This week being both half term and Halloween, choosing a theme for my ‘what’s on’ column pretty is much a done deal: a collection of good, clean, occasionally spooky and fun events for Greenwich’s younger folk (and young at heart).
The National Maritime Museum & Planetarium are truly leading the way with scores of dedicated family activities throughout the week. From making your own instruments for Space Music to dressing up as a ghost on the Haunted House Family Fun Day, there’s plenty to keep the little ones and their parents entertained. On the more educational side there are also plenty of story-telling sessions, such as the Inuit Stories in the North-West Passage exhibition, and a Halloween Skies planetarium show.
For older kids with a strong disposition, the story telling takes a much darker turn at the Fan Museum with Candlelit Tales for Halloween on Thursday evening. Drama, prose and verse combine in this spooky celebration of all things ghoulish and wicked. Guaranteed to get you into the Halloween spirit and, if you’re easily scared like me, have you jumping out of your seat.
Teenagers who may have outgrown ghost stories but still harbour thespian tendencies might be interested in Greenwich Theatre’s Make Your Own Musical project. Young people aged 14-18 will be turning their hands to writing, directing, stage design and acting in this 3 day ‘from scratch’ project, which culminates in a Friday night showcase of their efforts.
Along similarly tuneful lines, Blackheath Halls are teaming up with The Conservatoire for this week’s Blackheath Youth Orchestra project from Tuesday-Thursday. Any 11-18 year old who can play an instrument to grade 3 standard is welcome without an audition and the end results will be on display at a concert in Blackheath Halls on Thursday evening.
Finally, if you really want to tire your kids out, there’s a Boys vs Girls Judo Competition at St Barnabus Church Hall, Eltham, every evening from 6pm this week until Thursday. The event is run by the Subarashi Judo Club, who are beginner-friendly and also welcome disabled people to the training sessions. I’m exhausted just thinking about it!