This spring Theatre by the Lake has over 6000 free theatre tickets to give away to young people aged under 26 – all you have to do is fill in a form – that’s it, no catch, just free tickets. Under the Arts Council’s A Night Less Ordinary Scheme the Keswick theatre has programmed 17 events between now and May including visiting drama, dance and other family events designed to whet young people’s appetites for live performance.

Enjoy a playful re-imagining A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Moon Fool on Tuesday 9 February at 7.30pm in the Main House. In this brand new show three performers use Balkan folk music, circus jazz and playful acrobatic movement to re-imagine Shakespeare’s well-loved play. On Sunday 14 February at 7.30pm, The Hot Dots in the Main House use acrobatic balancing, physical theatre and film to tell a compelling showbiz story set against the backdrop pf 1930s Music Hall. Similarly Hoof! promises to be one of the more unique live events. A visual, verbal and musical feast as four performers and a musician catapult the audiences into a totally improvised world on Tuesday 16 February at 7.30pm in the Main House.

On Monday 15 February at 7.30pm there is highly-charged, energy-emitting dance with Still Breathing in the Main House. 2FaCeDDaNcE is one of the UK’s leading dance companies. This brand new work takes their unique fusion of break, street and contemporary dance to a new level. Don’t miss an hour of spectacular physical dance from six male dancers and an award-winning choreographer!

Enchant and entertain little ones with some inspirational events. Join Storytree as they bring Bedtime Stories to the Studio theatre on Wednesday 17 February at 7pm. With puppetry, shadow play and performance this will be a vibrant evening of traditional family stories from Cumbria and beyond. Also in the Studio is Ugly Beauty on Friday 19 February at 11.30am and 3pm. Embark on a journey to the Kingdom of Rumours where Princess Suzanna the Beautiful lives. A theatrical performance using acting, puppets, shadows and music for everyone from six years old to 106 years young.

For young people who prefer their entertainment with a slice of humour don’t miss Lipservices’ new show Move over Moriarty showing in the Main House on both Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 February at 7.30pm. The award-winning comedy duo return as Holmes and Watson. Sherlock Holmes investigates the garibaldi biscuit affair, a case as impenetrable as a London pea-souper. On Friday 19 February why not try Pluck: The Specialists showing for one night only in the Main House at 7.30pm. The three most stupid musicians in the world have been invited to perform at last! Join Pluck in their hilarious new show of classical buffoonery – String Trio meets Marx Brothers, suitable for ages 8+. And finally we have a real treat for curious children and their grown ups on Wednesday 24 February at 7pm with My Mother Told Me Not to Stare – a deliciously dark operetta suitable for ages 8+.

All of the above events are free if you are under 26. To secure your ticket please contact the Box Office on 017687 74411. You will be asked to fill out a form in exchange for a free ticket. Please note that it is strongly recommended that children under 16 are accompanied by an adult. Theatre by the Lake cannot accept responsibility for unaccompanied minors.

If you’re looking for participatory events to keep the kids entertained over half term week then we have some more additional activities on offer. Please note that there is a charge for the events below:

Monday 15 February
Acrobatic Workshops with So & So Circus: yrs 11+ ( 10am) £9
Dance workshop with 2faceddance company: yrs 11+ ( 2pm) £9

Tue 16 February
Improvisation workshop with Hoof!: yrs 8-14 ( 11am) £9
Improvisation workshop with Hoof!: yrs 15+ ( 2pm) £9

Thu 18 February
Play in a Day: yrs 8-15 (10am) £15
Tickets are still available for all these events, so book now by calling our Box Office on 017687 74411 or visit www.theatrebythelake.com

For further information please contact Rachel Swift on 017687 72282 or at rachel.swift@theatrebythelake.com