THEATR Clwyd will host a fun-filled family arts weekend later this month.

Family Arts Weekend, taking place between July 27-29, will feature ten live shows and workshops in dance, drama, animation, singing and creative play.

There’s live music and puppetry in Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales, based on the bestselling books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Suitable for 5 – 12 year olds, these tales are based on the popular books Tiddler, Monkey Puzzle, The Smartest Giant in Town and A Squash and a Squeeze.

For younger children, age 3 and upwards, there’s A Square World, the story of three friends and what happens when an unexpected change leaves one of them left out in the cold and The Doodle Dance Show, a playful, interactive show.

From just weeks old to age 4, The Adventures of Pom is a visual tale of Greek myth Persephone with music, images and puppetry.

Other events for 0 – 4 years include Shhh, The Elves Are Very Shy, presented by Elf-ologist Fay Greenwood who is bringing two of her tiny friends and You’ve Got Dragons, a musical, highly visual production about one child’s journey to come to terms with their dragons.

Adventure Babies, 0-4 years is an interactive event which brings books alive through storytelling, sensory props, messy play, lights and more.

Malcolm and the Story-drivers brings a special VW campervan to the theatre for a live story-making adventure. Inside, young audience members are invited on an adventure to solve puzzles, play games and think creatively as they are guided through a narrative journey. Using 967 building blocks, children will build their own creations.

For children 7 and over, The Origin of Species is an acclaimed musical comedy about how Charles Darwin discovered the secrets of evolution and why it took him over 20 years before he decided to publish his remarkable theory.

Music in the main bar includes Welsh National Opera’s Hansel and Gretel, an opera in 30 minutes with audience participation.

For young dance lovers, there is Hip Hop Dance, and both are free of charge.

Art and Play includes Manga Art Animation, a workshop on how to draw Japanese art for 8 year olds and upwards and, for 6 years and upwards, Below The Waves Animation, a workshop on 2D and stop-motion animation which includes design and storyboard processes, creating scenes, filming and editing.

Welsh language storytelling features the traditional Norwegian tale Y Trol Cas, re-told in Welsh.

Cymraig Y Blant For Kids also features Stori a Chan, story and rhymetime for babies and children, suitable for both non-Welsh speaking parents and fluent speakers.

Cinema includes The Incredibles 2, as well as screenings of The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, Room on the Broom and Welsh Cartoons, 45 minutes of S4C animation for kids including Teifi, Gelert and SuperTed. Family films are screened throughout the weekend in the cinema.

Gwennan Mair Jones, Theatr Clwyd’s Director of Creative Engagement said: “We warmly welcome the whole family, from babies to grandparents, for three days of celebrations featuring wonderful live shows, music, a big choice of exciting activities and cinema.

''It’s a weekend packed with fun and lots of opportunities to try new things and make discoveries. Come up the hill to start your summer with a special weekend to share with family and friends.”

Tickets for shows in the Family Arts Weekend cost just £2 - £5, with many free events, and are available now on 01352 701521 or see www.theatrclwyd.com for full details. Advance booking is recommended.