Illustration of cat stood on a streetlamp with a large full moon and starry night sky

October half-term events in Coventry

Posted

Monday 12 October

Looking for things to do in Coventry this October half-term? From family shows and films to creative activities and live performances, there’s plenty to enjoy at Warwick Arts Centre this autumn.

Feline adventures with Toto The Ninja Cat

Toto The Ninja Cat and The Great Snake Escape brings writer and broadcaster Dermot O'Leary and illustrator Nick East’s best-selling book vividly to life. Toto may appear to be an ordinary (though blind) cat, but by night she employs her extraordinary ninja skills for adventure.

When a deadly King Cobra escapes onto the streets, it’s up to Toto to use every ounce of her courage and cunning to save the day.

Adapted by Samantha Lane (director) and Barb Jungr (music/lyrics), and featuring amazing puppets, the Little Angel Theatre Production is suitable for ages 5+.

If you’re attending Toto The Ninja Cat and The Great Snake Escape on Saturday, you can also enjoy a free Pompom Beasties Workshop. Learn a quick and easy way to make a pompom, then decorate it in the style of your favourite character from stage or screen.

Three craft creature characters made from colourful yarn pompoms, card, and feathers.

Poetry, stories and laughs with Michael Rosen

Poetry legend Michael Rosen celebrates his 80th birthday with a brand-new live show, Nice!. As Michael looks back at a lifetime in poetry, expect to hear such beloved classics as Hot Food, No Breathing and Chocolate Cake, along with never-before-heard poems from his just-published collection, Peas On Your Knees.

Author and poet Michael Rosen looks surprised as whimsical cartoon characters spring out of the open red book he is holding.

Family films and Halloween cinema

With Halloween on the horizon, there's spooky laughs guaranteed as Warwick Arts Centre's own haunted Cinema welcomes Ghosts: The Possession of Button House, the much anticipated big-screen spin-off from the hit TV sitcom.

Also heading to the cinema is Arrietty, Studio Ghibli's unique adaptation of Mary Norton's The Borrowers. The newly remastered 4K release delves into a secret world hidden beneath the floorboards for a sumptuously animated adventure.

A group of people in various period dress stand in a library, covered in dust sheets, looking out of a window.

Discover a world of wonder with Chris Packham

Those with a love of the natural world will be enthralled by Chris Packham’s World of Wonder: A Planet on the Edge, as the broadcaster and lifelong naturalist presents an evening of discovery. Opening an encyclopaedia of stories from his lifetime of curiosity and conviction, Chris tells previously untold stories and presents specimens from his own collections.

Activities for the whole family

For younger visitors, Let's Dance: My First Concert is a relaxed and interactive concert especially for babies, children, and their adults, and is preceded by a free art workshop.

Meanwhile, Family Singing is perfect for getting families singing, moving, and dancing; Mini Creatives offers babies, toddlers and their grown-ups a multi-sensory space to inspire; and Family Sundays tap into the theme of HOME with hands-on workshops led by artists Natalie Zervou-Kerruish and Rakha Madahar.

Children and adults sitting on the ground watching two performers play musical instruments

There are also loads of free drop-in sessions running across the October half-term. Designed for students and young people, but open to everyone, Creative Socials: Linocut Printing offers would-be artists a chance to design, carve, and print their own linocut, while Creative Socials: Animation explores how a smartphone and easy-to-use apps can be used to create a stop-motion animated masterpiece.

Discover more October half-term events at Warwick Arts Centre and book your tickets.