the gruffalo - live at dunstan playhouse

A musical adaptation of the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, The Gruffalo, is being staged at Dunstan Playhouse this week.

Suitable for children aged 3 and up, the stage show is running from 12-17 April. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $20 for children, and can be purchased through BASS. See here for a video preview of the show.

Image via modernhood

see "grug live" by windmill

The much-loved picture book character "Grug" is being brought to life by children's theatre company Windmill. Commencing on Wednesday this week, the live show is being staged at The Forge, Maryatville High School and runs until 24 April. The show is suitable for children aged 1-5 (and parents, of course!).

Ticket prices are $19 each (babies under 1 enter for free) or $14 each for group bookings of 6 or more. See the website for show times and to purchase tickets.

Image from Windmill

last weekend to visit 'amococo'

If (like me) you haven't yet taken the kiddies to visit Amococo at the Fringe, this weekend is your last opportunity. Based in Rymill Park, 11am-7pm until 14 March, Amococo is a giant inflatable "luminarium" of interconnecting tunnels and domes illuminated by light and colours created by Architects of Air. Suitable for all ages (children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult), Amococo has received rave reviews, not least from my cousin who recently took her two little ones (aged 2 1/2 and 1). Entry is $2 per person. Arrive early as lines will undoubtedly be long, and it may be worth taking along a harness for any toddlers who may try to run off!

Images from http://www.fringefever.com.au/

fringe festival 2010 - family events

It's almost that time of the year again - the Adelaide Fringe Festival hits town on 19 February, and this year there are 37 "Family" events in the program. If you missed the release of the Fringe guide in last week's Advertiser, never fear, click here for a rundown of the "Family" events, which appear to cater for a variety of tastes and ages.

christmas pageants

Yes, it's that time of year already (where did 2009 go?), and in South Australia we are fortunate to have a number of Christmas pageants to take the children to.
It's only one sleep until the Credit Union Christmas Pageant in Adelaide - I doubt any of us expected the scorching heat that is forecast for tomorrow (39 degrees Celcius), but for those of you who will still be brave enough to attend, click here for details of the route, hot weather tips, and start and end times. I have such fond memories of attending the pageant as a child - all of us cousins used to pile onto the back of my grandfather's flat-bed truck which my uncle would have parked in a prime position earlier that morning. I'm now looking forward to creating similar memories for my children!

South Australia is fortunate enough to have a number of other pageants on offer - here is a list of some other pageants on offer this year:

• Murray Bridge Christmas Pageant & Fireworks display - 21 November
• Glenelg Pageant - 22 November
• Norwood Christmas Pageant - 28 November
• Port Pirie Christmas Pageant - 5 December
• Meningie Christmas Pageant - 6 December
• Port Broughton & District Community Christmas Pageant - 12 December
• Tailem Bend Christmas Parade - 18 December

This list is not exhaustive, and I'd love to hear from you should you be aware of any other pageants on offer in South Australia this year.
The Adelaide Christmas Pageant also marks the opening of the Magic Cave in David Jones - I didn't take my little one last year until the week before Christmas ... big mistake! We lined up as soon as DJs opened, but still had to wait in line for 2 hours. I must admit that I still prefer the old John Martin's Magic Cave, but perhaps that's because my memories of it are through the eyes of a child. My tip - if you really want to experience the Magic Cave, try and get there earlier than the week before Christmas when the last minute rush begins. Try and take hubby (I called mine to duck out of work and meet us there) or a grandparent as support, as inevitably your child will need a toilet-stop/nappy change/run around whilst waiting to see Santa, and having someone to hold your place in line (or, better still, do the running around with child!) will make the visit all the less stressful.

Also remember that a lot of local shopping centres have a Santa in attendance for photos - this can often be a less stressful option than the Magic Cave or other department store Santas.

Let the countdown to Christmas begin!

image from www.planbooktravel.com.au/