Soft or Spiky?
Presented by Half Moon and Polka Theatre.
What question would you want your baby to answer? What would you like them to ask you? In a world full of astonishing unknowns and surprising possibilities, how do you find the right answers or questions?
This playful and interactive new show is full of shapes, sounds, textures and words exploring different ways to connect and understand each other.
Inspired by heartfelt conversations with new parents, this humorous production explores the multiple ways we communicate, ensuring that no one is left out.
At the end of the performance there is a stay and play session where audiences can enter the sensory landscape of the production.
Devised and directed by Daryl Beeton, Soft or Spiky? is a Polka Theatre and Half Moon co-production: an exciting collaboration by two of the UK’s leading children’s venues and touring companies.
This show has very limited language. This makes it accessible to a range of people, including d/Deaf, hard of hearing and non-English speakers.
Performances last 25 minutes (no interval) followed by a 10 minute play and stay session.
Studio
£15 for 1 adult and 1 child | £12 additional adults
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Have you ever wondered what your baby is thinking or feeling? Would it help if they could communicate those thoughts and feelings to you?
Sign & Rhyme teaches parents/carers and their little ones, simple sign language that enables them to communicate before speech takes over. Just like waving and clapping, your baby can learn to tell you when they’re hungry, in pain or just that they’ve seen a dog! This is empowering to them and hugely rewarding for you! In most cases babies who sign learn to talk sooner than their non-signing peers.
Signs are used in class, like actions, to accompany songs and nursery rhymes and with an array of props, puppets, instruments and the use of disco lights, bubbles and parachutes to enhance the sensory experience and make learning more fun.
There's also:
* Free on-site parking
* Café (open all day)
* Baby changing facilities
Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Carers all welcome with their babies under 18 months
Autumn
Wed 15 Jan - 30 Apr
1.45pm - 2.30pm
£8.50 for 1 Adult and 1 Child | £4 Siblings (9 months +)
£45 for 6 sessions a term (this offer doesn't include the sibling ticket)
Funky Monkeys
An energetic and creative music and movement class for babies and children under 5.
This fun and funky session uses lights, puppets, parachute, instruments and music to get your little ones moving!
Suitable for ages 9 months - 5 years.
Spring
Fri 10 Jan - 25 Apr (exc 21 Feb and 11 Apr)
11am - 11.45am
£8.50 | Siblings (9 months +) £4 | £45 for 6 sessions a term (this offer doesn't include the sibling ticket)
If you would like to book the offer price for 6 sessions, please enter a ticket for each date you would like to attend into your basket and the offer will apply automatically.
Showstopper Tots
Led by Mairi Cowieson
Showstopper Tots Musical Theatre themed music and movement classes for ages 2-5yrs. Younger siblings are welcome. Under 6 months free.
Sing, Dance and drive with us on our wonderfully fun and exciting Chitty Chitty Bang Bang theme. A magic car? One that flies? Don't forget to say 'Please Chitty' as we play our 'Toot Sweets' and find out how the dogs have ruined Mr Potts's chances of buying that Car! We will dance to 'Me Ol' Bamboo' and succeed in our mission to trick the Vulgarians, as we sing 'Chu-chi Face' and use excellent 'Teamwork'!
A class like no other! Little ones, dance, sing and enjoy a drama adventure, ending each class with our unique story show, in our mini theatre.
Building confidence, musicality, coordination, concentration, all through the wonderful world of Musical Theatre. Led by a professional West End performer and director.
Spring
Course 1:
Thur 9 Jan - 13 Feb (6 weeks)
Course 2:
Thur 27 Feb - 3 Apr (6 weeks)
£48 for 6 week course (1 adult and 1 child)
£9 drop-in per session (1 adult and 1 child).
£5.40 drop-in per sibling per session
A story song is added to each week to enhance their engagement and concentration skills. It's also fun for the parents/carers who attend with their little ones.
Age guidance: 2-5 years
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Singing is a great way to relieve stress and promote well-being.
Meet new people and take some time for you in this new acappella choir for mums, dads, grandparents, carers and their babies!
It is a baby friendly class, created especially so you can bring the baby you care for. Grown ups are in a semi circle (with room for your buggy next to you) and babies can sit, crawl or play on the blanket in front of you.
These uplifting classes are led by conductor/composer (and mum) Marta Radwan. There's no auditions, no singing experience is needed and you don't need to have a 'good voice' - just an openness to have a go! You'll be sure to know the songs and there will even be some which include your little one.
There's also:
* Free on-site parking
* Café (open all day)
* Baby changing facilities
Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Carers all welcome with their babies under 18 months
12.30pm - 1.30pm
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Fri 10 Jan - 14 Feb (6 weeks)
Fri 21 Feb - 28 Mar (6 weeks)
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Pinocchio
Visit the incredible world of Stuff and Nonsense as they bring Pinocchio to our stage for Christmas 2024.
This is the unique story of ‘when dad was made of wood’...
One cold night Pinocchio, Geppetto and Sonny go on a journey in search of a place to live. Little do they know the house they’re staying in is a playground for their imaginations...
Join the trio as they embark on adventures to the land of play, inside a whale and much more! Will Pinocchio ever turn back into a real boy?
Stuff and Nonsense are leaders in family theatre. Their adaptation of Pinocchio combines classic elements of the story – a poor woodcarver, the tell-tale growing nose, the dream of becoming a real boy – with their hallmark hilarity, skilled puppetry, original music, fantastic staging, outstanding performers and extraordinary physical tricks.
Invest in your children’s imaginations: join us in the theatre and take playfulness home with you!
'Oodles of festive fun, silliness, and joy, Norden Farm’s take on the classic tale is what every kid needs this Christmas' Muddy Stilettos
'The actors move seamlessly between the characters and the show is peppered with music. it’s also really funny! It really felt like a show that would ignite the imagination of children watching it' Red Kite Days
'A very clever and creative way to tell the story of Pinocchio and a definite must see this Christmas' Face2Face Maidenhead
'Pinocchio and his father Geppetto have many adventures on the way with the imagination of the young audience egging them on' Marlow FM
Age guidance
Suitable for all the family - age guidance 3 - 10 years.
Relaxed Performances
The performances on Saturday 30 November at 11am and Friday 27 December at 11am are Relaxed. Ideal for families with babies or toddlers and children with SEND. Everyone is welcome to join us for this friendly format.
Signed Performance
The performance on Saturday 21 December at 2pm will be signed.
Run time
Pinocchio is 70 minutes long without an interval.
Tickets
£16 | £14 Under 16s
£56 Family and Friends (4 people)
Tickets for children under 18 months
For this show, tickets/seats are not required for children under 18 months who are happy to sit on laps.
Pre-School Term Time Ticket Offer
Book one Standard and one Under 5 ticket for term time performances of Pinocchio for the special price of £25. Valid on Tuesday - Friday performances until Fri 20 Dec. Offer applied in basket once logged into your account.
Creative Team
Directed by Niki McCretton
Music by Dom Coyote
With additional music by Tim Dalling
Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company's website
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Norden Farm Youth Theatre (Junior)
Led by Emma Duncan
In each session children take part in a series of drama games and activities that develop their confidence as well as teaching them drama skills. These include focus, communication, developing a character and voice projection.
As the weeks go on the group will each have a part with some lines to learn in a small-scale show. They will rehearse as a team and share what they have learnt during the last session, more details to follow on this after half term.
Suitable for school years 2 - 6.
'Norden Farm is my favourite after school club, it always keeps me moving and relaxed. It is a great place to go for drama and within a short time, I have become far more confident and expressive' Timothy, age 7
'We have sent both of our children to Youth Theatre at Norden Farm and have seen dramatic improvements in there ability, confidence, social awareness and expressiveness generally and specifically. The environment is safe and developmental in a broad and exciting sense' Alex - parent
Autumn - Improvisation Term
Wed 11 Sept - 18 Dec, exc 30 Oct (14 weeks)
5pm - 6pm
£145
Spring
Wed 15 Jan - 2 Apr (12 weeks)
5pm - 6pm
£126
Junior Youth Theatre Booking Form
'The youth theatre is a nice place and I’ve only been here a short time and I Love it!' Junior Youth Theatre Student
'It is cool and welcoming' Junior Youth Theatre Student
'The youth theatre is one of the most professional classes I’ve enrolled in' Junior Youth Theatre Student
'The youth theatre is one of the best drama clubs, everyone is so friendly and we do amazing games' Junior Youth Theatre Student
'We have absolutely loved the drama classes, we have seen a tremendous improvement with our daughter's confidence, she enjoys the sessions as there is a mixture of techniques and games and has made friends along the way! Emma is great at adapting the lessons and I have only seen improvements, we Look forward to the end of summer show combined with the senior class!!! Love Norden Farm as the venue!' Junior Youth Theatre Parent
'This is my daughter’s first experience of a drama club - and it has been such a positive, confidence-boosting, creative experience for her. I particularly love that there is no pressure on the children - there is plenty of time and practice to get ready for the end of season Sharing Session, and the level of performance is just enough to stretch them, without making them worry. It’s pure joy and excitement! You can see how far the group has progressed from term to term - they are becoming a very confident and capable group of Thespians!' Junior Youth Theatre Parent
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