GATEWAY TO THE WORLD & More Slated for Wilton's Music Hall This Autumn

Wilton's Music Hall presents a fun and exciting Autumn with events and activities to keep all ages amused, informed and thoroughly entertained in the lead up to Christmas.

Wilton's is excited to announce Gateway to the World (22 - 23 October) - two action-packed days of free family fun and learning. The third in a series of themed annual festivals supported by Heritage Lottery Fund, this is proving to be the best yet with a packed programme offering lots to see and do for all the family. This year's theme explores the impact of trade and immigration on events at Wilton's during its long and colourful history and on the people whose lives have been connected to the building.

Each day presents a spectacular array of dance, drama and musical performances from local school and community groups, as well as professional magicians, acrobats, puppeteers and more, with a large number of the acts representing the heritage of the building itself. Meanwhile, front of house rooms will be buzzing with arts and crafts, free face painting and balloon stalls to keep children amused whilst mums and dads soak up the atmosphere of this very special building, which scooped four RIBA awards in 2016. Highlights of the weekend will include learning origami skills with the Museum of London Docklands, Tales from the Shed from Chickenshed, fabulous Bollywood and traditional Indian dance performances (with a chance for all to join in!), silent film comedy with live music from the wonderful Lucky Dog Picture House, and the opportunity for little ones to create their own audio-visual music collage with much-acclaimed Music Jelly's fun, inspirational mix and mashup suite.

After featuring in Gateway to the World, Tales from the Shed 'On Tour' presented by renowned Chickenshed will be back to brighten up November with a dose of delightful silliness (16-19 November) to keep everyone laughing all the way to Christmas. This interactive and lively theatre show encourages kids to make a lot of noise and to be part of the story. Live songs, loveable puppets and a barrel load of fun make this a hugely entertaining show, perfect 0-6 year olds. In short, it's a hoot for all the family.

Wilton's is delighted to be wrapping up the season in true style with the Mother of all Pantos - Mother Goose (2-31 December). The same creative team that brought the house down with Dick Whittington in 2015 is back to give audiences a real festive treat with their take on this classic tale, specially adapted for Wilton's by none other than Roy Hudd, who steps into the Dame's shoes once more. There'll be song and dance, love and romance and arch villains versus good fairies, so brace yourself for booing, cheering, uproarious laughter and 400 year-old jokes about stuffing. All together now....HE'S BEHIND YOU!

There's lots more excitement coming up for kids and young adults at Wilton's leading up to Christmas, including baby and toddler workshops run by the Royal Opera House, Little Big Sing, where little ones can explore the world of opera through listening, moving, playing and singing along to the beautiful music of Handel (see website for details) . For aspiring young playwrights, Wilton's is thrilled to announce the launch of this year's Wilton's Young Writers Group, a series of free workshops for 16-25 year olds who are passionate about writing and the world of theatre. They will get the chance to see work by previous young writers at the Young Writers Showcase on 24th October. Wilton's is also looking forward to Concordia Foundation returning with a new project for local young people...

For more information, visit wiltons.org.uk or contact the Box Office at 020 7702 2789. Wilton's Music Hall is located in Graces Alley, London, E1 8JB.

IF YOU GO:

Gateway to the World

Dates: 22 - 23 October

Time: Saturday 10am - 6pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm

Tickets: Free

Ages: All ages

Tales from the Shed on Tour

Dates: 16-19 November

Time: 11:30am

Tickets: £5-£6

Ages: 0 - 6

Mother Goose

Dates: 2 - 31 December

Time: 7pm evenings, 2pm matinees

Tickets: £15-£30

Ages: 5+

Young Writers Group

Showcase: 24 October, 7pm

Workshops: 31 October, 14 November, 28 November, 12 December

Wilton's Music Hall is a gem in the heart of London and the oldest grand music hall in the world. It presents a year round programme of exceptional live music and world-class productions alongside learning and participation work that engages the local community and schools. The Grade 2 Star listed building recently completed a 4 year capital project with support from Heritage Lottery Fund and numerous trusts and individuals. This project, designed by Tim Ronalds Architects recently won the RIBA London Award 2016, RIBA London Conservation Award 2016 and RIBA London Building Of The Year 2016. Note: Wilton's is not open on Bank Holidays.

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