The Opera House on Quay Street opened in 1912, spent spells as a wartime cinema and a bingo hall, and has been a theatre again since 1984. It takes the big national tours, booked through ATG. Christmas is Dick Whittington, from 5 December to 3 January, with a relaxed performance on 30 December.
The family shows are one or two-day visits bunched into the holidays: The Dinosaur That Pooped on 16 February and a Fun for Little Ones Ms Rachel tribute on 18 February, Disney Princess - The Concert on 4 April, and Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain from 24 to 26 June. Back to the Future the Musical takes the summer.
It is a large, grand old house, so small children are better off in the stalls, which is also the only level where booster seats are allowed.
Manchester's big city-centre panto, with Jason Manford and Ben Nickless back on the Opera House stage. Early December weekdays have 1pm shows as well as 7pm ones. Under 18 months can sit on your lap free with a babes-in-arms voucher.
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One email a week: what is on this weekend within a sensible drive, and the places worth booking before they go.