Mamas Secret London

Can you keep a secret ? Well we can, and despite not wanting to upset anyone, a group of London mums have decided it’s time to share some of their best kept secrets. We wanted to share all the really fun and cool things that we found out about going on in London. We really love craft fairs, independent shops, playing in the park, cool kids activities, handmade everything, sample sales for great bargains, and fun and messy workshops for kids, to name but a few. Oh! We are also really partial to clever design, especially modern, scandinavian, vintage and retro finds … we love sharing our secrets with you, only if you promise not to tell.

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50 Family Days Out in London

50 Family Days Out in London

Turbine Hall, Tate Modern

It’s not hugely known but you can enjoy top class Family Contemporary Dance Days & Shows at The Place, Euston. The Place is home to London Contemporary Dance School, Richard Alston Dance Company, a 280 seat theatre, and they host an annual Summer festival, courses and workshops aimed at boys – it’s not all about football you know.

You are always welcome to join a  Cu…

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Best London Summer Drama & Art Camps

Best London Summer Drama & Art Camps

Do you want to win a Tony Award, RA scholarship, or would you prefer a BAFTA? These are the questions you should be asking at tea time, if you have found that you are now managing the career of your mini-award winning actor or artist

As I know time is money, and I want to save you both, I have put together a round up of some of the hottest Theatre, Dance & Art Summer courses. Although many of…

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Sweet Smelling Family Fun at Somerset House this Summer

Sweet Smelling Family Fun at Somerset House this Summer

There is a rather sweet smell coming from the Somerset House major summer exhibition this year. If you fancy a sniff then make time to visit their new exhibition ‘Perfume: A Sensory Journey Through Contemporary Scent’, that will run between 21 June and 17 September. You will find it in the East Wing Galleries (walk around the fountains, towards the river, and turn left – I find the signs there…

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Why Wormtail & Winky Loved 'Harry Potter in Concert' at the Royal Albert Hall

Why Wormtail & Winky Loved ‘Harry Potter in Concert’ at the Royal Albert Hall

(Firstly, for those of you who know who Wormtail and Winky are, you are better muggle that I).

As hard as we try to wish we weren’t all just plain old muggles, bobbing about our daily lives here on planet earth, sometimes it’s the truth that hurts, and we have to accept that we are. Or are we ?

If you ask my 8 year old Potter Head, she would most definitely give you a sly look of confidence to…

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What's On For Science Kids at the Royal Institution

What’s On For Science Kids at the Royal Institution

Here’s a round up of the SUMMER school events & Family Events coming up at the at ROYAL INSTITUTION in Mayfair.

You can enjoy a wide range of morning and day workshops for kids aged 7-9, 10-12, 13-15, and 16-18 years old. Sessions are brilliantly planned on subjects from Engineering in 3D to the mathematics of rainbows. Read the Summer course prospectus here.

You can catch up 5 of the Best…

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Creative Little Kids : Create a Crayon Shape Painting

Creative Little Kids : Create a Crayon Shape Painting

Here is a simple activity that will keep young and old kids entertained over the holidays, that is also mess free, and guess what, it’s educational too.

Create a Crayon Shape Painting

Once your young child has figured out how to draw shapes, they’ll want to make them all the time. Get inspired by shapes with this fun art project that introduces geometry to your shape-drawing child. They’ll make…

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Best Family Friendly Afternoon Teas in London

Best Family Friendly Afternoon Teas in London

Best Family Friendly Afternoon Teas in London

So it’s the simple things in life that matter right ? Well I have a feeling that at least 50% of the planet can’t make a really good (builders in my case) cup of tea, so with that in mind, I’m sharing tips from the top people in the business. Fortnum’s of course.

Here is a simple digest…

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“If you would like me to book your tickets for you and give you warm and cuddly concierge style service with your booking, email me with the details of which show, date & preferred time (matinee or evening) and the number of children & adult tickets required. I will find the best deals, and take care of it all for you! [email protected] or 07958 385 929.” – See more on My Culture Club.

FAMILY PANTOS Mother Goose, Wiltons Music Hall, Dec 2nd – Dec 31st Red Riding Hood, Hoxton Hall, December 17 2016 – Saturday December 24th Aladdin, Broadway Theatre Catford, December 3 2016 – Saturday January 7 Sleeping Beauty, Hackney Empire, November 26 2016 – Sunday January 8 Sinbad the Sailor, Theatre Royal Stratford East, December 3 2016 – Saturday January 21 2017

CHILDREN AGED 6 and UNDER

Peter Pan: A New Adventure  : Greenwich Theatre (All ages) Runs 18 Nov 2016 – 8 Jan 2017 (Running Time 2hrs20) : From £14

Raymond Brigg’s Father Christmas  : Lyric Hammersmith (Under 6) Runs 18 Nov – 24 Dec  : From £10

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt, Live on Stage, Arts Depot, Finchley  ( Age 3+) Runs Wed 7th Dec to Monday 2nd Jan. From £12.50

Stick Man : Leicester Square Theatre, (Ages 3+) 5 Nov–30 Dec 2016. Family Ticket Available: 2 adults / 2 children or 1 adult / 3 children. Babes in arms: Under 18 months permitted without a ticket. Running time: 55 minutes. From £16.50 per child & £65 for a family ticket.

Baddies: The Musical Is Back!  : Unicorn Theatre, (Age 6+) Runs15 Nov – 31 Dec  : From £12

Mimi and the Mountain Dragon : Bloomsbury Theatre, (Ages 3+) Runs 13 Dec–31 Dec 2016. Adults £12, Children £10

In A Pickle, Arts Depot, Finchley. (Ages 3-5) Runs 13th – 31st Dec. From £10

Room on The Broom, Stratford Circus (Ages 3+) Runs 2 – 18 December (55 mins, no interval) : From £12

The Mad Hatters Tea Party, Roundhouse, Camden. Join a Culture Club Trip on SATURDAY 21 JAN AT 2.30PM. (All Ages). RUNNING TIME : 2hr20mins. Tickets : Adults £24 for those aged 16+. Child £18 for children aged 16 and under. Family Discount: £65 4 full price tickets for parties of 2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children.

Breaking the Ice : Stratford Circus, (Ages 2-5) Runs 19–24 Dec 2016. From £8, Duration: 40 mins + 15 mins stay & play

CINDERELLA THE PANTOMIME : The Palladium, (Age 4+) 2.30PM TUES 3RD JAN 2017. From £33. Running Time : TBC

The Railway Children  Kings Cross Theatre, (Ages 2+) until 8 Jan 2017. Various prices. (Running Time 2hrs.10m)

Boing, the Unicorn Theatre, Clore Theatre, (Ages 2-6) Runs 30 November to 1 Jan (RT : 50 Mins)

The Snowman: Sadler’s Wells – Peacock Theatre,  (All Ages) 23 Nov 2016–1 Jan 2017. From £32. (Running Time : 1hr50 with 20 min interval)

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show : Ambassador’s Theatre,  (Ages 2-7) 2 Dec 2016–8 Jan 2017.  From £ 26.50 + fees. NOTE : Babes in arms, aged 12 months or under, will be permitted access to The Ambassadors Theatre without a ticket for performances of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Babies must be securely strapped to their parent or carer by way of a baby carrier, sling, papoose or similar.

 Adventures to Oz, Chickenshed Theatre, Oakwood, Runs Nov 23rd to Jan 7th. From £15 + fees

Christmas Tales at Chickenshed, Dates: Saturday 3, Tuesday 6, Saturday 10, Thursday 15, Saturday 17, Thursday 22, Friday 23, Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28, Thursday 29 December (Ages 0-6yrs) Running time: 50mins. Tickets:  £8, free to babies under 1 year.

Cinderella, Chiswick House & Gardens, Runs Dec 16th to Dec 31st. From £30. Brought to you by Humdalila Productions, specialists in Immersive Theatre, this thrilling version of the classic tale combines an eclectic mix of first-class performers. Expect dancing mice, acrobatic lizards, ballerina snowflakes and a crazy magician. Arrive early for the full experience. Children can have their faces painted, interact with amazing balloonists and much more. Adults can enjoy a stress-free drink at the fully licensed bar and the family can all enjoy a variety of snacks and Christmas goodies from the stalls inside the Big Top.

Peppa Pig Live, Phoenix Theatre, Charing Cross Road, (All Ages) Thursday 15th Dec to Jan 7th. From £22+ fees

A Magical Stick Man Screening & Show, Enjoy songs and storytelling with Julia Donaldson and live illustration from Axel Scheffler followed by the award-winning animated film of Stick Man on the big screen. Royal Festival Hall, (Ages 5-8) Thursday 22 December 2016. Prices vary.

“YOU COULDN’T WISH FOR A SWEETER INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE” – Time Out

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt at Jacksons Lane, Highgate, (From the Little Angel Theatre) Ages 2+ Runs between 6 Dec to 24th Dec. Tickets from £14.95 + bookings fees, sold out until 10th Dec, when last looked.

HOW ABOUT A CRAFT WORKSHOP AT THE LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE?

Crafty Festive fun and stories for 2–8 year olds and their families with Santa’s Little Workshop Little Angel Theatre, N1 (Ages 2-8) Runs Sunday 4  – Saturday 24 December. £10 per child / £8 per adult +fees. For age 2 to 8. No more than 3 children per adult please, due to the craft activity. Under-2s can attend with older siblings or friends but the activity is not suitable for them, and please note that all children aged one or over on the day of the event need their own tickets. DURATION : 50 mins

CHILDREN AGED 6+

Babe, the Sheep-Pig : Polka Theatre, (Ages 5-11) Runs 25 Nov 2016–5 Feb 2017.  Main Stage, approx 1hr 45 mins Tickets £18.50 | Concessions £12 | Previews £14  £1.50 transaction charge per booking

Peter Pan Goes Wrong : Apollo Theatre, (Ages 8+) Runs until 29 January 2017 ( Running Time :  2 hrs with one interval). Tickets from £35 BOOK ON CULTURE CLUB and join a lovely group … there might be goody bags too!

Aladdin : The Lyric Hammersmith (Ages 6+) 11 NOV – 7 JAN ( Please note that all children over 18 months will require their own tickets). From £30 + fees

The Nutcracker : The Royal Opera House, (Ages 5+) Runs until 12 January 2017 (RT, 2 hrs and 15 mins with one interval). Pretty much sold out, or remaining tickets expensive around the £135 mark when I last looked. Email me if you want me to search out what’s available for you.

Duckie : Royal Festival Hall, (Ages 6+) Southbank, Runs 16 Dec–24 Dec. Tickets from £14 + fees.

The Red Shoes (Matthew Bourne Ballet) Sadlers Wells, Runs 6 Dec – 27 Jan (RT’ 2 hrs). From £35 for stalls.

Peter Pan, National Theatre (Age 7+) Runs from 17 Nov to 4th Feb (RT tbc). From £22

Kiki’s Delivery Service, Southwark Playhouse SE1, Runs Dec 8th to Jan 8th. From £16 kids and £64 for a family ticket.

The Little Match Girl, Shakespeare’s Globe, Runs Nov 24th to Jan 21st. From £10 for standing tickets

The Wind In The Willows, Rose Theatre Kingston, Runs Dec 6th to Jan 3rd. From £10-£30 (various Family Ticket options)

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All the Angels, Shakespeare’s Globe, Runs Dec 6th to Feb 12th. Fixed Position Standing: £10 | Seated: £15 – £48 | Premium Tickets: £62

No Fit State Circus : Bianco, Hungerford Bridge Car Park Southbank, Runs Nov 23rd to Jan 22nd. Prices £39.50 £30 £25

Million Dollar Quartet, Royal Festival Hall, Saturday December 17 2016 – Monday January 2 2017. Tickets range from; £95 £79.50 £59.50 £49.50 £39.50 £20 (selected performances £95 £75 £55 £45 £35 £20)

The Nutcracker, London Coliseum is on a UK Tour now, and arrives in London 14 Dec 2016 – 7 Jan 2017  (RT’ 2 hours 15 minutes including 1 interval). Up to two children (under 16) can attend half price with every full paying adult. Children under 5 are not allowed in the auditorium, except at Family-Friendly Performances.

TICKETS range from £88+ and are selling fast. FAMILY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES Tue 3 Jan, 2.30pm & Sat 7 Jan, 2.30pm  Children under 5 may attend these performances, and up to two children under 16 can go free with each full paying adult.

Have you any suggestions and recommendations of shows I have missed out? Can you recommend any family friendly restaurants nearby the theatres ?

Best London Christmas Family Theatre, Ages : Babies to 6 & Age 6 upwards “If you would like me to book your tickets for you and give you warm and cuddly concierge style service with your booking, email me with the details of which show, date & preferred time (matinee or evening) and the number of children & adult tickets required.

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When the #busstopkids and I were invited to review this show at the Unicorn last weekend, I had to do a some research on what happened to Jason in this particular Greek Myth, incase the kids asked me any questions! (I never reached the classics department at school, too busy in the drama studio!)

Valentina Ceschi, Dylan Townley, Dorian Simpson and Guy Rhys / Photography by Helen Murray

The research didn’t take long, I found a concise article on the BBC history site, that explained the story as …

“The Greek tale of Jason and the Golden Fleece has been told for 3,000 years. It’s a classic hero’s quest tale – a sort of ancient Greek mission impossible”.

Done job. Thanks BBC, again.

Here are 5 reasons you should book your ticket to see the show, which finishes next week on Oct 20th.

The play has been produced with young kids in mind, it’s set within the frame of a video game, with the God Hera, setting Jason and his argonauts his challenges as if he is moving up through a game. Think Donkey Kong meets Fallout.

I loved the set design. It’s simple, inventive and clever.

The actors are able to turn what is a complex story with lots of twists, turns, deaths and tragedy into a fast paced show with live music, a sing-a-long theme tune, and a lightness of touch from the ensemble.

It’s heart warming to watch the actors perform with such warmth and energy, and good therapy to think that the audience are learning about Classics.

If you have a few hours to spare, you could do a lot worse than hang out down by the River Thames, with Borough Market, Tower Bridge and the Southbank all within 5 mins of the theatre. Also the Unicorn team always make your time with them, welcoming, easy and effortless. No problem is ever too small for their staff.

If I had to give constructive feedback, I’d say it was 10 mins too long and at times I lost track of which place they were in … Though, the audience didn’t seem to mind about either of those things, so don’t take my word for it!

Valentina Ceschi as Medea and Dorian Simpson as Jason Photography by Helen Murray

Here’s 4 handy facts about this Greek Myth

Why a fleece? Fleeces are connected with magic in many folk traditions.

The story is a set a generation before the time of the Trojan War, around 1300 BC

The Greek claim that the Argo was the first ship ever built can not be true, but Jason’s journey was seen by the ancient Greeks as the first long-distance voyage ever undertaken.

Lemnos, an island in the north-eastern Aegean was Jason’s first stop. This was a place inhabited by women who had murdered their husbands after being cursed by Aphrodite.

Jason (Dorian Simpson), Atalanta (Valentina Ceschi) and Dylan Townley as musician Photography by Helen Murray

SHOW INFORMATION

Wednesday 12 October 2016, 10.30 relaxed performance

Join the team for a free post-show insight discussion after these performances: Thu 13 Oct, 1.30pm

SAT 15 OCT: MYTHS AND LEGENDS Take the stage for a truly dramatic workshop focusing on Jason & The Argonauts.

This event is part of Up Club+, tickets are £10 per child which includes a photo of you in action and a signed poster. Places are limited, book now to avoid disappointment.

The show is kindly supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation

Jason and the Argonauts is playing the Unicorn Theatre until 20 October 2016. For more information and tickets, see Unicorn Theatre website.

(So you know, we paid for 2 tickets and the #busstopkids were given complimentary ones).

5 Reasons to Watch ‘Jason and the Argonauts’ at the Unicorn (6-12yrs) When the #busstopkids and I were invited to review this show at the Unicorn last weekend, I had to do a some research on what happened to Jason in this particular Greek Myth, incase the kids asked me any questions!

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5 Best Family October Half Term London Events

5 Best Family October Half Term London Events

I hope you are well and really looking forward to making the most of 1/2 term for us with school aged kids… and for those of you with pint-sized babes not at school, then it’s that time when the venues become even more alive, so come and join us.

To keep you up to speed, I’ve started an enterprising approach to getting us all out to these fantastic events. I’ve set up a company ‘My Culture Club’…

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5 Best Family Events to Book at The Royal Albert Hall

5 Best Family Events to Book at The Royal Albert Hall

A packed Royal Albert Hall at a BBC Proms concert © Chris Christodoulou

Opened in 1871 to fulfil Prince Albert’svision of a central hall to promote the arts and sciences, the Hall is a registered charity that remains true to his founding ambitions. It hosts over 400 events a year in its secondary space, the Elgar Room, and beyond, broadening the Hall’s appeal to incorporate younger and more…

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5 Facts About The Wonderful Gifford's Circus

5 Facts About The Wonderful Gifford’s Circus

As the Mother ship of the Bus Stop My Culture Club is organising a family group trip on Friday 8th July to see this wonderful troupe of circus entertainers at Chiswick House, which you are MORE than welcome to join us at (leave a comment below if you want a ticket).

To say that myself and the #busstopkids are excited about going is a huge understatement. And, what’s more on the 8th July,  the…

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The Almeida Drama Academy for 5-14 year olds

The Almeida Drama Academy for 5-14 year olds

“It’s really quite unique, you get to learn about scripts, about what really happens in drama and I think the teachers are really nice.” – student, 9

The Almeida Academy is a programme of Saturday drama classes for children and young people aged 5 to 14.

The courses at this Islington theatre are run by industry professionals and give children and young people the opportunity to experiment with…

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Noodoll Needs Kids aged 5-8 Who Like Goody Bags!

Noodoll Needs Kids aged 5-8 Who Like Goody Bags!

Noodoll are  looking for children aged 5 – 8 to test their new Ricemonster activity book!

Our lovely friends over at Noodoll have been working on a new Ricemonster activity book and now we are looking for some kids to come and test some pages!

On 7 & 8th July 4pm till 5.30pm they’re inviting you to bring your kids to the Noodoll studio to try out some of the activities in their new book. Spend an…

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Septimus Bean and His Amazing Machine, Unicorn Theatre (Age 4+) : Bus Stop Family Review

Septimus Bean and His Amazing Machine, Unicorn Theatre (Age 4+) : Bus Stop Family Review

“This is a wonderful production for young children” – Laura, Mum

“It was so funny” – Tommy, 4

My husband and I attended the Unicorn Theatre’s terrific production of Septimus Bean and His Amazing Machine with our nine-year-old daughter and four-year-old son and were all captivated from the very start. In my son’s words, “It was so funny!”

The set was decorated with portraits of the king and…

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5 Family Things To Do at the Tate Modern

5 Family Things To Do at the Tate Modern

1. BESPOKE FAMILY TOURS

It goes without saying you should book onto one of the bespoke Tate Tour events I am running at My Culture Club. You can choose from family friendly private tours for under 5’s, for older kids and then for everyone (1 hr in duration). I run them monthly, and the next ones are in May half Term on June 3rd. There is a baby-friendly one at 10am, and one for kids aged 6+ and…

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I am Sofia and I a nearly 8 years old. I went to watch Into The Hoods with my mum on Friday night. It was really good and I have never seen dancing like that. It looked like slow motion when they were jumping. My favourite character was a boy called Jaxx. He could really move. I loved seeing the street dancing on the stage like that. The story was easy to follow and I really enjoyed the twists on the familiar fairytale themes.

I am Sofia’s mum. This was definitely a night out with my daughter that I easily enjoyed as much as her! The music was nostalgia central and had me bopping in my seat. The spin on the fairy tale characters was witty and out loud funny in many places. It was hugely entertaining to see the characters performs some incredible dance moves that not only move the story along and express the characters but in a kind of ‘dance off’ vibe also served to showcase the performers individual extraordinary dance talents.

I would totally recommend this for all ages. The place was packed with families, couples, and singles so you definitely won’t feel out of place. It’s even cool enough for your teenagers, of which there were a fair few that night!! Seriously, don’t miss it.

If you want to read a bit more about the brilliant Kate Prince, Artistic Director of Zoonation, here’s a Q&A about her 5 Favourite London places, and find out more about the fantastic kids Saturday Dance Academy that she runs, check out their website here.

If you’d like to take your Bus Stop Kid to review a show for us, drop me aline here at [email protected], we’d love to have your  join the gang.

SHOW INFO : ZooNation Dance Company; Into the Hoods: Remixed

Friday 4 May – Saturday 21 May 2016

Performances: Tue – Sat at 7.30pm, Sat at 2.30pm & Sun at 2pm & 6pm

Tickets: £15 – £38 (Under 16s half price)

Ticket Office: 020 7863 8222 or www.peacocktheatre.com

Image credit front cover : Corey Culverwell in Into the Hoods Remixed.© Hugo Glendinning. 

  Into The Hoods: Remixed features music from James Brown, Queen Latifah, Jay Z, Jennifer Hudson, Kool + The Gang, Salt n Pepa, Chemical Brothers, Kano, MC Hammer and new original work from Danilo ‘DJ’ Walde (Some Like it Hip Hop, The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party). The newly revamped show is once again directed and written by Kate Prince and features an updated creative team with musical direction by Danilo ‘DJ’ Walde, set design by Ben Stones, video design by Andrzej Goulding, costume design by Ben Stones and Russell Royer and lighting design by Andy Murrell. The production also features Carrie-Anne Ingrouille as associate director and Rowen Hawkins as associate choreographer.

ZooNation ‘Into The Hoods Remixed’ : Bus Stop Kids Review I am Sofia and I a nearly 8 years old. I went to watch Into The Hoods with my mum on Friday night.