London Kids Weekend Scoop (March 19-21, 2021)

It’s been another doozy of a week, frankly. Ongoing conversations around misogyny and male violence culminating in the vile attacks against Asian American women in Atlanta USA. My Instagram is still blowing up over my last two posts around the Meghan interview and Sarah Everard. The London Kids Weekend Scoop kicks off with some female empowerment, a digital theatre show for kids celebrating women in STEM. Watch it with your sons as well as your daughters.

This Saturday is also your opportunity to #TakeAKnee in support of anti-racism. More below. 

10 Things to Do this Weekend with Kids

Fri-Sun: Jina and the STEM Sisters
This is a great one to mark Women’s History Month. STEM Sisters is an online musical show for primary kids and families celebrating the historic achievements of female scientists and mathematicians. Budding scientist Jina meets heroines like glamorous inventor Hedy Lamarr, digital-coder rapper Ada Lovelace and ‘radiating’ Marie Curie. A mix of music, puppetry and education from an all-female creative team. Best for ages 8-12. Streaming on demand via Vimeo, £10 tickets (Mar 15-Apr 11)

Fri-Sun: The Little Prince at Stratford Circus (online)
The Little Prince is a children’s classic, a deceptively simple tale of love and friendship. Catch this playful adaptation by performers Faith and Andy (Protein Dance), as we follow the Little Prince on his journey across the universe. You can join in the movement and dance workshop as they discover the world of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Recommended for ages 5-11 but suitable for all ages. Rent for £2 and stream for 48 hours after download. (ongoing)

Fri-Sun: Curse of the Crackles! at Shoreditch Town Hall (online)
Tune in for the world premiere digital production of Curse of the Crackles! This interactive audio adventure starts Riff, a good dog who needs your help. The Crackles have muddled up all the sounds in the universe and you and Riff must put them all back. It’s a sensory experience using 3D sound technology and you’ll need an internet connection and headphones to make the most of it. Best for ages 7-11 and families. Tickets £3.50 per household + fees; the show is available to stream for 72 hours after date and time of booking (ongoing)

Fri-Sun: Polka Theatre Mental Health and Wellbeing Workshops for Kids
Take a look at this series of free, short drama workshops aimed at kids in primary school. Using the fictional story of Mo, a boy living through the pandemic, kids can explore the challenges of lockdown and more. A fun, practical and interactive approach to helping children express and understand their feelings and anxieties and look towards a brighter time to come. Available online for instant download; FREE (ongoing)

Fri-Sun: Walk from Little Venice to Camden 
Tired of staring at the same walls? Get a change of scene along one of London’s best loved routes, also known as the Jubilee Greenway Route Section 2. You can walk it, cycle it or even go by boat from charming Little Venice to buzzy Camden Lock market, getting an outside peek at London Zoo too. It’s a relaxing trip that takes you mostly along the towpath of Regent’s Canal. Keep an eye out for Jubilee Greenway discs in the pavement as you go. (ongoing)

Fri-Sun: Royal Ballet: Elite Syncopations at Royal Opera House (online)
One positive thing about lockdown is the access we have to shows like this one. Elite Syncopations is a joyous and uplifting ballet piece with music by African-American composer Scott Joplin (the ‘King of Ragtime’). It celebrates the influence of Black Social Dance styles and it was performed in October 2020, the first time the Royal Ballet had performed together on stage in 7 months. Family friendly. Watch on demand for just £3 (requires ROH Stream account). (until Apr 11)

ALSO SEE: Kind Regards, a brilliant, funny and timely 5-minute opera created to mark International Women’s Day. 

Fri-Sun: Family Film Club Workshop: Make a Foley
Part of the Barbican’s Family Film Club online workshop series. Watch the replay of this fun investigation into the world of Foley (the sounds used in film, TV, games and animation). Multi-instrumentalist, composer and author, Dan Mayfield from the School of Noise leads the session. Watch free via YouTube (donations welcome). (ongoing)

Sat: #WorldAgainstRacism Day of Action for UN Anti-Racism Day
The year 2020 threw a global spotlight on racism and this weekend it’s time to rise up against this evil force. In cities and communities around the world, people will be stand up and speaking out against racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of bigotry and fascism. In the UK, you and your family are invited to #TakeTheKnee for a #WorldAgainstRacism at 1pm and share your images and videos with both hashtags. Tune into the live link-up of events all over the globe from 1-2pm and join the online rally at 5pm, with speakers such as Diane Abbott MP calling for justice and change. (Mar 20)

Sat-Sun: Where the Bugaboo Lives at Little Angel Theatre (online)
Kicking off the Little Angel Theatre’s 60th anniversary, Where the Bugaboo Lives is a ‘choose your own adventure’ digital production. Join Floyd and Ruby as they journey through the dark, shadowy valley behind their house and meet a range of creepy creatures. Watch the recorded performance via Zoom and take part in activities. Best for ages 5-11. Various times including 10.30am & 12.30pm (Sat Mar 20/Sun Mar 21); £13.50 per household (until May 2)

Sat-Sun: Not On The West End Virtual Spring Market
It’s no secret that the West End has been hit hard by the pandemic. Not On The West End is helping to support out-of-work theatre professionals with this fabulous Spring Market. Browse virtual stalls of handmade jewellery, ceramics and other items from 50+ designers. There’s talks, Instagram live-streamed shows and amazing prizes for a charity prize contest. 9am-4pm (Sat) & 10am-4.30pm (Sun); FREE entry (Mar 20-21)

Booking Ahead

Family Weekend at Sadler’s Wells: balletLORENT – The Lost Happy Endings (Apr 2 & 3)
The Gruffalo’s Child at Arts Depot (Apr 6-11)
Aliens, Zombies and Monsters exhibition at Arts Depot  (Apr 6-17)
Oh What A Glorious Morning with Disco Loco (back in April)
The EY Exhibition: The Making of Rodin at Tate Modern (Apr 29-Oct 31)
Futureheads Adventure Club for ages 8-11 in Hackney (from May 22)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar at London Zoo (May 29-Jul 16)
Anything Goes by Cole Porter at Barbican Centre  (Jun 5-Aug 22)
Elderflower Fields Family Festival (Jul 23-27)
Kaleidoscope Festival at Alexandra Palace (Jul 24)
Singin’ in the Rain at Sadler’s Wells (Jul 30-Sep 5)