“I’m not a kid” is probably one of the phrases you hear most from your teenager. But when free theatre tickets are thrown into the mix, they’ll answer to kid, child, little one or even sport… okay, probably not that last one. Kids Week isn’t just for the under 12s. We want to help kids of all ages to get into the habit of going to and enjoying theatre. That’s why, during August, we’re offering free tickets to any child aged 16 and under when they’re accompanied by a full-paying adult. We have plenty of shows your teens will love and to help you choose the right ones, we’ve listed them below.
Bat Out Of Hell
Give your kids an education in rock with Bat Out Of Hell. The sensational show tells the story of Strat – a young rebel who falls in love with Raven, the daughter of the tyrannical leader of Obsidian, a post-apocalyptic world – all set to the songs from the iconic Meat Loaf albums. With fire, motorcycles, forbidden love, and some other great stage trickery, it’s going to keep your teen’s attention from start to finish.
Chicago
Treat your teen to some razzle-dazzle with Chicago. The classic musical will give them a taste of old Broadway while offering all the glitz of the West End. It’s packed with suspense, betrayal and rhinestones. And really, who can resist all that jazz?
The Comedy About A Bank Robbery
All of the lolz with a cautionary tale attached. Following the success of The Play That Goes Wrong, Mischief Theatre created this smash-hit, critically-acclaimed show about a giant diamond, eight incompetent crooks and a snoozing security guard. Some tongue-in-cheek moments, a whole lot of slapstick and even shifty seagulls. It would be criminal to miss this comic play.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Spreading the message of acceptance, love and being true to yourself, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is essential watching for all. The inspirational show is based on the life of a 16-year-old boy who didn’t quite fit in in his Sheffield council estate and strives to fulfil his dreams despite being bullied. Covering a whole host of relevant and important issues with a healthy dose of fun and glitter, your teen will walk out with a brand new confidence and love for humankind.
Imperium Part I: Conspirator
The RSC’s Imperium is a stage adaptation of Robert Harris’s best-selling Cicero trilogy. From the original material, playwright Mike Poulton has created six one-act plays presented in two performances. The first is Conspirator where events are recanted through the watchful eyes of Cicero’s loyal secretary, centring on the influential orator’s early successes – and how they unwittingly paved the way for a brutal and bloody end to the Roman Republic.
Imperium Part II: Dictator
The second is Dictator. With Rome in chaos, Cicero must use all his brilliance to restore the power of the Senate from the civic mob and their would-be Emperor: one Julius Caesar.
The Jungle
The Jungle is a play about identity, nationality and community, set in Europe’s largest unofficial refugee camp – known as the Calais Jungle – which became a temporary home for more than 10,000 people in 2015. It’s an emotional show that will teach your teen about real-life events and give them an important insight into the lives of others.
Knights Of The Rose
Get your teens ready for Friday night discos and Wednesdays down the student union with Knights Of The Rose – a musical that brings together so many classic rock anthems, it should have its own radio station. With songs from Bon Jovi, Bonny Tyler and No Doubt, you’ll be your teen’s favourite person for treating them to this rocking show.
Pressure
Help your teen realise there’s always more to a story with Pressure – an intriguing and in-depth look behind-the-scenes of the D-Day landings. Written by and starring David Haig, this drama is about more than just weather. The skilled, experienced and stubborn meteorologist goes head-to-head with a flashy Hollywood rival while thousands of lives are in the balance.
Six
Continuing the idea of multiple perspectives throughout history is Six. This all-female musical tells the story of Henry VIII’s wives from their point-of-view. These fierce queens will remix 500 years of heartbreak into a banging concert-like performance that’ll have your teen headbanging and learning all at the same time.
The Woman In Black
For a theatre lover, watching The Woman In Black is a rite of passage. The classic tale based on Susan Hill’s horror novel of the same name. After 21 years, it still packs a thrilling punch which will leave your kid quivering in their boots… and you, too. It’s unlike any other show on in the West End and it’ll stay with your child for years to come.
Young Frankenstein
You were brought up on the comedic stylings of Mel Brookes. Your kid should be, too. This tongue-in-cheek, flamboyant and hilarious show brings all the humour and naughtiness of the classic 70s film. Believe us, you’ll deffo be the “cool” parent taking your teen to Young Frankenstein.
There are plenty of other shows included in Kids Week. To find out more about it, click here.