If you have young children, there is a fair chance you have read Room on the Broom more times than you can count. Well how do you fancy watching the story live instead?
This November, you can, because Tall Stories’ stage adaptation is coming to Portsmouth’s Theatre Royal from the 13th to the 15th.
Based on the picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the show follows a witch and her cat as they travel by broomstick, picking up a dog, a green bird and a frog along the way.
But there is only so much a broomstick can take. It snaps in two, and a hungry dragon chooses that moment to appear. I’ve actually seen this show with my children, and it’s loads of fun. Lots of audience interaction, lots of laughs, and lots of silliness. Just perfect for kids.
The production also uses songs and puppetry to tell the story, so there is loads more to enjoy than simply watching a familiar book beong acted out on stage. It has also been nominated for an Olivier Award, by the way, which is a pretty good recommendation for a show about an overcrowded broomstick.
Tickets and Info
This is the trailer for the West End production, but it’s the same show. Have a watch.
Room on the Broom is at Theatre Royal, Portsmouth, from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th November 2026.
There are six performances to choose from. Friday’s shows start at 1:30pm and 4:30pm, while Saturday and Sunday each have performances at 10:30am and 1:30pm.
Tickets cost £18.50 wherever you sit, including fees and levies, although under-16s and OAPs receive a £2 discount.
The show is recommended for ages three and over and runs for 55 minutes without an interval. So it’s a manageable introduction to theatre for younger children, without having to commit to a whole afternoon in their seats. And don’t worry, everyone there is with kids, so squiggling, talking, and rustling crisp packets are all expected.
The only down side is you will probably have to read the story again when you get home. For the 1,000th time.