These Are The Shows That Will Entertain Your Kids This Brighton Fringe

Children can be easily amused, but some can be a little difficult to get giggling. Luckily, the Brighton Fringe accommodates all ages and has a creative and inspiring array of different children's shows to amuse, inspire and remind you of the youngster that remains in all of us. From puppetry to theatre to storytelling to dancing, Brighton Fringe hosts a collection of shows that both children and adults can venture to and enjoy together. Here are just a few of our top picks. 

All the way from China, Jiangsu Puppet Troupe put on an afternoon of puppetry, inspiring its audience from far away cultures with traditional tales. The Classical Culture Company brings China’s top artists and performers to share cultures and art with UK audiences. Make sure to catch them for their one performance of The Puppets of Jiangsu at the Sallis Benney Theatre.

(Sallis Benney Theatre, 27th May, 14:30 - 15:40, Age suitability: 1+)

If you are longing to get back in touch with those classical fairy tale stories then Hansel and Gretel will make your wishes come true. Smikle Dance Project take you on a fantastical journey with a dance interpretation of this Germanic fiction. Touching on sibling friendship, pop up forest creatures and spooky witches, their performance will take you out of Brighton and straight into a fairytale world.

(St Augustines Centre, 26th-27th May, 14:00 - 15:00 and 18:00 - 19:00, Age suitability: 8+)

The Altar Disco isn’t only for 18s and over. Monski Mouse creates a dance floor for parents and under 5s with a collection of funky nursery rhymes and retro hits to get the little ones and adults boogying. Labelled as the “best baby dance party in the city”, Monski Mouse's Baby Disco Dance Hall is a perfect place to take your energetic toddlers to have a giggle and a dance.

(Brighton Spiegeltent, 19th May, 26th May, 2nd June, 11:00 - 12:00, Age suitability: 0-5)

Have you ever thought of designing your own planet? The Incredible Rebel All-Stars’ Let’s Build a Planet is a hot spot for creative ideas for adults, children, earthlings, and extraterrestrials, whoever you are and whichever planet you believe you are from. This show allows you to step into an hour of alternate reality. Whether you are an adult or a child, this interactive show will let your imagination run wild.

(Brighton Spiegeltent: Bosco, 19th May, 26th May, 12:00 - 13:00, Age suitability: 3+)

Storytelling is always a good way to keep children captivated. But imagine being the star of your own story. Mark Locke and Gladrags costume centre bring a box of dressing up and guidance for children to turn into characters and develop their own, interactive story. Storybox Unleashed is a chance for children to take the storytelling reigns and bring it to life.

(St Mary Magdalen School Playground, 30th May, 11:00 - 12:00, 12:30 - 13:30 and 14:00 - 15:00, 31st May 11:00 - 12:00, Age suitability: 3-9)

Related Listings

LET'S BUILD A PLANET!

LET'S BUILD A PLANET!

Imagine designing your own planet. What colour would the sea be? How many legs would a donkey have? What would the farts smell like? Well now’s your chance to choose! Join a madcap team of World Builders on a hilarious, big-banging adventure... 

Monski Mouse's Baby Disco Dance Hall

Monski Mouse's Baby Disco Dance Hall

Why toddle when you can dance! Parents and under-5s are let loose on the dance floor in the friendliest of discos. Created by DJ, producer and mum of two, Monski Mouse. Get your disco-dancing-booties on to an eclectic selection of retro hits and funky nursery rhymes... 

StoryBox Unleashed

StoryBox Unleashed

Dress up! Create! Play. Interactive storytelling sessions which make you the star of your story. Mark Locke and Gladrags costume centre combine their skills to help children create instant, interactive stories via dressing-up, role-play, and scenarios of their own choosing all woven together by Mark the storyteller... 

Hansel and Gretel

Hansel and Gretel

A classic fairytale re-imagined through dance. Lee Smikle Dance Project and Shoreditch Youth Dance Company take you on a heartwarming adventure of sibling friendship, body popping crows and soul-eating witches... 

The Puppets of Jiangsu

The Puppets of Jiangsu

Announcing an afternoon of extraordinary puppetry delights performed for you by Jiangsu Puppet Troupe, in a first UK visit from China's largest arts company. You'll have to be quick as they play just one show at this year’s Brighton Fringe... 

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this article has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now