Bournemouth Pavilion is inviting young people to make magical memories and enjoy the rest of the year with a fun-filled line-up of family theatre events designed to spark imaginations and bring everyone together for unforgettable days out.
The new cultural event programme sits alongside the venue’s vibrant calendar of comedy, music, musicals, and cultural performances, offering families even more reasons to enjoy the magic of their local theatre.
Kicking off the family fun is Bluey’s Big Play (Thursday 6 August – Sunday 9 August 2026), featuring stunning puppetry that brings Bluey, Bingo, and all their friends to life before your eyes. Group discounts and concessions for under 16s are available, plus audio description headphones and a dedicated BSL (British Sign Language) performance*.
Next up is the award-winning Taylormania (Sunday 16 August 2026), an all-singing, all-dancing celebration that pays tribute to one of the world’s biggest music icons. Fronted by Katy Ellis, a self-proclaimed ‘Swiftie’ with an incredible live band and dancers, this high‑energy tribute promises the most authentic Taylor Swift experience fans could hope to see.
For older children and theatre buffs, there’s the acclaimed touring West End musical productions of MAMMA MIA! (Tuesday 28 July-Sunday 2 August) and Waitress (Monday 24 August-Saturday 20 August); BBLOC’s (Bournemouth and Boscombe Light Opera Company) adaptation of 9 to 5 The Musical (Wednesday 14-Saturday 17 October 2026), plus Piff & Pop’s Magic Shoppe (Thursday 10 September 2026) for fans of magic and comedy**.
No Bournemouth Pavilion theatre season would be complete without its annual pantomime, and this year’s production Aladdin (Saturday 5 December 2026-Sunday 3 January 2027) promises the perfect festive finale.
Step into an enchanted world where a humble boy discovers a mystical lamp that unlocks unimaginable power, sending him on a whirlwind journey of danger, love and laugh-out-loud mischief. Starring powerhouse talent James Cartwright (Coronation Street) as the wicked Abanazar and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Kristel Herrera as Princess Jasmine, this is one festive adventure you won’t want to miss.
Bournemouth Pavilion is operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live, in partnership with BCP Council.
On behalf of BH Live, Nicola Coney, Entertainments and Events Manager, said:
“Bournemouth Pavilion has always been a place where magical memories are made, and we’re excited to give families even more reasons to visit throughout the year. Whether it’s a child’s first theatre trip to see Bluey, a family singalong at Taylormania, or a festive outing to our pantomime, these shared experiences are what make live entertainment so special. We’re proud to offer a programme that brings generations together and showcases the very best in family entertainment.”
For more information about Bournemouth Pavilion, including What’s On, visit bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.
For more information about Bournemouth International Centre, including What’s On, visit bic.co.uk.
Contact groupsales@bhlive.org.uk for more information on tickets, booking, and group rates.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
*0-6 months are welcome. Children of this age must share a seat with a full-paying adult. There is no requirement to buy an additional ticket. Discounts: 6-12 months (£12.25), Under 16s (£2 off), Family (4 tickets – £76 – band A only)
A BSL (British Sign Language) performance of Bluey’s Big Play will take place on Friday 7 August 2026. Audio description headphones will also be available for all performances.
**Waitress deals with some adult content and themes so discretion is advised for parents bringing children under age 13. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult for Piff & Pop’s Magic Shoppe.
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
About BH Live
Champions of community engagement, health and wellness across Dorset, Hampshire, and London
BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, is a leading operator of sports and leisure centres, theatres, and event venues. Our vision is to create sustainable and inspiring opportunities, deliver great experiences for our communities, and improve health and well-being.
With a strong commitment to accessibility and community engagement, BH Live continues to enhance the quality of people’s lives, health and wellbeing in the communities it serves.
BH Live was established in 2010. Local authority partners include BCP Council, Portsmouth City Council, Croydon Council, and Southampton City Council.
We are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. Together with our partners we are helping to change lives and make a positive impact in the community.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
Get social with us:
LinkedIn – BH Live
Facebook – @SocialEnterpriseBHLive
Instagram @bhliveuk
BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.
About Bournemouth Pavilion
Bournemouth Pavilion is operated by the registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
This Grade II listed venue opened in March 1929. It has a 1,500-seat theatre and full-sized ballroom. The venue hosts a year-round diverse programme of events and entertainment such as musicals, opera, ballet, pantomime, comedy, and dances. Gala dinners, banquets, receptions, fairs, corporate presentations, product launches, conferences and exhibitions also feature.
Bournemouth Pavilion is home to Pavilion Dance South West and the Pavilion at AUB rehearsal and teaching space for the Arts University Bournemouth.
Bournemouth Pavilion’s South Terrace operates throughout the spring and summer season, serving a delicious range of hot and cold drinks, grab-and-go items, and hot food from pop-up stalls and container bars. The Terrace Bistro serves a seasonal menu, offering an indoor and alfresco dining experience.
- Buy tickets online at co.uk
- Buy tickets by phone 0300 500 0595
- In person from box office – see website for opening times.
For call charges, opening times and more visit bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.
Get social with us:
Facebook, Instagram – @BournemouthPavilion
About Bournemouth International Centre
Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is operated by the registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
Opened in 1984 the venue is set in the heart of Bournemouth, with panoramic views across the bay. It is the south coast’s premier conference, exhibition, entertainment, and hospitality venue, with licensed capacity for up to 10,000 visitors. Four main halls and a variety of smaller meeting and hospitality areas can be scaled to host events such as multi-hall conferences, exhibitions, meetings, music concerts, dance and comedy performances.
- Buy tickets online at bic.co.uk
- Buy tickets by phone 0300 500 0595
- In person from box offices at Bournemouth International Centre
For call charges, opening times and more visit bic.co.uk.
Get social with us:
Facebook, Instagram – @BournemouthInternationalCentre