Have you heard of KidsFest?

It is a theatre festival curated for young theatre enthusiasts and has been running in Singapore for six consecutive years. My son, Asher, 6, is a fan.

Presented by ABA Productions, the festival in 2017 showcases a total of nine world-class productions adapted from bestselling children’s books.

For a month from 11 January to 12 February 2017, KidsFest brings stories from the page to the stage with interactive plots, fun songs and a great dose of humour.

Three new shows will be introduced alongside past favourites across two venues: Victoria Theatre and KC Arts Centre – Home of the SRT.

Meet Julia Donaldson in person at KidsFest 2017

UK’s award-winning author, Julia Donaldson needs no introduction in the world of children’s books. Asher has several of her books and is a fan of her Gruffalos book series.

Having ignited the imagination of young children worldwide, the talented author with a background in songwriting and performance will be gracing the stage to perform at a brand-new show, Gruffalos, Ladybirds and Other Beasts.

The show will feature a combination of the most iconic characters from five of her best-selling books – The Gruffalo; What the Ladybird Heard; Zog; A Squash and a Squeeze; Jack and the Flumflum Tree.

The five-member cast includes Julia herself, Malcolm Donaldson, her husband who plays the guitar and Julia’s sister, Mary Moore. Hence you won’t be seeing just Julia herself, but her immediate family members too.

After the hour-long show peppered with sing-alongs and audience participation,
audience can look forward to meeting Julia in person at the book-signing session. Asher has all his Julia Donaldson’s books ready for autograph!

In addition to the brand-new Gruffalos, Ladybirds and Other Beasts, not to be
missed are three other classics by Julia Donaldson – The Gruffalo, The Snail and the
Whale and Stick Man. Back by popular demand, the shows are recommended for first time theatre goers aged three and up.

Other than shows from Donaldson’s stable of children’s books, there are many other exciting shows as well.

Exciting shows in the line-up – with a blast into the past!

Another highlight this year will be Shark in the Park, presented for the first time at KidsFest. Follow Timothy Pope on his day at the park, where he tries out his new toy telescope. What does he find through the lens? Could there really be a
shark, in the park?

KidsFest also promises a historical and literary treat with a series of shows specially
catered for the older kids and history buffs.

Think it is impossible to travel back in time? Think again, as Horrible Histories brings two unconventional lessons on the past, straight from the theatres of the world-famous West End.

Like its name suggests, Horrible Histories Best of Barmy Britain delves into the craziest milestones of the country, and everything in between. The show will be packed with fun facts and colour personalities, from Henry VIII to Queen Victoria.

Awful, ancient secrets await you at Horrible Histories Awful Egyptians. Travel back to a time when pharaohs walked the earth; discover the mystery behind the mummies and what lies in stores for them in the afterlife.

Shakespeare’s Globe brings a refreshing twist to the classic romance by William Shakespeare at the one-woman show, Romeo & Juliet Untold. Revisit the tragic romance of the most famous star-crossed lovers from the perspective of the
party planner of the Capulet Ball.

Where to Buy Tickets?

Tickets are now available at any SISTIC outlet, the official SISTIC website, or via the hotline +65 6348 5555. Prices range from S$42 to S$62.

Visit the KidsFest website at www.kidsfest.com.sg or the official KidsFest Facebook page for more information on the festival and productions.

GIVEAWAY

In collaboration with Kidsfest we are giving away 1 x Family Package of 4 Category 1 tickets to Gruffalos, Ladybirds and other Beasts with Julia Donaldson (worth S$248 in total) to one luck reader.

To stand a chance to win, simply:

• Like the Alvinology Facebook page.
• Share this post on Facebook and tag three friends in your post.
• Tell us why you want to watch this show in a comment on our Facebook post.

Contest ends at 11.59 pm on 16 January 2016. The winner will be notified via Facebook, and must be a resident of Singapore. Good luck!