Families can get a taste of Kids Week in the West End with a free special event at the Southbank Centre on 26 May.
The casts of Hairspray and Thriller Live, dancers from English National Ballet and members of the creative team of Oliver! are all taking part in the West End Family Fun Day, held in the Clore Ballroom at the Royal Festival Hall from 11:00 on 26 May.
The interactive event offers children and parents the chance to take part in singing and dancing workshops, for free. Sessions include: a pas de deux performed by English National Ballet dancers followed by a workshop with a Ballet Russes theme; a session of vocal exercises led by Mary King, judge and vocal coach on C4’s Operatunity and Musicality, leading to a West End singalong; the chance to learn the words and moves to Consider Yourself, the famous song from hit show Oliver!; and performances from the cast of Michael Jackson tribute show Thriller Live and 60s feelgood musical Hairspray. Throughout the day there will be arts and crafts activities for all the family courtesy of holiday company Beaches.
The event forms part of National Family Week (23-31 May), a new national celebration of family life which features a line-up of events and activities taking place across the UK.
The West End Family Fun Day is also a precursor to Kids Week, the annual event held this year from 14-28 August, which offers kids the chance to experience theatre for free.
CB