Looking for some frightfully good family entertainment this October half-term

WITCHES, MONSTERS & MAGICAL MAYHEM! 

Looking for some frightfully good family entertainment this October half-term?

From broomstick adventures and lovable monsters to ghostly carnivals, mysterious shadows and some seriously horrible history, we’ve picked five spellbinding shows to keep little theatre-goers entertained!

🧙 ROOM ON THE BROOM – Join the witch and her friends for a magical adventure full of songs, puppetry and surprises.
📍 Rose Theatre, Kingston | 27 Oct – 1 Nov

⚡ FRANKY – Meet a lovable little monster in a funny, heartwarming tale of friendship and finding your place in the world.
📍 Little Lyric, London | 27–31 Oct

🌙 THE DARK – A beautifully imaginative adventure exploring the things that go bump in the night. Is the dark really something to fear?
📍 Battersea Arts Centre, London | 27–31 Oct

👻 CREEPY CARNIVAL – Roll up for a spine-tingling musical spectacular with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
📍 Glasgow 24 Oct | Edinburgh 25 Oct

🏰 HORRIBLE HISTORIES – Gruesome facts, revolting rulers and outrageous history! Discover the Awful Egyptians and Terrible Tudors live on stage.

📍 Theatre Royal Brighton | Thu 29 Oct – Sat 31 Oct 2026 

ROOM ON THE BROOM

🧙 A MAGICAL ADVENTURE TAKES FLIGHT!

There’s room for everyone on this broomstick!

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved story flies onto the stage in a delightful production bursting with songs, puppetry and magical surprises.

But when a hungry dragon appears, will there still be room on the broom?

📍 Rose Theatre, Kingston | 27 Oct – 1 Nov
📅 27 October – 1 November 2026

A spellbinding treat for little theatre-goers!

Most suitable for 3+ but all ages welcome.

FRANKY

⚡ A MONSTER WITH A BIG HEART!

It’s alive… and it’s rather adorable!

Meet FRANKY, a lovable little monster in a wonderfully funny Halloween adventure full of music, mischief and unexpected friendships.

A heartwarming reminder that being different is something to celebrate.

📍 Little Lyric, London
📅 27–31 October 2026

Age guidance 3+

3+

THE DARK

🌙 WHAT REALLY LURKS IN THE DARK?

Are you afraid of the dark?

Step into a mysterious world where shadows come alive and the unknown isn’t always quite as frightening as it seems.

Inspired by Lemony Snicket’s enchanting story, THE DARK combines imaginative storytelling, movement and live music in a beautifully atmospheric theatrical adventure.

📍 Battersea Arts Centre, London
📅 27–31 October 2026

A little spooky, a little magical and full of wonder.

Age Recommendation: 4+

CREEPY CARNIVAL

👻 ROLL UP FOR A SPINE-TINGLING MUSICAL ADVENTURE!

The carnival is coming to town… but something rather spooky is going on!

Join the Royal Scottish National Orchestra for a thrilling Halloween celebration filled with eerie melodies, musical surprises and fairground magic.

A wonderfully atmospheric introduction to live orchestral music for the whole family.

📍 Glasgow – 24 October
📍 Edinburgh – 25 October 2026

HORRIBLE HISTORIES

🏰 HISTORY HAS NEVER BEEN SO HORRIBLE!

Forget boring history lessons. This is history with all the nasty bits left in!

Meet the AWFUL EGYPTIANS and TERRIBLE TUDORS in two hilariously gruesome stage adventures packed with revolting rulers, outrageous facts and plenty of horrible surprises.

From terrifying tombs to Tudor tyrants, prepare to laugh your way through the past!

📍 Theatre Royal Brighton |Thu 29 Oct – Sat 31 Oct 2026

HORRIBLE HISTORIES – LIVE ON STAGE!

Age guidance: 5+