PIRATE SCHOOL theatre show, this sat. 2.30pm.

Pirate School is coming to the waterside arts centre in Sale. Okay, so being a more centrally located bod lacking the millions one requires to reside in Sale, i don't spend a huge amount of time in the suburb, but this arts centre does put on a frighteningly good array of stuff for kids... in coming months they've got a kids stand up comedian, this show, various performing arts workshops aimed specifically at young people, and their adult programme isn't shy of great too, with singing workshops and such like for beginners too. Just the kind of thing to indulge in over summer, before winter makes you want to lock the door and never come out. sorry. that'll just be me, but it looks good allllll round.

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.

Giraffes Can't Dance

Oldham Colisseum have a new kids venue in the charming village of upper mill, and they've got two shows for kids lined up that you can book for now;

First up is Dr Nose Travels Through Time (for 5-11 year olds) on Friday March 7 at 4.30pm and next is Giraffes Can't Dance (for 3-7 year olds) on Friday April 11 at 4.30pm

Tickets cost £4 to £6 and can be booked here.