Someone standing on stage holding up a fluffy unicorn toy. She looks happy on stage surrounded by cardboard boxes.
Credit: Ellie Kurttz

Your guide to a brilliant autumn of family fun at Brighton Dome

Children / Family, Family, News

We’ve got the perfect shows and activities for big fans of CBeebies, young performers and crafters or anyone simply looking for a good excuse to laugh and play! Our family programme is packed with things to see, do and enjoy together. 

A large costumed blue creature and large costumed figure wearing a multi-coloured dress stand waving with puppeteers controlling three round figures in the centre background

Say hello to Igglepiggle and friends

We’re kicking off the season on 12 Sep with a very special visit from some much-loved characters.

The stage version of CBeebies favourite In the Night Garden comes to the Concert Hall, bringing Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets and enchanting music.

And if that wasn’t exciting enough, there’s also a flying Pinky Ponk! Perfect for children of all ages, it’s a gentle, colourful and wonderfully nostalgic introduction to live theatre for little ones.

Three people holding toys up, they are smiling. They are surrounded by cardboard boxes
Credit: Ellie Kurttz

Bring your favourite toy along

October half term is all about play, and what better way to celebrate than by bringing your favourite toy to the theatre?

Lewes-based Slot Machine Theatre performs Your Toys in the Studio Theatre from 28 Oct–1 Nov. Created for children aged 4–9, this puppetry adventure explores the wonderful power of play, with music and a cast of toys from the audience. Teddy bears, action figures and well-loved bunnies are all very welcome!

Two people wearing white jumpers smiling and holding up a peace sign. They are surrounded by black, pink and yellow stars, triangles and splashes

Laugh out loud this half term

If your family likes its entertainment with a side of silliness, Brighton Dome Comedy Festival returns for its third year with a brilliant line-up of family-friendly comedy.

Comic duo Shelf are back in the Studio Theatre on 24 Oct with The Kids Show 2, an energetic mix of music and sketch comedy for ages 6+.

There’s also Live at Brighton Dome BLEEPED in the Corn Exchange on 24 Oct, a swear-free stand-up showcase for ages 11+, plus free comedy workshops for young people aged 11–16, created in partnership with Komedia Productions. Running from 19 Sep–25 Oct, the workshops lead up to the Young Comedians Comedy Showcase, giving young performers the chance to take to the stage and show off what they’ve learned.

A person holding a stuffed red rabbit, reading it a book on stage. They are wearing a blue shirt and red hat
Credit: Mark-Morreau

Lost things and a little bit of magic

Later in the autumn, we’ll be heading off on an adventure with Rabbit & Rey and the Lost Things on 22 Nov.

Renowned children’s theatre company Stuff and Nonsense Theatre brings the funny and touching story of Rey and their fiercely loyal bunny companion to the Studio Theatre. Together, they set out to find all the things they’ve ever lost in an uplifting adventure for ages 3+.

Get creative together

Throughout autumn, there are plenty of chances for families to roll up their sleeves and get creative at Brighton Dome.

Our Crafty Kids workshops in Anita’s Room give children aged 3–11 and their grown-ups the chance to make, create and experiment together. All materials are provided – and, most importantly, someone else takes care of the mess afterwards!

Workshops take place on 4 Oct and 29–30 Oct, with more festive Crafty Kids sessions arriving in December.

On 7 November, African Night Fever’s Family Day Take Part is a free celebration of arts, culture and heritage. Families can enjoy global cuisine, workshops and performances while celebrating the diverse diaspora communities that make Brighton & Hove such a vibrant place to live.

A group of contemporary dancers performs on a theater stage beneath tall, flowing blue-gray curtains. At center, one dancer in a white costume is captured midair in a dramatic leap after being tossed by teammates below, while another performer reaches upward beneath them. Additional dancers in fitted white outfits stand to the right with their arms raised, ready to catch or support. The glossy black stage floor reflects the performers and curtains, emphasizing the height and energy of the acrobatic movement.
Credit: Pia Johnson

Christmas has arrived!

December brings a whole host of festive treats to Brighton Dome, featuring circus and musical theatre, puppetry, crafts and a very special screening of The Snowman.

Highlights include Ceilidh The Musical, (Corn Exchange 14–20 Dec) a brand-new musical that invites families, friends and children of all ages into the heart of one of Scotland’s oldest traditions, with music, dance and a story that begins to unfold.

Duck Pond (Concert Hall 23–28 Dec) is a playful reimagining of Swan Lake swaps swans for ducks and brings the story to life through jaw-dropping acrobatics and aerials. Suitable for ages 7+.

And Stuff and Nonsense Theatre return with The Adventures of the Little Red Hen (Corn Exchange 21–24 Dec). You can expect puppetry, live music, energetic storytelling and lots of comedy in this lively take on the classic fable for ages 3+.

Browse the full family programme here