Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Dorking Halls Plan Summer of Fun During Theatre Closure
20th July-22nd August 2024
Website: www.dorkinghalls.co.uk
The doors of Dorking Halls may currently be closed for a period of planned work to replace the plaster ceiling in the Grand Hall, but the much-loved Surrey theatre has planned a summer of fun throughout the market town to allow local theatre lovers to continue to enjoy the arts.
Starting with a bang on Saturday 20 July, Dorking Halls’ popular Plays In The Park will return to Meadowbank Park in the centre of town for a fun-packed full day of open-air theatre. The morning session (11am) will welcome families to enjoy Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage On Wheels, presented by Scoot Theatre. Suitable for all ages, this heartwarming tale brought to life on the alfresco stage sees Mrs Armitage set off for a quiet cycle with her faithful dog Breakspear, but before long she can't help thinking of ways to improve her bicycle, eventually riding a VERY eye-catching contraption as much hilarity ensues.
Next up at 2pm, 440 Theatre presents A Midsummer Night's Dream & Twelfth Night in a British summertime Shakespeare double bill. Performed by only four actors in forty minutes each, experience the hilarity of Shakespeare’s best comedies condensed into short side-splitting shows. To close the night, Dorking Halls popular Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club goes alfresco at 7pm as some of the hottest new talent on the comedy circuit take to the outdoor stage. Compered by the hilarious Howard Read, the line-up of Mark Maier, Sooz Kempner and Julian Deane will bring their larger-than-life acts to Meadowbank for a summer night of laughter.
Booking for one, two or all of the Plays In The Park events, audiences are encouraged to bring a rug or chairs, pack a picnic or visit the outdoor Bar for drinks and snacks, to make the most of their alfresco theatre experience.
The summer of fun continues in Meadowbank Park on Sunday 28 July with Dorking Halls Family Fun Day, a brand new free event with something for all ages. From 11am, the Dorking park will be transformed into an outdoor summer festival with live music, market stalls, children’s activities, sports races suitable for all the family to join in, funfair rides and even a dog show – with lots to do to keep old and young entertained throughout the day. This exciting day in Dorking, presented by the team at Dorking Halls, will be a day not to be missed.
Parents looking for something to keep their children amused in the summer holidays should consider booking a place on Dorking Halls Theatre Workshop, taking place from 10am to 3pm from Tuesday 20 to Thursday 22 August. This exciting three-day theatre workshop will take place at Pippbrook House and cover acting, singing and dancing, working towards a showcase performance on the final day onstage to an invited audience at the Green Room Theatre. Suitable for ages 7 to 13, the workshops will be led by talented teachers with a host of professional experience.
To find out more about Dorking Halls’ summer of fun and to book for the upcoming events and live shows, visit: www.dorkinghalls.co.uk.