Who is Martha? Martha lives by the sea. Martha lives alone. Martha doesn’t need anyone. She is stubborn, eccentric and highly independent. Who are Martha’s friends? Not her next door neighbour. Not her helpful postman. Nor her secret admirer from across the bay. One day she has an unexpected visitor and for Martha life will never be the same again. The award-winning Catherine Wheels present this a wonderful, humorous story about friendship, trust and a goose. For ages 4 plus. (back to top)

Imaginative dance theatre for the very young. Living in an overgrown garden where time doesn’t always run according to the clock, is an eccentric and extraordinary woman who grows not flowers but colourful ideas. Eccentric, curious and probably cantankerous, expect expressive gibberish and serious gobbledygook in this richly textured, visual and imaginative dance performance. Tabula Rasa Dance Company have a reputation for creating inspiring dance performances for children. Suitable for age 4 plus. (back to top)

Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music is your chance to test your vocal range with several hundred other assorted nuns, Von Trapp family members and Julie Andrews look-a-likes. The evening begins with a live show in which your host will lead you through a vocal warm-up, judge the fancy dress competition and award the prizes. Costumes are not compulsory but they are highly recommended and you will be amazed at the inventiveness on display. The host will then show you how to use your free goody bag throughout the film and suggest some appropriate heckles and accompanying actions, such as hissing the countess, barking at Rolf and, of course, cheering for Julie. Then, you sit back and watch the original 1965 movie in glorious Technicolor ™ with the lyrics for all the songs on the screen, so you won’t miss a chance to sing your hearts out. The audience takes over as the star of the show from this point and almost anything can happen – the first rule of Sing-a-long-a is there are no rules. It’s not compulsory to dress up but many people do and it really adds to the fun. Dip into the wardrobe of your imagination and surprise us with your creation. There is a 30-minute pre-film show during which the host leads you through a vocal warm-up, prepares you for special moments throughout the film and judges the fancy dress competition. Everyone receives a free goody bag with special props for the “magic moments” that make the evening go with a bang. With pre-show, Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music show lasts about 3 hours 50 mins, with an interval. (back to top)

Music performed by Soloists of the Philharmonia Orchestra. A spectacular staging of one of the most delightful and well-loved orchestral works of the 20th century. This classic story of brave Peter and his pursuit of the hungry wolf, aided by his friends the cat, the bird and the duck is thrillingly brought to life through dance, music and narration. With a new first act this family production is Peter and the Wolf as you've never seen it before! Please be advised that this production is suitable for ages 4+. Children under this age will not be admitted and no baby ticket is available. Approx 1 hour 30 mins including interval. (back to top)

Tweedy is having a truly bad day at work. Having given up clowning, he takes a job in the Lost Property office, but the property seems to be giving him a bit of trouble…. Expect classic clowning, mayhem and slapstick as The star of ‘Goldilocks & The Three Bears' returns to the King's with his one man show – ‘Tweedy's Lost Property'. (back to top)

Musselburgh Amateur Musical Assocation (MAMA) present Oliver! the story of an orphan who runs away from an orphanage and hooks up with a group of boys trained to be pickpockets by an elderly mentor. Includes memorable songs Food Glorious Food, Pick A Pocket Or Two and Consider Yourself. There is a 2pm matinee on the Saturday. (back to top)

A little boy is given 12 tin soldiers for Christmas, but one soldier is very different from the rest. Join us for the story of this special toy’s extraordinary journey. One of Hans Christian Andersen’s best loved tales. For ages 5 – 11. At the Brunton Theatre ONLY, Parent and baby ticket (under 18 months) also available. Please contact the venue directly. Showing as part of the Puppet Animation Festival 2008. (back to top)

The latest new show from Licketyspit, the makers of Molly Whuppie, Wee Witches, Magic Spaghetti, Quangle Wangle and Green Whale for 3 - 12 year olds and everyone else! Three people from different places. Three people holding up the same roof and needing to find the answer to a question... We meet in the playground but where have we come from and where are we going? To the moon? To the stars even? And what will we find? Dragons in the dustbin? Fishes on the roof? An exuberant, highly physical show for children and families, with bagpipes, drumming, dancing, games and songs, Heelie-go-Leerie will celebrate the riches of childhood and the energy, wit and tenacity of children – no matter what! Performance times - Friday 5pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am & 3pm. (back to top)

National Theatre of Scotland and Wee Stories present a hilarious re-imagining of the classic tale, The Emperor's New Clothes. An opulent and colourful production, full of pomp, stupidity and superb music. Performance times: Sat 12th - 7.30pm, Sun 13th & Mon 14th - no performances, Tue 15th - 10.30am, Wed 16th - 7.30pm, Thu 17th - 10.30am & 7.30pm, Fri 18th - 7.30pm, Sat 19th - 2pm & 7.30pm. (back to top)

The Chuckle Brothers return to Edinburgh for their 2008 production. Currently, the boys are on stage for only one show, starting at 2pm. In a faraway land that time forgot, the ancient treasures and mysteries of an old and forgotten tribe lay in hiding for only the brave (and the mistaken) to find...! One day Paul and Barry see a job advertisement in the paper. But they can't read the print very well as someone has spilt tomato ketchup on the article. They think it reads ‘Reward for anyone brave enough to travel’. The rest of the article is smudged and can’t be seen. Paul says: "We can do that!" Barry replied: "Oh dear oh dear, something isn't right!" And so it was that our hapless heroes set off on another adventure full of mistakes, pitfalls and danger! Guaranteed fun and thrills for all the family from 3 to 103 is promised. (back to top)

Presented by Dodgy Clutch in association with The Market Theatre of Johannesburg & Newcastle Theatre Royal. Elephant is a visual feast for all the family celebrating the universal themes of forgiveness and humanity or "Ubuntu". Performers from the U.K. and South Africa come together in a multi-talented company of actors, dancers, storytellers and musicians. The story of Chief Zanenvula unfolds through enchanting puppetry, brilliant acting and wonderful songs. The chief, a good man and respected by his tribe, has just died and has been forbidden entry to heaven. Distraught and uncomprehending he calls on his ancestors to find the answer. "Go back, look at your past", they tell him, "take a glimpse into the future. What do you see?" As Chief Zanenvula reviews his life and actions he slowly comprehends how he has offended the spirit of Africa and how he can redeem himself. Please be advised that this production is suitable for ages 5+. Children under this age will not be admitted and no baby ticket is available. The Tuesday 10.30am performance is for schools only! There is a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday. (back to top)

The all-new 90 minutes musical adventure Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage in “Thomas Saves the Day” is coming to Edinburgh Playhouse. Thomas and Friends Live! On Stage includes new railroad-themed songs and tells the story of Thomas and his engine friends as they work together as “Really Useful Engines” to get the railroad ready for Sodor’s Magic Lantern Festival. Encountering adventures along the way, Thomas, Percy and Diesel, among others share a story that helps encourage life lessons such as discovery, friendship and cooperation. Times of performances: Friday - 2pm & 5pm; Saturday - 11am, 2pm & 5pm; Sunday - 11am & 2pm. (back to top)

A lively, lovingly presented wee show about making new friends and not judging people (or places) by appearances. Travel on the ferry to Struay to meet one of the best-loved characters in children’s books – Katie Morag McColl. She may live on a tiny weather-beaten island, but there’s plenty of mischief to get up to, and Katie Morag is always up to something! Two American kids arrive with their dad to find their Scottish roots, but Katie Morag can’t believe how spoiled they are – and the visitors can’t believe there aren’t shopping malls on Struay! But as they become caught up in a treasure trail, Katie Morag and the visitors soon learn that appearances can deceive... Meet Eriska the horse and the Struay cats, join in with the treasure trail, stumble across ancient ghosts in spooky places, and help Katie Morag find the answers to the riddles. Katie Morag comes to life in a musical show full of fun for all the family. Nominated for ‘Best Show for Children and Young People’ at the TMA Theatre Awards 2006. Suitable for ages four and up. There is a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday. (back to top)

Brought to magical life by this country's brightest musical entertainer, the legendary Tommy Steele. Doctor Dolittle is a world-renowned veterinarian who speaks a wide array of animal languages and whose adventures begin when he goes in search of the Great Pink Sea Snail. With Lavish settings, spectacular effects and an Oscar award-winning score that includes the hits If I Could Talk To The Animals and I've Never Seen Anything Like It, Doctor Dolittle is the perfect treat for all the family! Tommy Steele's Hollywood hits include The Happiest Millionaire, Finian's Rainbow and the acclaimed Half A Sixpence, which he performed in the West End and on Broadway. Check our May calendar for performance times. (back to top)