Dinosaur World Live, Corn Exchange Newbury, Fri 6 Apr

Why can pre-schoolers reel off the names of flesh eating giants like T rex, Triceratops, Styracasaurus and Baryonyx but can’t say the word gloves? It’s a mystery, but there is no doubt they’ll LOVE the jaw dropping puppetry of these pre-historic superstars as theythud, stomp and roaaaaar onto the Newbury stage. cornexchangenew.com

Bette and Joan, Wokingham Theatre, Fri 6 – Sat 7 Apr

Love the BBC’s Feud: Bette and Joan? I binge watched the series starring Susan Sarandon (Bette Davis) and Jessica Lange (Joan Crawford). The Hollywood screen queens arch rivals, in danger of becoming has-beens, come together to make Whatever Happened To Baby Jane?. Sparks flew. Delicious one-liners were traded. Ageism, sexism and misogyny were explored. Now you can see it on stage. wokingham-theatre.org.uk

 

Fabulous Fashion, Windsor Castle, now – Fri 13 Apr

With just a month until Harry and Meghan’s, channel your, I mean the kids’, inner prince and princess and play Royal dress up at the castle. There’s an Easter activity trail and an art workshop inspired by royal fashion throughout history. royalcollection.org.uk

 

Easter fun, Bucklebury Farm Park, now until Sun 15 Apr

Didn’t stuff your face enough this weekend? Easter fun continues at Bucklebury Farm Park. The Great Easter Egg Hunt is still on, with giant decorated eggs to find (not sure of the catch, it sounds well easy!) plus there’s lamb feeding, animals, outdoor playground, tractor rides to see the deer and indoor slide. buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk

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

The Rivals, The Watermill Newbury, now – 21 Apr

‘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

Spring Garden, The Lexicon Bracknell, now – Sun 8 Apr

There’s a chance to shop and keep the ankle biters happy. The Lexicon has loads of fun Easter themed entertainers, crafty activities to make and take away and story telling all in its beautiful Spring Garden. Make sure to book your 30 minute session. Suitable for children aged 3-12 years. thelexiconbracknell.com

Cadbury Easter Egg Trail, Basildon Park and Cliveden, now – Sun 15 April

Every venue across Berkshire is going chocolate crazy but my top tips include The Cadbury Easter Egg Trail (now – 15 Apr) at Basildon Park (pictured), and Cliveden – zip around the stunning gardens, solve the clues and, ta-da, chocolate reward (£3 per egg);

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

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.