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Weekly Update 13th-19th July 2026 collage: child in lion costume, Wild Things backdrop, decorated mug, and plated food

FAMILY WEEKLY UPDATE: 13TH – 19TH JULY | Leo's Leaving Assembly, Wild Things at The Lowry & Handmade Teacher Gifts

This week's Family Weekly Update includes Leo's leaving assembly, a trip to the Trafford Centre, setting up my Cutting Stacker, Wild Things at The Lowry, family games after school and making personalised teacher gifts together.

Collage of smiling family and theatre outings, kids in Krispy Kreme hats and ice cream; Weekly Update 6th-12th July 2026.

FAMILY WEEKLY UPDATE: 6TH – 12TH JULY | The Tooth Fairy, Thespians, Fun Home & Leo's School Fair

This Family Weekly Update includes theatre trips to see Thespians and Fun Home, a Krispy Kreme and ASDA trip, and lots of fun at Leo's school fair with games, prizes and ice cream.

Fun Home review graphic featuring official artwork from the Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester production based on Alison Bechdel's graphic memoir.

REVIEW - FUN HOME AT THE ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE, MANCHESTER - A THOUGHT-PROVOKING EVENING AT THE THEATRE

Join Lawrence and me as we head to the press night of Fun Home at the Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. From our tram journey into the city and exploring the beautiful venue to our thoughts on the show itself, here's everything you need to know before your visit.

REVIEW - THESPIANS AT HOME MANCHESTER - A CHAOTIC AND VERY FUN THEATRE TRIP WITH DAD

Sarah and her dad headed to the press night of Thespians at HOME Manchester for an evening of theatrical chaos, catchy songs and plenty of laughs at Mischief Theatre's first musical.

The Gruffalo at The Lowry – A Magical Family Theatre Trip Through the Deep Dark Wood 🌲🐭

Join us on our family trip to see The Gruffalo UK Tour as Alice and Leo revisit Tall Stories' magical stage adaptation. Discover our favourite moments, merchandise, seat tips and helpful information for families planning to see this much-loved children's show.

Tobias Turley and Leonor Correia perform Start of Something New during the High School Musical launch event at The Lowry.

High School Musical Press Launch at The Lowry

Join Lawrence and me as we attend the High School Musical Press Launch at The Lowry. From themed refreshments and East High-inspired displays to exclusive set reveals, live performances, Jason Donovan and the creative team, here's everything that happened during this exciting afternoon.

Collage for a Family Weekly Update covering 29th June to 5th July 2026, featuring Sarah Monaghan at the Disney's High School Musical launch, Alice and Leo at The Gruffalo stage set, a family meal out, and Alice enjoying popcorn at the cinema.

FAMILY WEEKLY UPDATE: 29th June – 5th July | High School Musical Press Launch, The Gruffalo & Toy Story 5

his family weekly update includes the High School Musical press launch at The Lowry, a Trafford Centre lunch date, The Gruffalo with the kids and a Toy Story 5 cinema trip.

Collage of kids and a smiling adult: arcade ride, selfie, inflatable slide, and ice cream; text says Weekly Update 15th–21st June 2026

Family Weekly Update: 15th - 21st June 2026 | Something Rotten, Shopping & Father's Day

This week included a shopping trip into Manchester, some great Super Mario and Disney bargains, my solo theatre trip to see Something Rotten! at Manchester Opera House, Alice's school fair and a relaxing Father's Day weekend spent with family.

Promotional artwork for The Ballad of Johnny & June, featuring Johnny Cash and June Carter performing together centre stage with guitars and microphones. The pair are surrounded by musicians and cast members against a glowing red and orange background with stage lights and bokeh effects. Large text reads "The Johnny Cash Musical" and "The Ballad of Johnny & June", with the tagline "A New Musical from the Director of Jersey Boys".

REVIEW - The Ballad of Johnny & June at The Lowry - A Country Music Theatre Trip with Dad

Our review of The Ballad of Johnny & June at The Lowry, featuring Johnny Cash classics, strong performances, merchandise information, seat views and everything you need to know before visiting.

Pink Malory Towers book cover with seven girls in matching school uniforms and hats seen from behind, Enid Blyton text below.

REVIEW - MALORY TOWERS AT HOME MANCHESTER - A HEARTWARMING THEATRE TRIP WITH ALICE 💖

Malory Towers at HOME Manchester proved to be a lovely surprise for both me and Alice. Despite neither of us having read the books beforehand, we were completely drawn into this heartwarming story of friendship, school adventures and boarding school chaos. Read our full family review, including seat information, ticket details and Alice's thoughts on the show.

Waitress review graphic with 10th anniversary text, pink and blue title, and baking tools on a kitchen counter

REVIEW: WAITRESS UK TOUR AT THE PALACE THEATRE MANCHESTER – FINALLY MANAGING A SOLO THEATRE TRIP AGAIN

Waitress UK Tour at Palace Theatre Manchester was a funny, emotional and heartwarming return to one of my favourite musicals. From affordable £15 Circle seats and merchandise prices to overcoming anxiety around solo theatre trips, here’s everything from my evening at the theatre.

Boy with a red backpack facing away, text "The Boy at the Back of the Class," cityscape and clouds in the teal background, "Live on Stage."

REVIEW: The Boy at the Back of the Class at The Lowry | A Special Theatre Trip with Alice

We took Alice to see The Boy at the Back of the Class at The Lowry, and this powerful, heartfelt production made for a truly special theatre trip together.