Get ready for a jam-packed summer this year with Midlands Arts Centre. Our selection of events range from sing-a-long cinema screenings, to critically acclaimed live theatre to extravagantly engaging dance performances. Whatever your interests, there’s plenty of family fun for all!
Dance & Performance
Autin Dance Theatre: Out of the Deep Blue | Sun 26 Jun
With families and children in mind, Out of the Deep Blue dives into the themes of the climate emergency and the biodiversity crisis in an outdoor spectacle through dance, movement and masterful puppeteering, featuring a magical 4-metre tall Puppet operated by 5 world-class puppeteers and contemporary dancers.
Man Made Youth Company: July Free Intensive | Mon 25 – Thu 28 Jul
Ran additionally by Autin Dance Theatre, Man Made Youth Company is continuing their free artistic programme for young men aged 12+ which includes dance and physical theatre workshops, creating indoor and outdoor work, as well as exploring digital programmes and screen dance.
Theatre
Oddsocks: Hamlet – The Comedy | Sat 9 – Sun 10 Jul
Shakespeare’s famous tragedy is performed as you’ve never seen before with lots of laughs, music and memorable moments to be enjoyed by all the family.
Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors | Mon 29 Aug
We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So prepare yourselves for Terrible Tudors live on stage; a kid’s classic reinvented. Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed, it’s history with the nasty bits left in!
Colourbox Films & Workshops
Colour Box: Minuscule – Valley of The Ants | Sun 5 Jun
Come along for a fantastic family animated journey as the remains of a picnic hastily abandoned spark warfare between two tribes of ants and a bold young ladybird finds himself caught in the middle. Preceded by a workshop in which tiny hands can create their very own polymer clay ladybirds to bake and harden in their ovens at home.
Colour Box: A Minuscule Adventure | Sun 3 July
As the first snowflakes fall in the valley, it’s high time to gather supplies for winter, but a young ladybug becomes trapped in a parcel that gets shipped off to the Caribbean!
Join Colour Box for a screening of the brilliant family film A Minuscule Adventure, preceded by a drop-in workshop inspiring kids to make their own insects, inspired by the loveable characters from the Miniscule films.
Arts Markets
July Arts Markets | Sun 3 July
With a long history of successful craft fairs, MAC is proud to present another year of regular markets featuring the work of local designer makers. Expect a range of stalls with a broad selection of quality handmade products including ceramics, jewellery, paintings, and craft items. Find the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one, and discover new creative talent in the city. Suitable for all ages.
Music
Celebrating Sanctuary Refugee Week: Family Event | Sat 25 Jun
Celebrating Sanctuary Birmingham’s Refugee Week Festival returns this June for an exciting afternoon of music with performances by top musicians from around the world – celebrating the contribution and resilience of refugees in the UK, and sharing their stories and campaigns.
Moana Sing-a-Long | Sat 9 Jul
Skipping forward to July, we have a singalong version of the Disney hit Moana; a critically acclaimed, family classic on the very real heritage and history of Polynesian islands such as Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, and Tahiti.
Encanto Sing-A-Long | Sat 23 July
In addition to Moana, this July we are also inviting families to come and sing along to an additional Disney hit; Encanto. Featuring original songs by multiple award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Creative Courses
Book now for a range of practical courses designed especially for children and young people to unleash their creativity. Let imaginations run free on the Create a Creature Camp, learn about print making and pottery, or join us on one of our family courses to make, learn and have fun together.
Find out more and book now at macbirmingham.co.uk.