephant Man, the story of ‘Victorian freak’ Joseph Merrick, rescued by the young surgeon, Frederick Treves, is coming to the South Hill Park stage. But is it possible for Merrick soever lead a normal life? Recommended 14+yrs. It’s a great play for teens. southhillpark.org.uk
FURTHER AFIELD
Coraline, The Barbican, 29 Mar – Sat 7 April 2018
Just a few days left to catch Neil Gaiman’s best-selling novel Coraline turned operatic stage adaptation that London’s been buzzing about. Recommended for ages 8+. Tickets: £10–£40.
Now Play This, Somerset House, London, Fri 6 – Sun 8 Apr
Overground by Rosa Carbo-Mascarell
I’m feeling a bit anti screen at the mo (anyone else struggling to get young people to look up and out rather than down?) but even I have to admit this three day games festivalsounds intriguing. Players can experience dozens of diverse games – many of which premiere at the festival. The focus this year is on the idea of place, and visitors can explore different countries and cultures, and critical issues specific to these places ranging from international borders to identity. Drop-in workshops throughout the popular weekender will also enable players to explore the patterns, processes and particularities of game making.
A big day out with Peter Rabbit™, Kew Gardens, now – Sun 15 April
The start of a new trail based on Peter Rabbit and other famous Beatrix Potter characters. More permanent pleasures include the tree top walk, the 17 metre tall Hive sensory experience, a 14,000 tree arboretum and the Palm House.
Predators Exhibition, Longleat, Wiltshire, now – Mon 3 Sep
A brand new show for Longleat with 14 killer animatronic carnivores will be stalking the park including lions and tigers. Sounds like it will thrill little ones.
The Making of Harry Potter, Watford, Now – Sun 23 Sept
This WB Studio Tour company never runs out of new reasons to get families back to this paean to the boy wizard. A new special feature dedicated entirely to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the fourth installment of the magical film series, revealing secrets behind the characters, costumes and props that made it so special.