'Are We Nearly There?'

Drama-related events for children over the half-term

Haymarket Theatre, Leicester

The Pippin Club theatre has performances and workshops every Saturday for 4-7yr olds. This weekend it's The Ugly Duckling by Little Angel Theatre Company, with storytelling, puppets and music in the Studio Theatre.

Sat 19 Oct, 11am-12pm. Adult, pounds 3.50; child, pounds 2.50. (0116-253 9797)

Royal Exchange, Manchester

Members of the company lead afternoon workshops for 10-12 year olds in Manchester Town Hall. Limited places need booking in advance. Wed 23 and Fri 25 Oct; pounds 3 per workshop, pounds 5 for two. Contact Dawn Chadwick (0161-833 9333).

Royal National Theatre, London

Although there are no workshops, parents can take their children on a behind-the-scenes tour of the theatre, taking in the backstage, dressing rooms and technical areas. Meet in the Littleton Foyer. Daily, 12.30pm and 5.30pm. (0171-633 6880)

Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh

Opera Circus perform King Stag, a theatre fantasy with plenty of colourful costumes. A workshop based on the production is open to all ages. For workshop (Sat, 11am-1pm), ask for Claire Beattie. Performances: Thur 24- Sat 26, 7.30pm; pounds 7, conc pounds 4. Performance plus workshop: pounds 9, conc pounds 5 (0131- 228 1404).

BAC, London

Tragedy, melodrama and physical theatre combine in the Time Machine workshop for 8-11 year olds. Young performers will put on their own show for family and friends at the end of the week. Oct 21-25, 2-4pm; pounds 15-25.

For younger children (5-7) there's A day in the Life of the Jungle which mixes drama with some crafty mask making. Oct 21-25 10.30am-12.30pm (pounds 15- 25). (0171-223 2223)

The Tramway Theatre, Glasgow

The Oily Cart Company perform The Roly Poly Pudding, jam-packed with puppets and participation. Children, from 3 to 10, are encouraged to join in and solve Roly Poly puzzles. 19 Oct, 1am; pounds 1. (0141-287 5511)

Liese Spencer