From storytelling and physical theatre to puppetry and interactive adventures, there’s plenty to keep children and families entertained this half term thanks to a variety of professional performances touring across Dorset through Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity.
Join Norwich Puppet Theatre for an enchanting retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s Thumbelina, the tale of a girl no bigger than a thumb. Thumbelina’s encounters with a frog, mouse, mole, and swallow are played out gently amongst gardening tools, leading her to ultimate happiness in the kingdom of flowers.

One of only a few dedicated puppetry organisations in England, Norwich Puppet Theatre tours work all year round across the UK and internationally.
Using traditional glove, rod and shadow puppets, this is an excellent introduction to the magic of theatre for children aged over two and their families. Meet Thumbelina at Hinton Martell Village Hall (01258 841332) at 2pm this Monday, October 24, and at Powerstock Hut (01308 485730) at 11am on Tuesday, October 25.
n Brave Bold Drama need recruits to help them solve The Midnight Mission.
Agents Dali & Kahlo of top-secret global creative agency, Company of International Artists, receive a code red call which means only one thing: ART IN PERIL.
Travel to the banks of Lake Geneva and work against the clock as you chase leads, decipher clues and interview suspects.
What’s your theory? Can it all be explained logically or is it, just maybe, a little bit supernatural?
Does the old caretaker know more than he’s letting on? Just what is behind Lord Byron’s portrait?
And when will Dali next get his hands on a chocolate digestive? Where should we search?
Who should we trust? That’s up to you!
Inspired by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, this interactive spooky adventure for children aged six and above and their families features a broad streak of quirky comedy and spoof horror.

Take part and help crack the case at Gillingham Library (01747 822180) on Wednesday, October 26, at 11am.

And, inspired by the touching children’s story The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde, Bristol’s two leading family theatre experts are combining forces to explore an unusual friendship, and how even the grumpiest giant’s heart can melt when spring finally comes.
Grinter the giant lives happily alone in her huge cold house, surrounded by snowy gardens, enclosed by frost-covered walls. She shuts out the world, and hides, safe and quiet in her peaceful, icy home.
Outside the towering walls of her enormous garden, the world has been changing and there is very little green left. One day, the children – tired of playing on hard roads and grey rooftops – find a chink in the giant’s wall and climb through, changing the course of the children’s and Grinter’s lives forever.

Expect powerful storytelling, captivating puppetry, enchanting music and a sprinkling of magic as this beautiful children’s show tours to Cerne Abbas (07823 778758) at 3:30pm on Wednesday, October26 , and Alderholt (07709 933652) at 2:30pm on Thursday, October 27.

To find out more and book tickets, visit artsreach.co.uk.