Family Fun
Family fun takes centre stage this autumn at the Corn Exchange Newbury
Families in Newbury and beyond can look forward to an autumn packed with laughter, music, magic, mystery and adventure, with a brilliant programme of family-friendly shows and experiences across the Corn Exchange (Newbury) Trust’s venues.
The season begins at the Old Library with Wonder Gigs, on Friday 11 September and Friday 6 November.
Created for music-loving grown-ups and little ones, these relaxed sessions combine toe-tapping acoustic covers of familiar pop, rock and folk favourites with gentle, child-led play.
With props, puppets and plenty of opportunities to dance, move and sing along, it’s a chance for families to unwind and enjoy live music together.
On Friday 16 October, A Tale of Us offers a special theatrical experience for parents and babies.
Blending drama with sensory play, the show celebrates the wonder, joys and challenges of becoming a new parent.
Each performance is followed by a guided stay-and-play session, giving families the chance to explore the world of the show and meet other parents and babies.
October half term brings even more family fun, at the Old Library with Out of the Box on Saturday 24 October.
Fresh from five-star success at the Edinburgh Fringe and being named Best Family Show at Brighton Fringe, Darryl J Carrington transforms everyday objects into extraordinary adventures.
Expect juggling, inventive physical theatre, silent comedy and plenty of audience interaction in an hour of joyful chaos for all ages.
The Old Library’s family programme continues with The Mystery of the Old Library on Saturday 7 November.
This award-winning board-game-style theatre show invites trainee detectives to work alongside super sleuth Danyah Miller, examining evidence, inspecting video footage and interrogating suspects to solve a thrilling murder mystery.
Winner of the Fantastic for Families Award for Best Family Arts Activity 2025, it promises intrigue, spontaneity and a sprinkle of magic.
Over at the Corn Exchange Newbury, There’s a Monster in Your Show returns on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, bringing Tom Fletcher’s beloved Who’s in Your Book? characters to life.
Little Monster, Dragon, Alien and Unicorn join the performers on stage in a high-energy, interactive adventure packed with comedy, chaos and lively original music, making it the perfect introduction to live theatre for younger audiences.
October half term at the Corn Exchange Newbury brings two spectacular family experiences to the stage.
Illusion Impossible, on Sunday 25 October, promises magic, grand-scale illusions, mind-reading miracles, death-defying escapes, music and circus thrills in a breathtaking theatrical experience for the whole family.
Then, on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 October, Dinosaur World Live takes audiences on a roarsome interactive journey into a prehistoric world.
Young explorers can meet a host of remarkably life-like dinosaurs, including Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops, before enjoying a special post-show meet and greet.
This show was the winner of the Olivier Award for Best Family Show 2024, it’s a must for budding young dinosaur fans.
As autumn turns to winter, the Corn Exchange Newbury becomes a festive staple with the return of its much-loved pantomime, which this year presents Sleeping Beauty, running from Friday 27 November 2026 until Saturday 2 January 2027.
Suitable for all ages, this spellbinding production from Plested Brown and Wilsher has all the ingredients of a classic Corn Exchange Newbury panto: side-splitting comedy, dazzling costumes, spectacular scenery, fabulous live music, sensational choreography and plenty of magical moments.
Families are invited to come together for the Corn Exchange Newbury’s annual Festival of Light on Sunday 13 December, when Newbury town centre will be transformed into a magical, twinkling wonderland.
The free event will see a sparkling lantern procession make its way along Northbrook Street before arriving in the Market Place, where families can enjoy live music and a joyful festive atmosphere.
In the weeks leading up to the celebration, lantern-making workshops will also give children, families and community groups the chance to get creative and make their own lanterns to carry in the procession.
With music, monsters, mystery, magic and dinosaurs all on the programme, families have plenty of opportunities to experience the joy of live performance together this autumn, there’s no better time to plan a family theatre adventure.
You can book your tickets now at https://cornexchangenew.com/events?types=family or contacting the Box Office on 01635 522733 or emailing boxoffice@cornexchangenew.co.uk
The Corn Exchange Newbury
The Corn Exchange Trust manages four key spaces; the Corn Exchange which includes a 400 seat auditorium, a 40 seat independent cinema and a Cafe and Bar; 101 Outdoor Arts: National Centre for Arts in Public Space – a unique outdoor arts creation centre for the development of large-scale outdoor performances, making and rehearsal space and on-site accommodation; their centrally located Learning Centre in which workshops and courses for all ages take place; and The Base Greenham, a visual arts gallery and workshop space on Greenham Business Park which is also home to 8 resident artists.
From level access to their building to signed and audio-described performances, they are dedicated to making their venue and events accessible for everyone.
01635 522733
Corn Exchange Newbury, Market Place,
Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5BD
The performance programme at the Corn Exchange has developed considerably in recent years.
They present a mixed programme of theatre, dance, comedy, music, family, film and outdoor work to audiences from across the South East.
The emphasis is on presenting shows of the highest quality and films that inspire and entertain audiences, with attendance growing year on year.
The Trust produces its own pantomime in-house, as well as supporting a range of artists and companies across all art-forms through commissioning and development opportunities, mentoring and production support.
Their emphasis is on presenting great shows and films that audiences really want to come and see and that reflect the rich diversity of our country today.
Always high quality, they’re really proud that their attendance figures are growing year on year.
Transport
By Bicycle: public bike parking is available in the Market Place, a short walk from theirr front door.
By Train or Bus: five-minute walk from both the train and bus stations; regular services run from Reading, Windsor, Basingstoke, Winchester, Oxford and London.
By Car: 10 minutes from M4 Junction 13. There are a number of town centre car parks (pay on exit): Mon-Sun: £2 after 6pm. For car parks behind the Corn Exchange sat nav RG14 5QP.
Please visit the Accessibility page for information about the facilities at the Corn Exchange
