The bard’s the star: the macabre Macbeth is a lively introduction to Shakespeare
(Picture: Cesare De Giglio)Easter may still be a little while away, but the school holidays are already in full swing.
As ever, London provides — there’s enough going on to keep the children occupied from dawn till dusk, whether they want to blast down the Thames or get up close and personal with a dinosaur.
Luckily there’s plenty here to keep the grown-ups going too, including a very special afternoon tea and some Saturday night telly come to life. Here’s our pick of what to get up to this Easter.
Explore an iconic children’s story
Feed curious minds in this interactive Easter adventure through the stunning vistas at Kew. Eric Carle’s classic tale The Very Hungry Caterpillar is brought to life in a trail that recreates the journey of the caterpillar from egg to butterfly through a series of 3D installations, including a variety of fruit, a cosy chrysalis, and a bright, beautiful butterfly. As children roam through an assortment of sculptures, they get a unique “insect’s eye view” of the natural world, digesting facts about the connections between plants and minibeasts.
Until April 18, Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, TW9, kew.org
Indulge in a seasonal tea-time treat
Easter is the time to feast on sweet delights. Treat kids to the official Peter Rabbit afternoon tea at Piccadilly’s The Dilly hotel where the beloved Beatrix Potter tales are deliciously brought to life. Served in the magnificent, light-drenched and foliage-filled terrace, themed-treats include the Flower-Pot Hideout, an edible chocolate pot filled with chamomile mousse, blackberry, chocolate “mud” and sponge cake and the “Every Bunny’s Favourite”, a moist carrot cake with chocolate. The savoury selection includes baguettini packed with vegetables and hummus and there’s hot chocolate, Peter’s Lemonade or Flopsy’s Strawberry Surprise to sip on. Parents don’t have to miss out on the fun – there’s an adult version available too.
The Dilly, Piccadilly, W1J, thedillylondon.com
A Thames tour with a grim twist
The hilarious Horrible Histories team are behind this theatrical boat tour, which offers kids the chance to learn about the country’s most famous river and the ghastly tales behind London’s most iconic landmarks. Horrible Histories: Terrible Thames Experience is a floating spectacle combining immersive, theatrical elements from award-winning producers the Birmingham Stage Company and Wood’s Silver Fleet. Departing from Tower Bridge Quay, the 45-minute clipper tour features plenty of facts and a unique take on the history of London covering stories of King Henry VIII to Jack the Ripper. Suited for those aged five and over, it promises to surprise, shock and enthral both children and adults alike.
From April 2, Tower Bridge Quay, E1W, terriblethames.com
Find out who’s behind the mask
Ever wanted to shout “take it off” at a mystery celeb? Now’s your chance, as the popular television show hits the stage for its first live UK tour. Hosted by comedian Joel Dommett, families will have a blast trying to guess the identities of the mystery celebrity contestants, who will sing at each show wearing newly-created costumes. Only one covert crooner will be crowned the Masked Singer each night. Arriving at the SSE Arena Wembley on April 18, the panel of judges will include Denise Van Outen, Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross and Robin himself, Aston Merrygold. Fans of the show are in for a night to remember.
April 18 at SSE Arena Wembley, HA9, themaskedsingerliveuk.com
Hop along through the palace gardens
The gold-hued Lindt bunnies have taken up residence at the grounds of Kensington Palace for the Easter holidays. Armed with a trail map, families can hunt for bunny statues hidden in the Palace gardens and carry out some educational-but-fun activities along the way. During the hour, kids are asked to match up the name of the important palace character on the trail to the red ribbon on the bunny statue at each location and discover stories of notable people who visited, lived and worked at the palace. Once you’ve finished, don’t forget to collect the chocolate reward. Perfect for kids aged four to 12, the trail is included with Palace admission tickets.
Various dates until April 17. Kensington Palace, W8, hrp.org.uk
Bake your own hot cross buns
Keep budding bakers and sweet-toothed youngsters busy in the comfort of your own home. Bread Ahead’s Easter Cakes live baking class (April 9) will guide children through how to bake delicious chocolate cupcakes. During the 60 minute workshop, they will also learn how to decorate their cakes like a pro. Using some confectionery know-how and clever techniques, children can create elaborate chocolate nests to crown their Easter creations. Alternatively, The Easter Workshop (April 10, 15 and 16) is perfect for teens or as a family bake-along. The two-and-a-half hour class takes you through steps in creating Bread Ahead’s famed hot cross buns and classic carrot cake – the perfect goodies to enjoy over the Easter weekend.
Various dates and locations, breadahead.com
Have an encounter with a T-rex
Dinosaur lovers should stampede across to Gunnersbury Park – home to Dino Kingdom (until April 18). In this prehistoric-themed exploration, dinosaurs are brought back to life in full size animatronics. The 100 strong collection includes life-sized dinosaur installations such as the towering, 18 metre long Apatosaurus, hatching dinosaur babies, an excavation sandpit, dinosaur eggs and fossils for aspiring palaeontologists to experience, plus a chance to get up close to the mighty 16 metre tall Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Until April 18, Gunnersbury Park, W5, dinokingdom.com
Celebrate the bard’s most macabre tale
Something wicked this way comes. This 90-minute rendition of Macbeth at the famous “wooden O” is the ideal introduction to Shakespeare for children aged 10 and over. Showing until April 16, youngsters can delight in the macabre tale of an ambitious Scottish general whose life is set on a fateful path after he receives a prophesy from three witches. Expect an action-packed, atmospheric tale.
Until April 16, Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1, shakespearesglobe.com
Sing and dance with the milkshake gang
Is your little one a fan of Channel 5’s Milkshake? Kids aged three to seven can sing and dance along with their favourite Milkshake characters as they perform at the Beck Theatre in Hayes on April 2. Watch Milkshake! Monkey, Noddy, Shimmer & Shine, Digby Dragon, Wissper, Nella the Princess Knight, Blues Clues and the Floogals, alongside two Milkshake presenters as they take audiences on a journey through the TV show’s favourite fairy tales. It’s a family experience not to be missed.
Beck Theatre, UB3, milkshake.tv
Take in a show at the Southbank
The Southbank Centre is always a hub of fun during the holidays and this Easter sees an extensive programme of shows and activities for kids of all ages. Zog and the Flying Doctors is a family show based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Watch Zog, Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout go on an adventure to tend to a sunburnt mermaid, a lion with a flu and a unicorn with one too many horns. Ideal for ages three and over, the hour-long show is running until April 10.
Meanwhile, five-to-nine year olds will enjoy Meal One. Based on the playful 1970’s children’s book by Ivor Cutler and Helen Oxenbury, the 45-minute show follows Helbert and his mum whose experiment of planting a plum stone in their bedroom floor gets out of hand. Running on April 14 and 15, expect projections, music, singing and dance.
All ages are welcome to the free Pedal Power Disco on April 16 where you create the energy to generate an uplifting disco.
Various dates, Southbank Centre, SE1, southbankcentre.co.uk
Be awe-struck by bubbles
For a dazzling, visual experience you can’t beat, Louis Pearl aka the Amazing Bubble Man, who is in town for a three-day stint at Leicester Square Theatre from April 16-18.
A favourite at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the 70-minute show combines bubble art, tricks, science and comedy. Kids of all ages will gasp in delight as Pearl creates square bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, giant bubbles and even places a person inside a bubble. There’s plenty of audience participation and he is accompanied by instrumentalist Jet Black Pearl who provides the soundtrack to the show.
