Tag: Facilities

by David Burgess on May 8, 2018 0

Theatre Breaks For Families In The UK

Theatre Breaks For Families

Are you looking to take your family to the theatre and stay overnight? Have you thought about a theatre break family package? You can save money by booking both the show and the hotel together as a package.

Here you will find a collection theatre breaks for families – some of the best London west end family shows and family friendly hotels together, at the best prices.

Take full advantage of getting to see one of London’s West End Shows for families, and afterwards stay over in one of the best family friendly hotels. For me one of the benefits of doing it this way is that we get to have a nice family outing together, without the long, tiring journey back home after, where the kids are screaming and everyone is exhausted and grumpy. Instead, after the show has finished you can head back to the hotel, relax and enjoy the facilities for the rest of the evening, and head home the next day when everyone is well slept and refreshed.

Sometimes it can be hard to find a family friendly UK break. Theatre breaks are perfect for families with children of all ages (yes even grown up ones!). The excitement of getting to see a show together and spend some family time, without all the rushing!

Here you will find a selection of the best West End shows for families, and the best London hotels for families reviewed and rated, and you can combine the show you would like to see with the hotel that is most suitable for your family, to create your perfect family theatre break.

Family Theatre Tickets UK

Enjoy a Family Trip To London!
At the top half of the page you will find a selection of the best west end shows for families. And the second half of the page lists and reviews several family friendly hotels that you can stay at. If you click through using the links given you will be able to combine the show you would like to see with the hotel you would like to stay in for your ideal family theatre break.

PRICES START FROM AS LOW AS £140 FOR A FAMILY OF 4. THIS INCLUDES YOUR ACCOMMODATION AND SHOW TICKETS!

Prices are correct as of February 2013 and are an estimate only. They will vary depending on the deal you chose and are subject to change.

The Lion King

West End Show For Families
The Lion King is a visually stunning production which brings to life this captivating family tale using costumes and colourful performance. If you loved the film you will love the show. Simba’s journey, portrayed through dazzling dances and displays of colour, make you feel as though you are in Africa!

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SHOW IS AIMED AT CHILDREN AND ADULTS ABOVE 7 YEARS OLD. CHILDREN ABOVE 3 YEARS ARE PERMITTED IF THEY CAN SIT IN THEIR SEATS AND ARE ACCOMPANIED BY ADULTS AT ALL TIMES. STROBE LIGHTING IS USED DURING THE SHOW

Matilda the Musical

Based on Roald Dahl’s classic novel, this show is loved by children and adults alike. The songs are composed by Tim Minchin and along with Director Dennis Kelly, brings fun and hilarity to the story.

If you don’t already know the story Matilda is an extremely intelligent young girl who possesses psychokinetic powers. She is neglected by her family and finds solace in a female teacher who is impressed by her wit, and an unlikely and touching bond if formed.

THIS SHOW ONLY ADMITS CHILDREN AGED 6+

Billy Elliot

Billy Elliot the film was a HUGE hit, and the show has the added benefit of music from Sir Elton John! This is a spectacular show better suited to older children and teenagers, as well as adults. With lots of singing and dancing, this high energy performance will leave you all buzzing with plenty to talk about over dinner.

The story is about a boy from a small mining town where life is tough and the men are tougher. He is being brought up by his single Dad and life if not easy. When Billy takes an interest in ballet his father is not best pleased but Billy is enthralled by the dance and starts a quest to become a successful male ballet dancer. It’s an emotional tale full of ups and downs and ultimately a feel good show.

THIS SHOW DOES CONTAIN SOME BAD LANGUAGE AND IS RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN ABOVE 12 YEARS, ALTHOUGH CHILDREN OVER 7 WILL BE LET IN. UNDER 16’S MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT.

To book your family theatre break to see Billy Elliot click here: Theatre Breaks with Superbreak

War Horse

Set at the beginning of world war 1, this is the gripping tale of a young boy’s love for his horse. When Albert’s horse Joey is sold as a war horse to serve his country, the young boy sets out on a risky and dangerous journey to find the horse again. It’s based on a novel by Micheal Morpurgo and has been called a work of genius.

THIS SHOW IS SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS OVER 10 YEARS OLD

To book to see War Horse click here: Theatre Breaks with Superbreak

Shrek

This is a new production based on the film Shrek, with all the familiar characters including Donkey and Fiona. This musical is full of comedy value and a real treat for the ears.

PLEASE NOTE THAT SHREK THE MUSICAL ONLY ADMITS CHILDREN AGED 5+

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a magical tale with lots of imagination about a young boy living in poverty with his family whose luck changes the day he finds a golden ticket inside a bar of chocolate. This story is so well known and well loved that is has been made into a film several times over, most recently starring Johnny Depp as the eccentric and interesting character of Willy Wonka.

The story was written by Roald Dahl and is brought to the theatre by Sam Mendes.

THIS SHOW WILL PREMIER IN JUNE 2013 AND IS EXPECTED TO BE A HIT. BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.

Stomp

Stomp is a unique and amazing show, not least because the music is created using everyday objects such as dustbin lids and brooms and the choreography is based around that. It’s ingenious and fascinating to watch as the performers build the music and routines up to a crescendo.

This is an award winning family show that will stay in your memory for a long time to come.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The hotels listed below are a sample of what is available with one of these packages, along with reviews. They are up to date as of February 2013, however this is intended for information only and no guarantees can be made that the hotels will be available at the time of your trip.

Travelodge London Docklands

This hotel is a good choice for the budget conscious, although the facilities are still very comfortable and clean. It’s a 3 star, family friendly hotel located in the London Docklands, with easy access from the A13, and is about 2.5 miles from the west end. If you stay here as part of your package you will save yourself some money, so perhaps you can treat yourself to an extra special family dinner.

There is a cafe restaurant at the site as well as on site parking (although there is a small charge for the parking).

London Novotel Excel

This hotel is ideally located really close to the centre of London with stunning views over the Thames and a fabulous restaurant facility. This is a very clean and luxurious hotel and provides a tranquil retreat amongst the hustle and bustle of central London.

There are also gym facilities on site.

Novotel London Greenwich

This is a luxury 4 star family friendly hotel located in Greenwich, which is an area of London that is steeped in history. The hotel is located by the train and DLR lines providing very easy access to central London. There is wi-fi, a gym and two restaurants.

This is a truly lovely hotel with excellent reviews.

The Savoy

If you like a little more luxury this option is for you. Perhaps it’s a special occasion and you want to treat your family to a special family London trip?

This iconic hotel has hand a recent refurbishment and is now proud to offer its customers the best of luxury. It’s a very traditionally British hotel with an Edwardian theme.

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by David Burgess on May 3, 2018 0

Circus Museum in Sarasota

John and Mable Ringling Circus Museum

The Ringling Brothers Circus used to winter in Sarasota, Florida. John and Mable Ringling built a mansion here. The Ringling mansion, Art Museum, Circus Museum and a beautiful Rose Garden, all on a 66 acre estate, were left to the State of Florida on John Ringling’s death. The property is managed by Florida State University and is open to the public.

The photo here is a dummy on a bike on a wire at the entrance to the Circus Museum’s Tibbals Learning Center. High wire circus performers did a lot of things on the wire. Some did ride bikes, others juggled, and some sat on chairs. All videos and all photos except the circus wagon close-up on this lens were made by me. The one exception was made by my husband.

The Greatest Show on Earth Movie

Circus Museum gallery exhibit honoring the movie “The Greatest Show on Earth”. Cecil B. DeMille produced, directed, and narrated the movie. At the 25th Academy Awards it won the Oscar for Best Picture.

The movie featured Charlton Heston, Jimmy Stewart, Tony Curtis and Betty Hutton among other movie stars. The movie was made in Sarasota, Florida, and the real Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Circus’ 1951 troupe of 1400 people and hundreds of animals appear in the film. The gallery has a wall of still images captured during the making of the film.

The movie can be seen on a tv set up in the display. “The Greatest Show on Earth” shows what it is like to live the circus life. I saw the movie when it was first released and really liked it.

John and Mable Ringling

John was one of seven brothers that started The Ringling Brothers Circus in 1884. The small circus began in Baraboo, Wisconsin. They quickly became a financial success because of their reputation for honesty. The ticket sellers were not allowed to short change the customers. The Ringlings didn’t have games of chance that conned customers, either.

The decision to buy two railroad cars in 1889 allowed the circus to travel between big cities and skip the small towns. That gave them larger audiences and increased the profits. The Ringlings bought the Barnum & Bailey Circus and merged the two circuses in 1919. At that time their winter quarters were in Bridgeport, Connecticut. During those early years John Ringling was the advance man and Charles Ringling was the manager.

John and Mable Burton were married in 1905, but never had children. The last of John’s brothers died in 1926 leaving him the sole owner of the circus. The following year he moved the winter headquarters to Sarasota, Florida, where he and his wife had a winter home and a museum building for their art collection. The Ringlings named their 30 room mansion Cà d’Zan which means “The House of John” in a Venetian dialect.

Ringling lost almost all his fortune during the Great Depression in 1929. His wife Mable died in 1929 and he died in 1936. Ringling left Cà d’Zan, the museum, and his art collection to the state of Florida.

Ringling Circus Museum Gallery

This gallery is a large room with several circus wagons, some circus railroad cars, and some circus animals used on merry-go-rounds. The circus wagons were pulled by horses and carried all the belongings of circus performers. They also carried everything the circus needed to set up their “city” as they moved from place to place to perform. This video was made May 5, 2009.

Circus Wagons

Many of the circus wagons were a work of art themselves. This photo we made today at the Ringling Circus Museum shows one of the fabulous wagons. The wood wagon, pulled by a team of horses, was decorated with raised sculptures like these women. All was painted and then gold gilt paint was also applied.

The Human Cannon Ball

Ringling Circus Museum gallery with more circus wagons, the human cannonball truck, and a map of the winter circus grounds in Sarasota, Florida. The map shows one main road through a large tract of land with tents set up for every business you would find in a city.

I always thought circus people would use the businesses and facilities like blacksmiths and doctors in the towns they worked. But, that was wrong. The big circuses like Ringling, were a world unto themselves. They carried huge tents for everything from kitchens, diningrooms, and blacksmiths to doctors.

Circus Side Show Posters

These large posters in my video showed the people with birth defects and abnormalities known as “Circus Freaks”. There was no medical cure for them in the 1800s and early 1900s. The people found a home with the circus and earned a living, too.

Human Cannonball and Circus Side Show

Lets see how many of us have seen the extreme exhibits of a circus. The Side Show had acts like sword swallowing and knife throwing as well as people born with physical abnormalities. They included the bearded woman, extremely tall people, midgets, grossly obese people, the man with three legs, and Siamese twins (conjoined). They were all displayed in the Side Show.
Ever see a human cannonball or circus sideshow?

Circus Winter Quarters in Sarasota, Florida.
This map, hanging in the Circus Museum building, shows the Ringling Circus winter quarters in Sarasota, Florida. You can see the railroad tracks in the lower right corner. That was the circus’s means of transportation out of Florida to the big cities where it performed.

It amazed me that the circus had its own hospital, upper left corner of map, Aviary, middle right of map, wagon building facilities and canvas waterproofing facilities, middle left of map. They could even repair their railroad cars themselves. The circus was a city within a city.

Tibbals Learning Center, Sarasota, Florida (2 of 2 buildings)

Howard Brothers Miniature Circus

The Howard Brothers Circus took Howard Tibbals 50 years to build. It is the world’s largest miniature circus with 8 main tents, 152 circus wagons, 1,300 performers and workers, 800 animals and a 59 car train. It occupies 3,800 square feet. This video that shows the Posters on the Side Show tent and the way people moved down the Midway to the Main Tent.

Another Look at the Miniature Circus

The theme for Howard Tibbals miniature circus is a day in the life of the circus. Tibbals based it on the real Ringling Bros Circus. The lights dim and go off to simulate an actual day. It’s fun to see all the circus people relaxing and going about daily lives as well as performing.

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