A stage for every stage: there’s something for every family at Canberra Centre this season
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There’s something magical happening at Canberra Theatre Centre and it’s not just the productions themselves.
Parents and carers across the capital are looking at an upcoming season that genuinely caters to every stage of their children’s development – from those precious first theatre experiences right through to shows that will captivate the whole family, teenagers included.
Any parent knows the challenge: finding entertainment that hits that sweet spot between age-appropriate and genuinely engaging. Too young, and you’re dealing with restless fidgeting. Too old, and you’re met with the dreaded eye-roll. But this lineup? It understands that families come in all shapes, sizes, and attention spans.
Here’s what’s coming up.
The Gruffalo’s Child
The Gruffalo’s Child arrives on Thursday 31 July, perfectly timed for those first magical theatre moments with little ones aged three and up. There’s something fitting about Julia Donaldson’s beloved sequel being many Canberra children’s introduction to live performance.
The story is familiar enough that anxious toddlers feel secure, yet theatrical enough to create genuine wonder. Parents who’ve been wondering if their preschooler is ready for “real” theatre will find their answer in this production – it’s designed specifically for those developmental sweet spots where imagination is limitless but attention spans are still growing.
But what happens when those same children hit that fascinating middle childhood phase – too old for purely picture book adaptations, yet still young enough to believe in magic?
IMAGINE LIVE
That’s where IMAGINE LIVE steps in from Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25 October, offering something genuinely groundbreaking.
Based on Alison Lester’s gorgeous illustrations, this production uses cutting-edge technology to blend live action with digital puppetry and animation in ways that will genuinely surprise even tech-savvy kids.
It’s sophisticated enough for eight-year-olds who think they’re getting too grown-up for “baby shows,” yet magical enough to transport six-year-olds into pure wonder.
TEENY TINY STEVIES
Then there’s Teeny Tiny Stevies on Saturday 9 August. While the band might sound like children’s entertainment, they’ve cracked the code on creating music that genuinely delights every generation in the room.
Parents aren’t just enduring this one; they’re actively enjoying it. It’s that rare family experience where nobody has to compromise their entertainment preferences.
PRIDE & PREJUDICE
But what about teenagers who’ve outgrown family shows entirely? That’s where Pride & Prejudice comes in from 15-18 October. Bloomshed’s audacious take on Austen’s classic tackles the housing crisis through the lens of the Bennet sisters’ matrimonial machinations.
This isn’t your typical period drama. With Mr Bennet played by a potted monstera and sharp social commentary dressed as drawing room wit, it’s exactly the kind of clever, irreverent theatre that speaks to teenagers’ developing sense of humour and social awareness.
There really is a stage for every stage. Tickets for all four productions are available through Canberra Theatre Centre.
