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Legally Blonde The Musical UK Tour – Finally Seeing This Beloved Musical Again at Liverpool Empire On Thursday 16th April, I headed to Liverpool for a solo theatre trip to see Legally Blonde The Musical at Liverpool Empire — and as someone who absolutely adores this show, this was a theatre day I had been looking forward to for a long time. Legally Blonde has been one of my favourite musicals for years. I first saw it back in 2010 in London’s West End starring Sheridan Smith and Richard Fleeshman, and since then I’ve also seen both of its previous UK tours. It’s a musical I know incredibly well, so seeing this latest revival felt particularly exciting. There’s something so special about returning to a show you’ve loved for years, especially one that holds such wonderful theatre memories. With its empowering story, iconic songs, and unapologetically pink energy, Legally Blonde has always been a musical that leaves me smiling — and I couldn’t wait to see how this latest touring production compared. My Journey to Liverpool Empire for Legally Blonde The Musical As this was a 2:30pm matinee performance, I set off mid-morning, catching the tram into Manchester Victoria Station around 10:50am and arriving shortly after 11:15am. With some time before my train, I stopped at Greggs for a quick snack, picking up a sausage roll and a bottle of Ribena while I waited. After eating, I headed to Platform 3 ready for my 11:53am train — only for the platform to suddenly change to Platform 4 just minutes before departure, causing everyone to rush up the stairs and over the bridge to make it in time. Thankfully, I made it onboard and settled into my reserved seat in Carriage A, Seat 7. The journey itself was smooth, and I arrived in Liverpool Lime Street at around 12:30pm. Pre-Show Lunch at Liverpool Lime Street As I knew I wouldn’t have much time to eat after the show, I decided to grab lunch before heading to the theatre. I opted for The North Western Wetherspoons inside Lime Street Station, which is always a convenient option when travelling through Liverpool. I ordered my usual buttermilk chicken burger with cheese and bacon, served with chips and a Diet Coke — a reliable choice and perfect pre-show meal. After lunch, I made my way over to Liverpool Empire, which is conveniently located right next to the station. Arriving at Liverpool Empire Theatre Before heading inside, I spent some time taking photos outside the theatre before joining the queue when doors opened at 1:30pm. Once inside, my first stop was naturally the merch stand, where there was already a bit of a queue forming. I ended up purchasing: 📖 Brochure – £12 🧲 Magnet – £7 📓 Notebook – £10 Other available merchandise included: Mug – £12 Pin Set – £15 Cap – £22 Shoe Charms – £10 T-Shirt – £25 Hoodie – £55 Tote Bag – £16 (sold out) As always, I love checking out theatre merchandise, and Legally Blonde had some lovely options for fans. After purchasing my merch, I also stopped to read the cast change notice pinned to the wall, which listed a few role changes for this particular performance. While Hannah Lowther had been scheduled to play Elle Woods for the Thursday matinee, she had unfortunately been off sick the previous day with tonsillitis, so I was especially pleased to see that she was back for this performance. As a huge Legally Blonde fan, I was really looking forward to seeing her take on such an iconic role. My Seat at Liverpool Empire At 2pm, the auditorium opened and I headed up to my seat in the Circle: Row S, Seat 73 (Back Row) For just £15, I was genuinely very impressed. Although the seat was naturally quite far from the stage, the Circle is extremely well raked, meaning I still had a clear and unobstructed view throughout the performance. For the price, I honestly thought this was fantastic value and I would absolutely sit here again. The Story of Legally Blonde The Musical Legally Blonde follows Elle Woods, a fashionable sorority president whose seemingly perfect life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner breaks up with her. Determined to prove herself, Elle follows him to Harvard Law School, only to discover her own intelligence, resilience, and self-worth along the way. What begins as a fun rom-com evolves into an empowering story about refusing to be underestimated and learning that success comes from staying true to yourself. It’s a story that remains every bit as uplifting, funny, and relevant as ever. Set Design, Music & Choreography This latest touring production fully embraces the bright, bold energy that Legally Blonde is known for. The vibrant set design, dazzling lighting, and fabulous costumes perfectly capture both Elle’s glamorous Malibu world and the contrasting world of Harvard. Leah Hill’s choreography is particularly impressive, with huge high-energy numbers including “Omigod You Guys,” “Whipped Into Shape,” and “Bend and Snap” delivering exactly the kind of spectacle audiences hope for. The musical score remains irresistibly catchy, balancing comedy, emotion, and empowering anthems beautifully. For long-time fans, this production feels both fresh and faithful. Performances Hannah Lowther’s performance as Elle Woods was absolutely sensational. She brought warmth, humour, vulnerability, and powerhouse vocals to the role while fully capturing Elle’s incredible journey. Karen Mavundukure was another standout as Paulette, delivering huge laughs alongside phenomenal vocals. George Crawford’s Emmett brought genuine warmth, while Adam Cooper commanded attention as Callahan. The Delta Nu trio brought plenty of sparkle and energy throughout, while Sprout as Bruiser was, of course, utterly adorable. Overall, this cast delivered a hugely polished, energetic, and thoroughly entertaining production. Heading Home Following the show’s 4:50pm finish, I had some time before my return train at 5:54pm. To pass the time, I made a quick stop at Krispy Kreme in Lime Street Station, where I used a voucher to pick up a dozen doughnuts for £12 — definitely a great little bonus treat. My train boarded early at 5:45pm, and after another smooth journey home, plus the tram back, I arrived home around 7:30pm. Final Thoughts on Legally Blonde The Musical UK Tour Review This was such a fun and nostalgic solo theatre trip. Returning to Legally Blonde after so many years — and after seeing multiple previous productions — felt incredibly special, and I’m so pleased to say this latest UK tour absolutely does the musical justice. Liverpool Empire was a fantastic venue, my budget-friendly seat offered excellent value, and the show itself delivered all the heart, humour, and pink-powered energy I could have hoped for. For me, Legally Blonde remains one of the most uplifting, empowering, and feel-good musicals around. Whether you’re revisiting it like I was or seeing it for the first time, this latest tour is a fabulously fun theatre experience that’s well worth booking. Bright, bold, and bursting with charm, Legally Blonde The Musical continues to prove exactly why it remains such a beloved fan favourite. Further Information & Tour Dates Legally Blonde The Musical is at Liverpool Empire until Saturday 18th April 2026. Tickets are available to purchase through The ATG Tickets website. If you can’t catch it there, the good news is that this fabulous production continues touring across the UK and Ireland throughout 2026. For full tour dates and venue information, visit the official show website. If you’d like to read my more detailed theatre-focused review, you can also head over to All About Theatre. 🎥 Watch My Theatre Trip in Weekly Vlog #450 If you’d like to see what I got up to during my trip to see Legally Blond The Musical in Liverpool, you can watch it in Weekly Vlog #450 below. My trip to the show begins at 15:20 in the video, although the vlog also includes some other family moments from our week. At a Glance 📍 Venue: Liverpool Empire Theatre 📅 Date Visited: Thursday 16th April 2026 ⏱️ Runtime: Approx. 2 hours 20 minutes (including interval) ☕ Interval: 20 minutes 🎟️ Ticket Price Paid: £15 💺 Seat: Circle Row S, Seat 73 🚆 Travel: Train from Manchester Victoria 🛍️ Merch Purchased: Brochure, Magnet & Notebook 🍴 Lunch: North Western Wetherspoons 👩 Solo Friendly: Absolutely Watch The Trailer

A Squash and a Squeeze at Waterside Arts We were kindly invited to review A Squash and a Squeeze at Waterside Arts on Wednesday 8th April, and it ended up being such a lovely, easy morning out with the kids. Lawrence was working, so my brother came along with me and the children, and my dad very kindly dropped us off at the venue. We arrived at around 10am for the 10:30am performance, which gave us plenty of time to settle in before the show. 🎨 A Calm Start in the Creative Corner Before heading into the auditorium, the children spent some time in the little creative corner at Waterside Arts—and this was such a lovely touch. There’s a low table with bean bags for the children to sit on, along with pots of pencil crayons and paper ready for drawing. There are also small shelves on the wall filled with books, so children can sit and read while they wait. Alice and Leo were both really happy here, quietly drawing and looking at books, while my brother and I grabbed a seat in the café area nearby. It made the whole experience feel really relaxed and family-friendly from the moment we arrived. 🎭 Heading Into the Theatre The auditorium opened at around 10:15am, and after getting our tickets scanned, we headed to our seats. We were sat in Row G, seats 5–8, and the view was really good. The seating is nicely raked, so you tend to get a clear view no matter where you’re sitting, which is always reassuring when you’re taking little ones. One of the things I really liked was that the experience actually started before the show officially began. The Wise Old Man came out into the audience, chatting to the children and handing out his “easy peasy solutions” business cards. It was such a fun, interactive way to draw the children in right from the start. 🐄 The Show – A Story Brought to Life The show itself runs for around 60 minutes, which felt like the perfect length for younger children—long enough to tell the story, but without losing their attention. It follows the familiar story of the little old lady who feels her house is far too small, and the rather unusual advice she’s given to fix it. Watching it unfold on stage is so much fun, especially as the animals are gradually brought into the house and the chaos builds. What really stood out was the creativity in the puppetry. Each animal is made from everyday objects, which gives the whole show a really imaginative, handmade feel. It’s simple but so effective, and it really captures children’s attention. The set is equally clever, with the cottage opening up to reveal the inside, which adds a lovely visual element and keeps things engaging throughout. There’s also a great mix of songs, movement, and audience interaction, which keeps the energy up and the children involved. Alice especially loved the pig with its love of biscuits, while Leo couldn’t get enough of the moment the cow danced on the table—those little character moments really stayed with them afterwards. 💛 Final Thoughts This was such a lovely, easy theatre trip and one I’d definitely recommend for families with younger children. Everything about the experience felt really well thought out—from the relaxed pre-show setup to the interactive elements within the performance itself. It’s the kind of show that feels welcoming and accessible, especially if you’re introducing little ones to theatre for the first time. Although the run at Waterside Arts was only for a couple of days, A Squash and a Squeeze is continuing to tour until the end of May, including a stop at Leeds Playhouse. If you’re interested in catching it, it’s definitely worth checking the official show website for full tour dates and venues. If you’d like to read our more detailed theatre-focused review of A Squash and a Squeeze, you can head over to our sister site, All About Theatre. 🎥 Watch Our Visit in Weekly Vlog #450 If you’d like to see what we got up to during our visit to see Zog at The Lowry, you can watch it in Weekly Vlog #449 below. Our trip to the show begins at 2:47 in the video, although the vlog also includes some other family moments from our week. 📍 At A Glance Location: Waterside Arts (The Robert Bolt Theatre) Duration: 60 minutes Age Guidance: 3–8 years Performance Times: Tue: 16:30 Wed & Thu: 10:30 & 13:30 Ticket Prices: £17 Adult £15 Child £60 Family Ticket (1 adult + 3 children or 2 adults + 2 children) *Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review. Watch The Trailer

A Roaring Family Day Out: Our Zog UK Tour Visit at The Lowry 🐉 We were kindly invited to the press performance of Zog at The Lowry on Wednesday 15th April, and after previously loving this show when we saw it here in 2023, we were all very excited to return for more dragon-sized fun. With Lawrence working, my mum joined me and the children for this theatre trip, while my dad kindly dropped us off at our usual spot opposite the Imperial War Museum. From there, we made the familiar walk over the bridge to The Lowry—a route that always adds to the excitement of a family day out at the theatre. We arrived around 12:40pm, giving us plenty of time before the 1:30pm performance to enjoy the pre-show atmosphere. Arrival, Merch and Pre-Show Fun Zog was once again staged in The Lowry’s Quays Theatre, which always feels like the perfect setting for this type of family production. Its smaller, more intimate space works brilliantly for younger audiences, creating an engaging atmosphere while still offering fantastic views. After collecting our tickets from the press desk, the children were each given a free little programme and a sticker by the staff, who were handing them out to all the children. It was such a lovely touch and immediately added to the excitement for Alice and Leo. We then stopped for some fun photos with the Zog selfie frame before heading over to the merch stand. There was a fantastic selection of merchandise available for little dragon fans, including: Princess Pearl plush – £24.99 Pink Dragon plush – £14.99 Green Dragon plush – £14.99 16” Large Zog plush – £64.99 11” Zog plush – £29.99 Zog plush keyring – £14.99 Zog paperback book – £7.99 Zog activity book – £6.99 Pins/Badges – £5 Alice had proudly brought along her own pink dragon plush from a previous visit, so we decided to buy Leo a Zog plush keyring so he could have his own dragon-themed toy to hold during the performance too. While waiting for the auditorium to open, the children enjoyed some of the free activity sheets provided. Leo tackled a Zog word search, while Alice happily coloured in a picture of Zog. We also made the most of the wait by enjoying the packed lunch I’d brought along, which kept things simple and budget-friendly. Seats, Booster Seats and View Once the auditorium opened, we headed downstairs to the stalls, where booster seats were conveniently available just by the stalls entrance doors—always a helpful touch when visiting with younger children. We picked one up before making our way to our seats in Row K. Although we were seated towards the back, the Quays Theatre is so well designed that the view was still excellent. The seating felt nicely raked, meaning the children could see comfortably, and we never felt too far from the stage. There was also plenty of legroom, which is always a big bonus on family theatre trips It’s definitely a seating area we’d happily choose again. The Show Zog remains every bit as fun, lively and heartwarming as we remembered. Based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved book, the story follows Zog, an eager but accident-prone young dragon, as he navigates dragon school under the guidance of Madam Dragon. From learning to fly and roar to capturing a princess, Zog’s journey is packed with humour, catchy songs and plenty of valuable life lessons about perseverance, friendship and finding your own path. The stage adaptation perfectly captures the charm of the original story, combining colourful costumes, puppetry, energetic performances and audience interaction to create a show that feels both magical and accessible for younger audiences. The songs are incredibly catchy and lots of fun, with both children fully engaged throughout. Alice especially loved joining in roaring like a dragon with Zog during his lessons, while Leo’s favourite moment was seeing Zog finally earn his golden star—a moment that felt particularly rewarding after cheering him on throughout the show. One of the standout interactive moments came when children from the audience were selected to become princesses, complete with crown headbands, before the dragons ventured into the audience to find them. This was such a lovely touch and had the children absolutely captivated. And of course, by the finale, both Alice and Leo were up on their feet dancing along—always the sign of a truly successful family show. Post-Show Meet and Greet As an extra special treat for invited guests, we were also given the opportunity to meet members of the cast after the performance—including Zog himself and the pink dragon. Alice and Leo absolutely loved this experience, and it was such a lovely way to round off an already fantastic day. Alice was especially thrilled and gave the Zog puppet a huge hug, which was such a sweet moment to watch. Afterwards, she declared it “the best day ever,” which really says it all. For young Zog fans, experiences like this make the magic of theatre feel even more real, and it was a truly memorable ending to our family trip. Final Thoughts Zog is everything you could want from a family theatre trip—funny, engaging, interactive and packed with heart. From the warm pre-show atmosphere and thoughtful family-friendly touches to the joyful songs, gorgeous puppetry and uplifting story, this production once again proved why it remains such a firm favourite for families. Whether you’re catching Zog at The Lowry or another venue on its wider UK tour, this is a brilliant introduction to theatre for younger children and an equally enjoyable experience for grown-ups too. We had such a lovely afternoon, and it’s safe to say that this Zog UK tour review still earns a golden star from our family. More Zog Fun: Tickets, Tour Dates and Watch Our Visit 🐉✨ Zog will be at The Lowry until Sunday, 19th April 2026. Tickets are available for purchase through the Lowry's website. If you can’t make it to The Lowry, the good news is that this fantastic family show is touring the UK and Ireland until August 2026. You can find upcoming venues and tour dates on the official website If you’d like to read our more detailed theatre-focused review of Zog, you can head over to our sister site, All About Theatre. 🎥 Watch Our Visit in Weekly Vlog #450 If you’d like to see what we got up to during our visit to see Zog at The Lowry, you can watch it in Weekly Vlog #450 below. Our trip to the show begins at 3:30 in the video, although the vlog also includes some other family moments from our week. At a Glance 🐉✨ 📍 Venue We Visited: The Lowry, Salford – Quays Theatre ⏱️ Running Time: Approx. 1 hour 👶 Recommended Age: 3+ 💺 Our Seats: Row K, Stalls 🪑 Booster Seats: Available just by the stalls entrance doors 🛍️ Merch Prices: From £5 🎁 Freebies: Free programme and sticker for children on arrival 🚋 Getting There: Easily accessible by tram, bus or car. Nearby parking is available at Quayside MediaCityUK. 🌍 UK Tour: Touring until August 2026 🔗 Official Website: https://zogonstage.com/ Watch The Trailer

Our Family Theatre Trip to See Sisters 360 at Waterside Arts On Tuesday 14th April, we headed to Waterside Arts in Sale for a family theatre trip to see Sisters 360 — and it ended up being such a lovely, easy day out. We got the tram there, and it’s honestly so convenient for us — only two stops away. Once you get off, Waterside Arts is right across the road, which makes it ideal when you’re travelling with kids (no long walks or complicated directions!). We were going to the 11:30am showing and arrived at around 11:15am. I picked up a free little programme from the box office, which is always a nice touch, and not long after we arrived the auditorium opened, so we headed straight in to find our seats. We were sat on the front row (seats 13–16) and had such a fantastic view. It also meant the children got a bit of interaction during the show, which made it even more special — Alice and Leo both got a handshake from Salima at the beginning, and Alice also got a fist bump at the end, which she absolutely loved. What Is Sisters 360 About? Sisters 360 follows step-sisters Fatima and Salima, two young skateboarders who dream of winning a big competition together. They’re full of energy, determination and sisterly chaos — and you can really feel how close they are. But when their family situation changes and they’re faced with the possibility of living apart, everything suddenly feels uncertain. Their dream is put at risk, and they have to find a way to hold onto both their goal and their bond as sisters. It’s a story that mixes humour with some more emotional moments, and it explores themes of family, change and resilience in a way that still feels very accessible for children. What We Thought This was such a high-energy, feel-good show. The performances were full of personality, and the relationship between the two sisters felt really natural and believable — lots of playful moments, a bit of bickering, and plenty of warmth. The set was designed like a mini skatepark, with ramps and levels that gave the show a really fun, urban feel. The lighting was bold and colourful, which helped bring lots of energy to the stage, and the costumes felt modern and expressive. There were also some really fun visual moments throughout — including a bright, colourful bat puppet that both Alice and Leo absolutely loved. For Alice, this was a really special theatre experience. She was completely transfixed on the stage from start to finish and fully immersed in the story. Getting that interaction with Salima at the beginning and end just made it even more memorable for her. Leo enjoyed it too, especially the fun and energetic moments, although he did say afterwards that he wished there had been some actual skateboard tricks on stage. Final Thoughts Overall, this was a lovely, uplifting theatre trip for us. It’s fun, full of energy and has a really positive message about sisterhood and sticking together through change. It’s also really refreshing to see stories like this on stage, with characters that feel relatable, modern and full of personality. If you’re looking for a family-friendly show that’s easy to get to (especially if you’re local to Sale or Manchester), this is definitely one to consider. Booking & Tour Information Sisters 360 is at Waterside Arts, Sale until Wednesday 15th April 2026. Tickets are available for purchase Here Sisters 360 is touring the UK until the end of June 2026. If you’d like to find out more or see if the show is visiting a venue near you, you can find full tour dates and venues on the official Turtle Key Arts website. If you’d like to read our more detailed theatre-focused review of Sisters 360, you can head over to our sister site, All About Theatre. 🎥 Watch Our Visit in Weekly Vlog #450 If you’d like to see what we got up to during our family theatre trip to see Sisters 360 at Waterside Arts, you can watch it in Weekly Vlog #450 below. Our visit to the show begins right at the start of the vlog (0:00), along with some other family moments from our week. Click Me 🎟️ At a Glance 📍 Location: Waterside Arts, Sale (right opposite the tram stop) 📅 Dates at Waterside Arts:Tuesday 14th – Wednesday 15th April 2026 🚋 Getting there:We travelled by tram — only 2 stops for us, and super easy with kids. Once you get off, the venue is just across the road. ⏰ Show times:11:30am & 2:30pm 💷 Ticket prices:Adults £14Children £12(10% discount available for Waterside members) ⏱️ Duration:55 minutes (no interval) 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Age recommendation:Ages 8–12 (but suitable for families) 🎭 Our seats:Front row (Seats 13–16) — fantastic view and great for interaction with the performers ✨ Good to know: Free programmes available at the box office Smaller, relaxed venue — easy to navigate with children Some audience interaction from the stage *Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review. Watch The Trailer

A Surprise Birthday Treat and a Rainbow-Filled Family Adventure Sunday 26th April saw us heading to Liverpool for a very special family day out as part of Leo’s birthday treats, taking Alice and Leo to see Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! at the M&S Bank Arena. With Leo’s birthday having been just two days earlier on 24th April, this felt like the perfect way to continue the celebrations. We had kept the trip as a surprise until his birthday, making the whole experience feel even more exciting for both children. With an early start, train journey, plenty of excitement and a spectacular rainbow-filled live show, it turned out to be such a fun family adventure from start to finish. Our Journey to Liverpool We were up bright and early and started the day by catching the tram into Manchester Piccadilly. We arrived at the station around 10:25am, giving us plenty of time before our 11:10am train from platform 14 — which, as anyone familiar with Piccadilly knows, always feels like one of the furthest possible walks! Before boarding, we made a quick stop at Sainsbury’s for drinks and donuts for the train journey, which kept everyone happy during the roughly hour-long trip. Thankfully, we managed to grab a table seat so we could all sit together, which always makes travelling with the kids much easier. We arrived in Liverpool just after midday and began making our way towards the arena, although not without a slight detour when Leo suddenly needed the toilet. While Lawrence took him back to the station, Alice and I grabbed Greggs sausage rolls, which turned into a handy little lunch stop while we waited. Once reunited, we continued on to the arena and arrived at around 1pm, ready for the 1:30pm show. First Impressions & Merchandise As soon as we entered the arena, the excitement levels instantly ramped up. Alice and Leo were immediately drawn to the merchandise stand. Alice had her heart set on a cuddly Pandy, while Leo desperately wanted one of the light-up bubble wands. At £16 each, the prices actually felt fairly reasonable compared to some recent arena shows we’ve attended (Disney on Ice prices were definitely much steeper). Unfortunately, after queueing for around 20 minutes, disappointment struck when the family directly in front of us bought the final two bubble wands. Poor Leo was absolutely gutted, and there were definitely a few tears. Thankfully, staff suggested more may arrive at interval, which helped calm things down a little — although sadly, none appeared. In the end, we opted for a light-up baton for £8 instead, which thankfully saved the day. Merchandise Prices: T-Shirts: £25 15-inch Plush (Cakey or Mercat): £22 12-inch Plush (Pandy, Cakey, Mercat or Gabby): £18 10-inch Pandy Plush: £16 Light-Up Bubble Wand: £16 Cat Ear Headbands (Pandy, Kitty Fairy or Mercat): £14 Bucket Hats (Mercat or CatRat): £10 Bag Clips (Pandy, Cakey or Mercat): £8 Light-Up Baton: £8 Poster Programme: £5 Badge: £4 Our Seats & Venue Experience We were seated in Block 10, Row MM, seats 239–242. Thanks to a discount code, we paid just £15 per ticket, which felt like fantastic value. At full price, however, these seats would have cost over £50 each — and honestly, for a 75-minute production (including a 15-minute interval), I do think that would feel quite expensive, particularly given the distance from the stage. For £15 though, we were really happy. The view was still good, and the kids were completely engrossed throughout. On the way to our seats, children were handed friendship flower flyers, which became an interactive part of the show and was such a lovely added touch. Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! — Our Family’s Honest Review Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! was bright, energetic and completely captivating for young fans. The story follows Gabby as she works to restore a shattered rainbow after CatRat causes a colourful cat-astrophe, travelling through favourite dollhouse locations like Mermaid-Lantis, the Cat-O-Sphere and more. For Alice, the standout moment was definitely CatRat’s solo You Can’t Spell Meow Without Me — no surprise there, as CatRat is her favourite character. Leo, meanwhile, absolutely loved Cakey’s Sprinkle Party. And when Dance Like a Gabby Cat began, the whole arena was up dancing. The puppetry was hugely impressive, the visuals were vibrant and magical, and the interactive elements helped make younger audience members feel like a real part of the adventure. After the Show The show finished around 3pm, and after all the excitement, we made our way to St John’s Shopping Centre for some well-earned dinner before heading back to the station. Lawrence and I grabbed KFC, while the kids were more than happy with McDonald’s Happy Meals. We arrived home at around 6:30pm after such a fun-filled family day. Final Thoughts Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! was such a brilliant family experience and a really lovely choice as one of Leo’s birthday treats. While merchandise queues were frustrating and full-price tickets may feel a little steep, the show itself absolutely delivered when it came to entertainment, energy and magic for younger audiences. For Gabby fans, this is a colourful, engaging and joy-filled live experience packed with favourite songs, beloved characters and meaningful messages. From train snacks and sausage rolls to friendship flowers, dancing and birthday treat memories, this was a day out we’ll all remember fondly. Tour Information Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! continues its UK tour throughout 2026, bringing Gabby, Pandy Paws and the Gabby Cats to venues across the country. For more information about upcoming tour dates, venues and ticket availability, you can visit the official Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! website. If you’d like to read my more detailed All About Theatre review of the production itself, including full staging, cast and performance insights, you can also head over to All About Theatre for the full five-star review. At a Glance: Venue: M&S Bank Arena Liverpool Date Attended: 26th April 2026 Runtime: Approx. 75 minutes (including 15-minute interval) Best For: Preschool and early primary-aged Gabby fans Our Highlights: CatRat’s solo, Sprinkle Party, Dance Like a Gabby Cat, friendship flowers Top Tip: Arrive early for merchandise if your child has their heart set on something specific! Overall, Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! delivered a joyful, rainbow-filled family day out and was a wonderful addition to Leo’s birthday celebrations.

Mika and the Polar Bear – A Beautiful Family Day Out at Z-arts Manchester On Saturday 18th April, we were invited along to review Mika and the Polar Bear at Z-arts Manchester. As Lawrence was working, my brother joined me for this family theatre trip with the kids—and it turned out to be such a lovely afternoon from start to finish. My dad kindly dropped us off opposite the venue at around 1:30pm, giving us plenty of time before the 2pm performance. Z-arts is always such a welcoming venue for families, and even before the show started there were lots of thoughtful touches that helped make the day feel extra special. As soon as we arrived, the kids spotted the adorable ‘Today I Met the Bear’ polar bear photo board in the foyer, which of course meant an immediate photo opportunity. It was such a sweet little extra and instantly added to the excitement of the day. We then headed into the café area while we waited for the auditorium doors to open. While the children happily played with the little toy kitchen just outside the theatre doors, I had a quick look at the merchandise stand nearby. Merchandise The show’s merchandise offering was simple but lovely, with navy polar bear t-shirts available: Adult T-shirts: £20 Children’s T-shirts: £18 Although there wasn’t a huge selection, the t-shirts were really sweet and fit beautifully with the show’s theme. Taking Our Seats At 1:55pm, the auditorium doors opened and we headed inside. We were seated in Row A, seats 7–10, which gave us an excellent front-row central view of the stage. As we took our seats, the performance had already gently begun. A performer quietly lay writing on a beautiful circular rug beside a teddy bear, surrounded by softly lit icy set pieces. This pre-show moment was simple yet incredibly effective. It instantly created a calm, thoughtful atmosphere and helped draw us into Mika’s world before the story had even officially started. It felt intimate, immersive and set the tone beautifully for the emotional journey ahead. The Show Created with and for children aged 4–11 and their families, Mika and the Polar Bear is a beautifully imaginative dance-theatre production that combines contemporary dance, puppetry, digital animation and original music. The story follows Mika, whose world is turned upside down by climate disaster, sending them on an epic journey through changing landscapes where they encounter creatures across land, sea and sky before forming an unforgettable friendship with a lone polar bear. This is a joyful, hopeful story that gently introduces important themes like resilience, compassion, environmental awareness and connection in a way that feels completely accessible for younger audiences. Alice was absolutely transfixed throughout, while Leo watched wide-eyed as the story unfolded. And when the polar bear first appeared on stage, both children audibly gasped in awe—a moment that perfectly captured just how magical this production really is. Set, Puppetry and Atmosphere The production itself is visually stunning, using a minimalist set enhanced beautifully through digital animation, soft lighting and clever stage design. The icy set pieces, falling snow projections and immersive visual effects helped transform the stage into Mika’s ever-changing world, while the puppetry was truly exceptional. From playful sea creatures to the breathtaking polar bear itself, each puppet felt full of life and personality—but it was the polar bear that completely stole the show. Meet the Polar Bear Following the performance, children were invited to meet Mika and the polar bear puppet in the café area outside the auditorium. This was such a lovely addition to the overall experience, and for Alice—who absolutely loves puppets—it completely made her day. Getting to meet the puppet up close and take photos was such a memorable finishing touch. Exploring Z-arts After the Show While waiting for my dad to pick us up, we took the children downstairs to enjoy one of their favourite parts of Z-arts—the iconic big red bus play area. They absolutely love playing there whenever we visit, and it was the perfect way to round off such a lovely afternoon. Although we didn’t have time to visit the library on this trip, Z-arts really is such a fantastic venue for making theatre trips feel like full family experiences. Final Thoughts Mika and the Polar Bear at Z-arts was a truly magical family theatre experience. From the thoughtful pre-show details and beautifully engaging puppetry to the meaningful storytelling and unforgettable meet and greet, this felt like a carefully crafted experience designed with families in mind. It’s a gentle yet powerful production that balances important messages with genuine theatrical magic, creating something that feels both emotionally resonant and visually captivating. For us, the polar bear was undoubtedly the standout moment—and meeting it afterwards made an already wonderful day even more unforgettable. A heartwarming, visually stunning family theatre trip that perfectly blends hope, friendship and wonder. Further Information & Useful Links Mika and the Polar Bear has now completed its current UK tour, finishing at Z-arts. To keep up with future performances and follow the show’s journey, visit the official website. If you’d like to read our more detailed theatre-focused review of Mika and the Polar Bear, you can head over to our sister site, All About Theatre. If you’d like to find out more about upcoming shows, events and family activities at Z-arts, you can also visit the official Z-arts website. 🎥 Watch Our Visit in Weekly Vlog #450 If you’d like to see what we got up to during our family trip to see Mika and the Polar Bear, you can watch our visit in Weekly Vlog #450 below. Our theatre trip begins at 38:02 in the vlog, although the video also includes plenty of other family moments from our week. 🎭 At A Glance 📍 Venue: Z-arts, Manchester 📅 Date Visited: Saturday 18th April 2026 ⏰ Show Time: 2pm ⌛ Running Time: Approx. 1 hour 👶 Recommended Age: 4+ 🎟️ Ticket Prices: From £10 👕 Merchandise: Adult T-shirts: £20 Children’s T-shirts: £18 📸 Special Extras: ‘Today I Met the Bear’ photo board Post-show meet and greet with Mika & the Polar Bear 🚌 Extra Family Fun: Big red bus play area, children’s library, café and family activities at Z-arts ♿ Accessibility: Wheelchair spaces and essential companion seating available 🌍 Tour Status: Current UK tour now complete

Matilda The Musical UK Tour – Finally Taking Alice to See One of Our Favourite Family Musicals On Friday 17th April, Lawrence and I finally got to take Alice to see Matilda The Musical UK Tour at Manchester Palace Theatre, and honestly, this felt like such a special moment for us as a family. Lawrence and I have loved Matilda for years. We first saw the show on Broadway during our honeymoon in New York back in 2016, then again in London’s West End in 2024, and I had also recently seen this current touring production at the Liverpool Empire in December. For such a long time, I’d been saying how much I wanted to bring Alice to see Matilda, but with Manchester ticket prices being so expensive, it simply wasn’t something we could realistically afford. Thankfully, Richard Hurst, who is currently playing Miss Trunchbull on the UK tour, very kindly offered us his friends and family discount, meaning we were able to get best available seats for £35 each plus booking fees. He also incredibly generously offered to arrange a backstage tour for us after the show. It was such a thoughtful gesture and honestly made what was already shaping up to be an exciting family theatre trip feel even more special. As a parent, finally being able to share one of my all-time favourite musicals with Alice after wanting to for so long made this evening feel incredibly meaningful before we’d even taken our seats. Our Journey to Matilda The Musical UK Tour at Manchester Palace Theatre We got the tram into Manchester, getting off at St Peter’s Square before making the short walk up to Manchester Palace Theatre. On the way, we popped into Tesco to grab some drinks and popcorn for Alice, which definitely added to the excitement for her. When we arrived at the theatre, there was a small queue to get in, but everything moved smoothly with bag checks and ticket scanning. Our first stop once inside was the merch stand — and there was so much Matilda merchandise available. Alice absolutely loved the Plush Doll (£30) and really wanted it, but it was a little too pricey for us, especially considering how many plushies she already has at home! Still, she had so much fun browsing everything, and there were plenty of lovely options to choose from. Since I already had the programme from Liverpool and the cast was still the same, we decided to purchase the Souvenir Brochure (£12) instead, which ended up being the perfect keepsake. Full Merchandise List: Glitter Logo T-Shirt (Kids) – £22 R-E-V-O-L-T-I-N-G T-Shirt (Kids) – £22 Graphic Logo T-Shirt (Adults) – £28 / Kids – £22 Naughty T-Shirt (Adults) – £28 / Kids – £22 Badge Hoodie (Adults) – £55 / Kids – £45 Logo Keyring – £10 Charm Keyring – £15 Logo Magnet – £6 Naughty Magnet – £6 Logo Lapel Pin – £8 Matilda Silhouette Lapel Pin – £8 Button Badge Set – £6 Beaded Bracelet Set – £15 Tea Towel – £10 Pencil Case – £12 Eraser Set – £6 Swing Tote Bag – £15 Socks – £14 Maggots Mug – £15 Plush Doll – £30 Ornament – £16 Satchel – £45 Souvenir Brochure – £12 London Cast Recording CD – £15 Paperback Novel – £8 After browsing the merch, we stopped for some fun selfies at the photo opportunity before heading down to the stalls. Our Seats at Manchester Palace Theatre We were seated in Row B, Seats 9–11 in the stalls, slightly to the side, with Seat 9 being the far-right aisle seat. Although we did miss a tiny amount of action on the far-right side of the stage, it was very minimal and really didn’t impact our enjoyment. We’d happily sit here again, especially with how close we were to the stage. There was also great legroom, which is always appreciated, and we picked up a booster seat for Alice near the toilets on the way to our seats, which really helped her get an even better view. Alice’s First Time Seeing Matilda The Musical UK Tour Seeing Alice experience Matilda for the first time honestly made this whole trip feel extra special. She was completely engaged from the start and absolutely loved seeing one of our favourite musicals brought to life in front of her. One moment that had her laughing out loud was when Miss Trunchbull ended up with a newt in her knickers — she thought this was absolutely hilarious and couldn’t stop giggling. Watching her enjoy those iconic moments that Lawrence and I have loved for years genuinely made the whole evening feel even more magical. The Story of Matilda The Musical Matilda The Musical tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, an extraordinary little girl with an extraordinary mind. Intelligent, curious, and fiercely independent, Matilda grows up in a family that completely overlooks her gifts. At school, she faces the terrifying Miss Trunchbull, but she also discovers kindness, courage, and support through Miss Honey, books, and her own vivid imagination. It’s a story that beautifully balances humour, heart, and resilience, with powerful themes about standing up for yourself and finding your voice. Set Design, Music & Choreography One of the things we’ve always loved most about Matilda is just how imaginative the production feels, and this touring version was every bit as impressive as we’d remembered. The towering bookshelves, oversized alphabet blocks, and constantly shifting classroom scenes really bring Matilda’s world to life in such a playful and visually exciting way. Everything feels clever, colourful, and full of theatrical magic, while still perfectly capturing both the darker and more emotional moments of the story too. Tim Minchin’s songs remain as witty, catchy, and emotional as ever, and Peter Darling’s choreography is incredibly sharp — especially during the classroom scenes, which continue to be some of the biggest highlights of the show. Performances The cast really were fantastic. The young performer playing Matilda delivered such a confident, natural performance, and she really captured Matilda’s intelligence, bravery, and determination beautifully. Tessa Kadler was wonderfully warm as Miss Honey, bringing so much kindness and emotional heart to the role. Richard Hurst was genuinely phenomenal as Miss Trunchbull and, without question, the best Trunchbull we’ve personally seen. He was hilarious, intimidating, and completely commanding every time he stepped on stage. Adam Stafford and Rebecca Thornhill brought so much humour to Mr and Mrs Wormwood, fully embracing their wonderfully ridiculous personalities. The child ensemble were also incredibly impressive throughout, bringing so much energy and professionalism to what is clearly a very demanding production. Backstage Tour with Richard Hurst After the show, we waited by the stage where Richard Hurst’s dresser kindly came to collect us and took us to his dressing room before our backstage tour began. Meeting Richard was such a lovely experience. He was incredibly kind, generous with his time, and so wonderful with Alice. We had a lovely little chat together, and Alice was very excited to tell him one of her jokes. After spending some time in his dressing room, Richard then personally took us backstage and showed us around, which honestly felt like such a surreal experience. We got to see so many incredible behind-the-scenes details, including Trunchbull’s desk, her famous magnifying glass, wigs, quick-change areas, children’s costumes, the slide, and of course the iconic blackboard. Richard even explained how the famous blackboard writing trick works, which was absolutely fascinating. For Alice, getting to hold Trunchbull’s magnifying glass was such a fun moment, and being able to stand on the stage itself for a photo with Richard, looking out at all the theatre seats, was something I know we’ll never forget. Before we left, Richard also signed Alice’s souvenir brochure, making an already unforgettable evening feel even more special. It truly was such an incredible experience and one we’ll treasure forever. By the time we finally got home, it was nearly 11:30pm — way past bedtime — but thankfully Alice didn’t have school the next morning! Final Thoughts on Matilda The Musical UK Tour Review Matilda The Musical UK Tour was everything we hoped it would be and more. From finally getting to share one of our all-time favourite musicals with Alice, to the brilliant performances, unforgettable music, stunning staging, and once-in-a-lifetime backstage experience, this was such an incredibly special evening for our family. Seeing Alice so completely captivated by a show Lawrence and I have loved for years made the whole experience feel even more special, and honestly, watching her laugh, sing along, and fully immerse herself in the magic of Matilda was something I’ll treasure forever as a parent. It’s clever, funny, heartfelt, and visually spectacular, and it remains one of the very best family musicals out there. If you’ve been thinking about taking your children to see Matilda, we’d absolutely recommend it. Bright, bold, and full of heart, Matilda The Musical remains a wonderfully entertaining family favourite and a truly magical theatre experience. Further Information & Tour Dates Matilda The Musical will be at The Palace Theatre Manchester until Saturday 25th April 2026. Tickets are available to purchase through The ATG Tickets website. If you can’t make it to Manchester, the good news is that Matilda is continuing its UK tour until January 2027. You can find more information, including upcoming venues and tour dates, on the show’s official website. If you’d like to read our more detailed theatre-focused review of The Matilda UK Tour, you can head over to our sister site, All About Theatre. 🎥 Watch Our Visit in Weekly Vlog #450 If you’d like to see what we got up to during our visit to see Matilda The Musical, you can watch it in Weekly Vlog #450 below. Our trip to the show begins at 30:05 in the video, although the vlog also includes some other family moments from our week. At a Glance 📍 Venue: Manchester Palace Theatre 📅 Date Visited: Friday 17th April ⏱️ Runtime: Approx. 2 hours 35 minutes (including interval) ☕ Interval: 20 minutes 👧 Age Guidance: 6+ 🎟️ Our Seats: Stalls Row B, Seats 9–11 💷 Ticket Price Paid: £35 each + booking fee (friends & family discount) 🪑 Booster Seats Available: Yes 🛍️ Merchandise Purchased: Souvenir Brochure (£12) 👨‍👩‍👧 Family Friendly: Absolutely Watch The Trailer

Our Trip to The Boy at the Back of the Class at The Lowry When The Boy at the Back of the Class at The Lowry first toured in 2024, I remember leaving the theatre feeling incredibly moved by its heartfelt story and powerful message. I had always hoped that if it returned, I’d be able to bring my daughter Alice along—and thankfully, that’s exactly what happened this time. On Wednesday 15th April, Alice (8), my brother and I headed to The Lowry for the 7pm performance, excited for a special evening out together. As always, my dad dropped us off at our usual spot opposite the Imperial War Museum North, and we made our familiar walk across the bridge towards The Lowry. We arrived at around 6.40pm, giving us plenty of time to collect our tickets and settle in before the show. Arrival, Programmes & Seating at The Lowry Before heading into the auditorium, I stopped by the box office to collect my programme, which cost £6 and is also available from the programme stand. We were seated in the stalls, Row O, seats 26–28, and I have to say these seats were excellent. They offered a fantastic central view with plenty of leg room, and we were positioned at just the right distance from the stage to comfortably take in the full production. Alice decided she wanted a booster seat, which are usually available near the side doors in the stalls, but as none were left, I had to head to the cloakroom opposite the stalls toilets to request one instead. Once we were all settled, Alice was more than ready for the show to begin. The Boy at the Back of the Class at The Lowry – Our Thoughts Having seen the production before, I already knew just how emotional and impactful this story could be—but seeing it again with Alice made it feel even more special. The story follows Ahmet, a young refugee starting school in England, and the classmates determined to help him feel welcome. From the moment the show began, Alice was completely engrossed. She was totally transfixed by the stage throughout, following the story closely and clearly connecting with the characters. By the interval, she was already telling me how much she was enjoying it, especially how kind the children were being to Ahmet. It was genuinely lovely to see how strongly the themes of kindness, friendship and empathy resonated with her. Interval Ice Cream & Audience Experience The first act ran for around 50 minutes, followed by a 20-minute interval. During the break, Alice was very keen for ice cream, but with the concession stand closed, we had to join the much longer queues at the main bar instead. After a bit of a wait, we all enjoyed ice creams before heading back to our seats for the second act. While the queues were definitely busy, it was still a lovely little part of the theatre trip and gave us a chance to chat about how much we were already enjoying the show. Final Thoughts on The Boy at the Back of the Class at The Lowry The Boy at the Back of the Class at The Lowry remains every bit as moving, powerful and relevant as I remembered. It’s a beautifully told production that introduces important topics to younger audiences in an accessible and compassionate way, while still delivering an engaging and emotional experience for adults too. Watching Alice become so invested in the story made this visit especially memorable, and it completely confirmed why I had wanted to bring her when the show returned. This is exactly the kind of theatre that sparks important conversations while still feeling warm, entertaining and full of heart. If you’re looking for a meaningful theatre trip with older children, this is absolutely one to consider. Further Information & Tour Dates The Boy at the Back of the Class will be at The Lowry until Saturday 18th April 2026. Tickets are available to purchase through The Lowry website. If you can’t make it to Salford, the good news is that The Boy at the Back of the Class is continuing its UK tour until the end of May 2026. You can find more information, including upcoming venues and tour dates, on the show’s official website. If you’d like to read our more detailed theatre-focused review of The Boy at the Back of the Class, you can head over to our sister site, All About Theatre. 🎥 Watch Our Visit in Weekly Vlog #450 If you’d like to see what we got up to during our visit to see The Boy at the Back of the Class at The Lowry, you can watch it in Weekly Vlog #450 below. Our trip to the show begins at 11:30 in the video, although the vlog also includes some other family moments from our week. 🎭 At A Glance 📍 Venue: The Lowry, Salford Quays 📅 Dates: Until 18 April 🎟️ Tickets: From £15 via The Lowry website 💺 Seats: Stalls Row O (excellent central view) 🪑 Booster Seats: Available for younger children 📖 Programme: £6 🍦 Ice Cream: Approx. £3 each ⏱️ Running Time: Approx. 2 hours including interval 👧 Recommended Age: 7+ 🚋 Getting There: Easily accessible by tram, bus or car. Nearby parking is available at Quayside MediaCityUK. 🌍 UK Tour: Touring until the end of May 2026 🔗 Official Website: Visit the official show website for full tour dates and information. *Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review. Watch The Trailer

Family Weekly Update This week felt like a really lovely mix of theatre trips, family time and slower days at home. With it being the Easter holidays, the days felt a little more relaxed (even if still busy in their own way), and we managed to fit in some really nice moments together. Here’s everything we got up to this week. 🎬 Editing, Blogging & A Productive Start Monday was a fairly productive day, and I spent most of it editing the weekly vlog and writing up the weekly update blog post to go alongside it. It always feels good getting everything finished and uploaded, especially when it all goes live together as planned. 🎭 A Theatre Night with My Mum – Inspector Morse On Tuesday, I spent the day at home catching up on housework and spending time with the kids, making the most of the Easter holidays. In the evening, my mum and I headed to The Lowry to see Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts , and it ended up being such a lovely midweek theatre trip. We did our usual walk across from near the Imperial War Museum North, which is always one of my favourite parts of going to The Lowry — especially when the evenings are still light. The show itself was a really engaging mystery, full of twists and moments that kept you guessing. It’s one of those shows where you find yourself constantly trying to work everything out, and we had so much to talk about during the interval. It felt quite dialogue-heavy at times, but overall it was still really enjoyable and definitely one that keeps your attention from start to finish. 👉 You can read more about our visit and a short review HERE 👉 And you can find my full review on All About Theatre   When I got home, I wrote up my review before heading to bed. 🐄 A Lovely Morning Theatre Trip with the Kids Wednesday started with a really special little milestone — Leo lost his first tooth! 🦷✨ It was such a lovely moment and he was so excited (and very proud of himself too!). After that, while Lawrence was at work, I took the kids to see A Squash and a Squeeze  at Waterside Arts in Sale, and it was such a lovely, easy morning out. From the moment we arrived, the whole experience felt really relaxed and family-friendly. The kids spent some time drawing and looking at books before the show, which was such a nice way to settle in. The show itself was brilliant for little ones — really imaginative, full of puppetry and simple storytelling that kept them completely engaged. There was a lovely mix of music, movement and interaction, and both Alice and Leo had their favourite moments. After the show, we went to see Lawrence at work, and the kids were very excited to find the last Pokémon toy in the shop — even better that it was half price! We then headed to KFC for lunch before getting the tram home. Once we got back, I wrote up my review and created a reel to go with it. 👉 You can read more about our visit and a short review HERE 👉 And you can find my full review on All About Theatre   🎬 Cinema Trip & A Bit of Chaos Along the Way Thursday started with a very excited Leo, who had discovered that the tooth fairy had visited overnight and left him a £1 coin under his pillow 🥰 Later that day, we headed into Manchester to watch the Mario movie together. My brother came with us, which made it feel like even more of a little family trip. Getting there was a bit chaotic as the ticket machines at the tram stops weren’t working, so we had to just get on and sort it when we arrived — luckily the staff were really helpful and got it sorted for us. At the cinema, the kids were very excited about snacks. My brother treated Alice to a Mario popcorn tin, and Leo to a Mario cup, which they both loved. Leo had also brought his Yoshi popcorn bucket that his Uncle Andrew had bought him, but as he doesn’t like popcorn, he filled it with a bag of his Easter mini eggs instead — which I thought was such a cute idea! We all really enjoyed the film — it was such a fun, easy watch for the whole family. When we got home, I wasn’t feeling great and ended up having a nap as I had a sore throat and felt really run down. 🤒 A Slower Day at Home Friday ended up being a much slower day as I still wasn’t feeling well. I had a sore throat and mouth ulcers, so we spent the day on the sofa watching films together. It turned into one of those cosy days at home, which, even though unplanned, are sometimes exactly what you need. 🍫 Baking & Feeling Better By Saturday, I was starting to feel a bit better, and the kids and I made some more Mars Bar cornflake cakes. We’d made them for the first time for our Easter party, and as we still had some cornflakes left (and everyone had really enjoyed them!), we decided to make another batch. It was nice to get back to doing something together again after a quieter day. 🌿 Garden Time, Editing & A Relaxed End to the Week On Sunday, Lawrence was off work, so he spent time in the garden playing with the kids while I caught up on editing and writing blog posts. Later in the day, the kids and I made the pink lemonade we didn’t get round to making for our Easter party, which felt like a nice little way to round off the week. 🎥 Watch Our Weekly Vlog If you’d like to see everything we got up to this week, you can watch this week’s family weekly update vlog  below — including our theatre trips, family days out and Easter holiday moments.

🥕 Carrot Hot Dogs (Easy Easter Puff Pastry Recipe for Kids) Looking for a fun and easy Easter food idea that kids will actually eat? These Carrot Hot Dogs  are the perfect addition to any Easter party table! Made with hot dogs wrapped in puff pastry and brushed with a paprika egg wash for that golden “carrot” colour, they’re finished with baby spinach leaves to create the cutest little carrot tops. Simple, fun, and perfect for picky eaters. We served these at our Easter party and they were such a hit with the children! 🥕 Why You’ll Love These Carrot Hot Dogs Super easy to make Uses simple ingredients Perfect for picky eaters Fun and themed for Easter Great for parties or lunch ideas ⚡ Quick Tips ✔ Add paprika to your egg wash for that carrot colour ✔ Slightly overlap pastry when wrapping for the best shape ✔ Add spinach leaves after baking so they stay fresh ✔ Serve warm for the best texture 🛒 Ingredients Hot dogs Ready rolled puff pastry 1 egg 1 tablespoon water Paprika Baby spinach leaves 👩‍🍳 How to Make Carrot Hot Dogs Line a baking tray with greaseproof or baking paper. Take the puff pastry out of the box and let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before unrolling. Unroll the pastry and cut it into vertical strips using a pizza cutter. Wrap each hot dog with the pastry strips, slightly overlapping as you go to create a carrot-like shape. Place the wrapped hot dogs onto the lined baking tray. Make an egg wash by beating 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water, then add a small amount of paprika and mix until it turns a warm orange colour. Brush the egg wash over the pastry using a pastry brush. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20 minutes, or until golden. Remove from the oven and carefully add baby spinach leaves to the top of each one to create the carrot effect. Serve warm and enjoy! 🍽️ Tips for the Best Carrot Hot Dogs 🧊 Let the pastry rest before unrolling This makes it easier to handle and helps prevent cracking. 🔪 Cut even pastry strips Keeping the strips similar in width helps them cook evenly and gives a neater finish. 🌀 Wrap snugly without stretching The pastry should sit neatly around the hot dog without being pulled too tight, so it puffs properly in the oven. 🌶️ Adjust paprika to suit your colour Start with a small amount and build gradually to get the shade you like. 🔥 Rotate your tray if needed Turning the tray halfway through baking can help everything cook evenly. ⏱️ Look for a golden finish The pastry should be puffed and lightly golden when ready. 🥬 Use smaller spinach leaves They look more like carrot tops and are easier to place neatly. 🍴 Best served fresh The pastry is at its flakiest and most enjoyable straight from the oven. 🎉 Perfect For… Easter parties Kids’ lunch ideas Buffet tables Spring gatherings Themed food platters ✨ Final Thoughts These Carrot Hot Dogs  are such a simple idea but look so effective on a party table. They’re fun, festive, and guaranteed to be a hit with kids (and adults too!). “A simple hot dog transformed into a fun Easter treat that little ones will love!” 🥕

Looking for a fun and easy St Patrick’s Day food idea that even picky eaters will love? These Shamrock Hot Dogs  are the perfect festive snack! Made with simple ingredients like hot dogs and ready-rolled puff pastry, these cute little treats are wrapped and topped with a green pastry shamrock for a fun seasonal twist. They’re ideal for parties, after-school snacks, or a themed family movie night. 🍀 Why You’ll Love These Shamrock Hot Dogs Super quick and easy to make Uses just a few simple ingredients Perfect for fussy eaters (hello hot dogs + pastry!) Great for St Patrick’s Day parties Fun to make with kids 🛒 Ingredients Hot dogs Ready rolled puff pastry 1 egg Green Gel food colouring 👩‍🍳 How to Make Shamrock Hot Dogs Line a baking tray with greaseproof or baking paper. Take the puff pastry out of the box and let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before unrolling. Unroll the pastry and cut off a strip large enough to cut out 8 small shamrocks using a shamrock cutter. Use a toothpick to add a small amount of green gel food colouring to the cut-off pastry. Knead gently to mix the colour, being careful not to overwork the pastry. Make sure to use gel food colouring rather than liquid, as liquid can make the pastry too wet and sticky to roll out properly. Roll the coloured pastry out with a rolling pin, adding a little plain flour if needed to stop it sticking. Cut out 8 shamrocks. Cut the remaining pastry into vertical strips using a pizza cutter. Wrap each hot dog with two strips of pastry and place them on a lined baking tray. Add one shamrock to the centre of each wrapped hot dog. Make a green egg wash by beating 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water, then mixing in a small amount of green food colouring. Brush the egg wash over the pastry using a pastry brush. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve warm. 🍽️ Tips for the Best Shamrock Hot Dogs Let the pastry rest before unrolling Giving it 10 minutes at room temperature helps prevent cracking and makes it much easier to work with. Use gel food colouring, not liquid Gel colouring keeps the pastry easy to work with, whereas liquid food colouring can make it too wet and sticky to roll out properly. Use a toothpick for the colouring This helps you control how much gel you add so the pastry doesn’t become too soft. Don’t overwork the pastry When kneading in the colour, try to handle the pastry as little as possible so it still puffs up nicely in the oven. Lightly flour your surface If your pastry starts to stick when rolling out the coloured section, add a small dusting of plain flour. Keep an eye on them in the oven Every oven is slightly different, so check towards the end of cooking to make sure they’re golden and not overdone. Serve warm for the best results These taste best fresh out of the oven when the pastry is golden, flaky and crisp. Perfect for picky eaters If your little ones love hot dogs, this is a really easy way to make them feel fun and special without changing the food they already enjoy. 🎉 Perfect For… St Patrick’s Day parties Kids’ lunches or snacks Family movie nights Quick party food for fussy eaters ✨ Final Thoughts These Shamrock Hot Dogs  are one of those simple ideas that turn into something really special. They’re fun, festive, and guaranteed to be a hit with kids (and adults too!). “A little twist of pastry and a touch of green magic turns a simple hot dog into a lucky St Patrick’s Day treat!” 🍀

Chocolate Pretzel Nests Recipe If you’re looking for a super easy Easter treat that the kids can help make (and actually enjoy eating too!), these Chocolate Pretzel Nests are such a fun one to try. We made these as a little Easter activity at home and they were a huge hit. I love that they’re a bit different from the usual cereal nests—the pretzels give them that sweet and salty combo, plus a lovely crunchy texture that makes them extra moreish. They’re also completely no-bake, quick to put together, and perfect if you want something simple but still really cute for Easter 🐰 🛒 Ingredients (Makes 12) 100g pretzel sticks 200g milk chocolate 24–36 mini eggs 🍫 Method Line a cupcake tray with cupcake cases. Place the pretzel sticks into a bowl and break them up into smaller pieces. Break up the chocolate and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 20-second bursts , stirring after each burst until fully melted and smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the pretzels and mix well until all the pretzels are fully coated. Spoon the mixture evenly into the cupcake cases. Add 2–3 mini eggs on top of each nest. Place in the fridge for around 15 minutes  to set, and then they are ready 🐰 How We Served Them You can leave these in the cupcake cases, but I actually prefer to remove them once they’ve set —they look much more like little nests this way, which makes them extra fun for Easter. They’re perfect for: Easter parties After-school treats Adding to an Easter basket A quick baking activity with the kids 💡 Top Tips Break the pretzels quite small so the nests hold together nicely. Don’t overheat the chocolate—short bursts are key! You can swap milk chocolate for dark or white chocolate depending on what you prefer. Store in the fridge if your kitchen is warm so they keep their shape. ✨ Why We Love This Recipe This is one of those recipes that feels like a win all round—quick, easy, minimal mess, and the kids can get really involved (especially adding the mini eggs on top!). And honestly… that sweet and salty combo? So good.