Book in to attend a stage show or concert with your kids. There’s a range of upcoming kids shows for families to enjoy. Find out about the best kids events including family-friendly concerts, plays, musical shows and theatre performances.
There are lots of great local stage and music shows in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast and Hunter area that your kids will love. No matter what the age of your child or their interests, you’re bound to find a show to entertain them. If you feel like a day trip or a night away, head down and catch a show in Sydney. We’ve included shows in Sydney as well.
Beauty and the Beast The Musical
Direct from the West End, this enchanting and timeless tale has been brought to life in a reimagined production boasting all the spectacle and grandeur audiences know and love. Beauty and the Beast is a much-loved classic that will fill the hearts of a new generation.
Date(s): Running until Sunday 24 December 2023
Location: Capitol Theatre, Sydney
Age Group: Recommended for ages 6+
Cost: Tickets start from $50
Website
Young People’s Theatre presents A Pocketful of Stories
Following the success of their most recent production, Frozen JR, Young People’s Theatre, Newcastle Inc. is thrilled to bring a brand new story to life on the stage. In ‘A Pocketful of Stories’ – an author and their ensemble of ideas weave six tales from their imaginations: The Pocket, Pip, Koo-Koo Gossip, The Plok, Poppy’s Pond and Tamiko. Throughout these stories the audience will meet many lovable characters such as the fashionable ladybug, a theatrical possum and a pop-star sea-turtle!
Date: 26 August to 9 September 2023
Location: Young People’s Theatre Newcastle, Hamilton
Age Group: All ages
Cost: $25 – adults at children’s prices. Children 2 years and over must be counted and are also charged at $25 per head
Website
Wicked
The Broadway sensation Wicked looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin, who is smart, fiery, misunderstood and possessing an extraordinary talent.
Date(s): From 25 August 2023
Location: Lyric Theatre, Sydney
Age Group: Recommended for ages 8+
Cost: Tickets start from $79
Website
BJORN AGAIN – Thank ABBA For The Music
ABBA fans get excited as Björn Again returns to Newcastle to bring ABBA’s timeless hits back to the stage in a sing-along, dance-along extravaganza.
Date: 2 September 2023
Location: Newcastle Civic Theatre
Age Group: ABBA fans young and old
Cost: Tickets from $83.
Website
The Royal Czech Ballet presents Sleeping Beauty
Following their 2022 performances of Swan Lake, the Royal Czech Ballet return to Australia with their presentation of the classic masterpiece, Sleeping Beauty.
Date: Wednesday 6 September 2023
Location: Newcastle Civic Theatre
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Tickets from $66
Website
The Australian Waratah Girls’ Choir Annual Concert 2023
The Australian Waratah Girls’ Choir presents an unforgettable showcase of repertoire at their 2023 annual concert. A performance for all ages, this year’s concert features songs performed on the choir’s recent USA tour, including the emotive piece, The Cry Of Jeremiah, which the choir performed in the prestigious Carnegie Hall! Experience a variety of genres from classical to jazz, musical theatre and more!
Date: Saturday 9 September 2023
Location: SPPC Theatre, Waratah
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Tickets from $20
Website
Back to the 80s – The Musical
From the era that brought the world The Rubik’s Cube, Max Headroom and The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comes this “totally awesome” musical in the style of movies such as Back To The Future, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Karate Kid and The Wedding Singer. Join the graduating class of William Ocean High School as they live through their final senior year – as they experience the fun, the heartbreak, the loves and the loneliness of growing up…. all set to the biggest hits of the 80’s!!
Date: Wednesday 20 – Saturday 23 September 2023
Location: Warners Bay Theatre
Age Group: TBA
Cost: Free
Website
Tantrum Youth Arts presents Good Mourning
Good Mourning tells the true story of four young siblings and their Dad’s cancer diagnosis. While the children come to understand what the C-word means, Mum and Dad make themselves busy with appointments, to-do lists and plans for their final three months together.
Date: 22 & 23 September 2023
Location: Newcastle Civic Theatre
Age Group: Recommended for ages 12+
Cost: Tickets from $30.
Website
Waru – Journey of the Small Turtle
In Bangarra’s first dedicated work for children, join our heroine Migi as she undertakes a journey of discovery and survival. A contemporary saltwater Lagaw Kazil (Island Children) story inspired by the totemic system of the green turtle, Waru – journey of the small turtle is an interactive and immersive introduction to Torres Strait Islander culture and dance for 3–7-year-olds.
Date: 22 & 23 September 2023
Location: The Art House Theatre, Wyong
Age Group: Recommended for ages 3-7
Cost: Tickets from $20 (child)
Website
Disney’s Finding Nemo JR
For the first time ever in Cessnock, Hunter Drama is so excited to bring DISNEY’S FINDING NEMO JR. to the stage. This production is a 60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo. Featuring memorable songs such as Just Keep Swimming, Fish Are Friends Not Food, and Go With the Flow, DISNEY’S FINDING NEMO JR. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure.
Date: Thursday 5 – Saturday 7 October 2023
Location: Cessnock Performing Arts Centre
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Adult $45. Concession / child $39
Website
Billy Elliot
Set in a northern town during the miners’ strike of 1984/5, the show follows Billy’s journey from boxing ring to ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance. Featuring music by the legendary Elton John, with book and lyrics by Lee Hall, Billy Elliot the Musical has been seen by over 12 million people worldwide.
Date: 7 – 21 October 2023
Location: Newcastle Civic Theatre
Age Group: Recommended for ages 12+
Cost: Tickets from $69.
Website
Possum Magic
Using a clever, nuanced palette of live action, stage magic, an original soundscape, elements of puppetry and projected animation, Monkey Baa’s award-winning creative team have translated the whimsical world of the book to a live experience for audiences.
Date(s): Monday 16 & Tuesday 17 October 2023
Location: The Art House, Wyong
Age Group: Recommended for ages 3-8 years and their families
Cost: Tickets start from $20
Website
Clue – The Murder Mystery Play
On a dark and stormy night, six unique guests, plus a butler and a maid, assemble for a dinner party at the home of Mr. Boddy. When their host turns up dead, it is clear that no one is safe! Soon the guests are racing to find the killer and keep the body count from stacking up. Based on the popular board game and adapted from the cult classic film, Clue is the comedy whodunit that will keep you guessing (and laughing) to the very end.
Date: 15-18 November 2023
Location: Civic Theatre Playhouse
Age Group: 13+
Cost: Adult $49, under 16 $43
Website
Started in late 2012 by a local mum, Newy with Kids has grown into a thriving go-to family guide for the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter region. Parents visit the Newy with Kids website to find things to do with babies, kids and teens. Whether it’s local attractions, upcoming events, kids eat free, school holiday activities or birthday party ideas, Newy with Kids is the best website for local parents to find local kid-friendly activities and information 24/7.