Half-term is upon us once more. With the weather more unpredictable, the autumn is a good time to introduce youngsters to the joys of theatre – both on and off stage. Andrew Clarke has a few suggestions to help transport ourselves and our imaginations to another world.

East Anglian Daily Times: Snail and the Whale, part of the New Wolsey Theatre, half term programme Photo: New WolseySnail and the Whale, part of the New Wolsey Theatre, half term programme Photo: New Wolsey (Image: Archant)

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich:

There’s plenty to the keep the whole family entertained at the New Wolsey Theatre this half term, as they play host to a range of quirky shows and well-loved titles.

Tickets for the magical stage adaption of Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffer’s much loved book, The Snail and the Whale (Mon 22 & Tue 23 Oct), and There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly (Thu 24 Oct) are booking fast, so get in quick to avoid disappointment.

East Anglian Daily Times: There Was An Old Lady, part of the New Wolsey Theatre, half term programme Photo: New WolseyThere Was An Old Lady, part of the New Wolsey Theatre, half term programme Photo: New Wolsey (Image: Archant)

Keep the older kids happy during their break too! On Sat Oct 20, youngsters can enjoy the return of the ever-popular Comedy Club 4 Kids, where well known comedians will take to our stage to provide giggles aplenty for ages 6+.

If magic is their thing, the incredible Charlie Caper and Malin Nilsson present Minor Miracles. A mesmerising show that blends classic magic, innovative comedy and effortless charm, Minor Miracles will wow audiences aged 8+ and their grown-ups on Wed 24 Oct.

Adults looking for a half term treat of their own should head to the New Wolsey Theatre on Sat 27 Oct, as acclaimed cabaret sensation Le Gateau Chocolat performs his latest show, Icons, as part of Pacitti Company’s SPILL Festival.

If a post half term treat is in order, head to the New Wolsey Studio from Tue 30 to Sat 3 Nov for the New Wolsey Youth Theatre’s Treasure Island! Ideal for ages 7+ and adults alike, join Jim Hawkins on a sea-shanty filled adventure to remember.

To find out more about each of these shows, and to book your tickets visit www.wolseytheatre.co.uk or call the New Wolsey Box Office on 01473 295900.

Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds:

Stage productions of work by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are all the rage this half-term. From Fri 26 – Sat 27 Oct, the theatre will be staging Tabby McTat, presented in a show suitable for children and families of all ages.

Tabby McTat is a cat with the loudest of meee-ews and a best friend with a guitar, Fred. Interwoven with original songs, Tabby McTat is the heart-warming tale of friendship and loyalty from the team behind Stick Man Live and Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales.

Tabby McTat has five performances at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Fri 26 – Sat 27 Oct, tickets are on sale at the Box Office, call 01284 769505, book online at www.theatreroyal.org/shows/tabby-mctat/ or visit the theatre in person.

The theatre is also staging a October Half Term workshop: Feline Friends Day, suitable for ages 6-11. Held over three days the acting and activity workshop costs £35 per person per day or book all days and receive 20% discount. The workshop will be exploring the world of cats – their antics, adventures and enemies – through acting, movement and prop-making. For more information call the box office on 01284 769505.

She is the glorious enfant terrible of magic. He is a gentleman hobo, a conjuror extraordinaire. Caper and Nilsson bring their unique combination of magic, comedy and surrealism to the Theatre Royal on Thurs Oct 25. A laugh-out-loud, one-of-a-kind magic show Minor Miracles is packed with world class sleight-of-hand magic and topped with a pinch of confetti.

Red Rose Chain, The Avenue, Ipswich:

This community-based theatre company will be staging an hour of storytelling and play for children and families on Sat Oct 20 between 3-4pm. Held at Avenue Theatre, in Gippeswyk Avenue, families are invited to engage in an hour of storytelling and learn all about Little Red Riding Hood and her adventures with the Big Bad Wolf. Tickets: children £4, adults go free! Call the box office on 01473 603388.

Spill Festival, Ipswich Waterfront:

On Ipswich Waterfront, Block Magic, a family-friendly event, from Oct 25-Nov 4, allows people to create a constantly shifting playground structure made from coloured crates. “Using specially designed software, kids can move lots of coloured blocks around and create their own spaces to play in,” says curator Robert Pacitti. It is hoped that research conducted as part of this event could effect improvements at children’s play spaces in Ipswich. Admission is free.

What happens if your food starts talking back to you? This is the premise behind Eaten, by Mamoru

Iriguchi, which sees Lionel the Lion inviting children to the fascinating world of food chains and digestion. Lionel’s just eaten Mamoru for lunch but hasn’t chewed his food well, so Mamoru’s

alive and well in his stomach, and now wants to say hello. This is staged on Fri Oct 26 at Spill Central, next to Barclays Bank in Ipswich town centre. Performances at noon and 3pm. Tickets are £5. More information on spillfestival.com