Half-term at the Waterside in Sale

There’s an amazing programme of family friendly shows at Waterside in Sale, Greater Manchester over half-term (27th Oct – 4th Nov). Read on to find out more.

I love it when the school holidays come around as there’s always so much on for the youngsters in my life. Despite my daughters not yet being quite school age, the family offerings at local venues provide us with all sorts of exciting activities. This half-term, we’re set to visit a theatre that’s new to us and I can’t believe just how much they have on for children and families.

Waterside is in the heart of Sale in Trafford, Greater Manchester and is made up of a theatre, art galleries, studios and workspaces. It plays hosts to a wide range of productions, musicians, comedians, exhibitions and workshops and seems to be particularly good at all things ‘family.’

We’ve opted to head to Waterside to see the stage version of the very cute, best-selling book ‘Guess How Much I Love You’. A 50-minute show that promises a magical journey through the seasons, complete with puppets, live music and interactive play, sounds ideal for my toddler and pre-schooler. The Selladoor Family team (www.guesslive.co.uk) are taking the story of Little and Big Nutbrown from page to stage, with the two loveable characters competing to measure their love for each other. I’ve over thirty years on the recommended age of 2-6 but I really can’t wait, and my girls are just a little excited too. You can join us in seeing the show at Waterside on Tuesday 23rd or Wednesday 24th October. Tickets are priced £11-£13.

There’s a whole host of theatrical productions on offer at Waterside over the October half-term including ‘Aaaaaaaaaaaaargh! Dinosaurs’, ‘One Man Shoe’ and ‘Egg & Spoon’, all with tickets priced just £7-£9.

Friday 26th October – Aaaaaaaaaaaaargh! Dinosaurs

Fun and interactive, this slightly scary and super silly poetry show aimed at 5-year-olds and over is the 70-minute adventure of a young troll girl who must defend herself from a gang of dinosaurs.

Sunday 28th October – One Man Shoe

A theatre caretaker with no headline act is thrust into the limelight in this heartfelt, silent comedy made up of physical theatre, circus clowning, slapstick and puppetry magic.

Sunday 4th November – Egg & Spoon

Perfect for the youngest members of the family, this show sees children sat on cushions around the performance space as they experience the gifts of nature. They’ll run through the rain, sleep under snow and witness a butterfly party.

The Waterside also has its own cinema and during the half-term holiday you can choose to see two very different but both family-friendly films. On Monday 22nd October at 2pm, there’ll be a showing of the Pixar animation ‘Coco’, followed at 6pm by a showing of ‘Wonder’, the heartwarming story of a boy with facial differences starting school, starring Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson. Tickets are £5.

Another event that as a mum of an 18-month-old and a 3-year-old grabbed my attention is the monthly ‘ComedySportz 4 Tots’. This 45-minute comedy show for under 6s sounds fantastic with its billed highly interactive silly songs, stories and games that are all designed to get kids involved. Those with older children need not miss out as there’s another ComedySportz offering aimed at those aged 7 and over. This family-friendly show sees two teams compete each other with improvised gags, games and sketches built on suggestions from the audience. Check out ComedySportz at Waterside on Saturday 27th October. £5 a ticket.

The Waterside is just 20 minutes from Manchester city centre by road or Metrolink. It is situated in Sale town centre next to the Bridgewater Canal and directly opposite Sale Metrolink Station. From the M60 exit junction 7 and take the A56. There is a Q-Park multi-storey within easy walking distance and Waterside ticket holders can claim a 20% discount. From the Metro station, cross the road and turn left.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.watersidearts.org or call the box office on 0161 912 5616.

Waterside, 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, M33 7ZF | 0161 912 5616