Thomas Pulls In

Thomas & Friends arrive at the Opera House in Manchester, Friday 25 to Sunday 27 April

My son pointed out a flaw in the concept behind the Thomas stage show; 'Thomas can't go to a theatre mum, he has to go to a station' however, it looks like an excellent adventure all round, with musical numbers and characters like Thomas, Percy, Diesel, The Fat Controller and various other residents of the strangely named island Of Sodor.

The show clocks in at 90 minutes, and includes songs such as... ‘Roll Call’ and ‘Good Morning’ as well as a magic lantern festival.

Fri 2pm, 5pm, Sat 11am, 2pm and 5pm, Sun 11am and 2pm, £10 to £19.50, tel: 0844 847 2328

Classical for kids: Wallace and Gromit at Bridgewater Hall

Presented by the above kid's tv personality, Chris Jarvis, this Saturday, a BBC Philharmonic classical concert at the Bridgewater Hall is set to feature the Wallace & Gromit film theme tune. For those like me who aren't exactly au fait with the classical conundrum, this could provide the perfect opportunity to get kids chomping at the classical bit, and even pracitising their cellos or what have you. It looks like a nice afternoon out anyhow.

The extravaganza is aimed at 7-13 year olds but suitable for all ages and music inspired by Harry Potter is on the programme too.

Saturday 5 April at 3pm, ₤5 for children, ₤8 for adults and ₤20 for a group of four. Tel: 0161 907 9000.

The Nutcracker!

This weekend we are going to a show at the Lowry called Matthew Bournes Nutcracker!

There's something about the use of an exclaimation mark after any event title that puts me right off. I'm trying to think of examples to illustrate my point and failing, but regardless of my feelings, the show sounds right up my son's street. He likes (in order of passion)

1. sweets (the show culminates in sweetie land)

2. theatres (they are dark and he gets to lie around eating sweets while people parade around for his pleasure)

3. dancing (most days include at least an hour of his own personal dance-fusion which combines air guitar with gestures of a lady of the night. i have no idea where he gets it from).

I will report back, but the last few Saturday matinee tickets are on sale now.