Kids Week in the West End Launches Today

The launch of Kids Week in the West End, the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) has organised a thrilling theatrical line-up of family fun at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall today Wednesday 10 August from 2-5pm - and what's more it's free!

To celebrate the occasion, three fantastic family Kids Week shows are releasing extra tickets in the Kids Go Free Kids Week offer. Extra tickets for Billy Elliot the Musical, The Railway Children and Mamma Mia! will go on sale at 2pm via www.kidsweek.co.uk or call the Ticketmaster 24hr Kids Week hotline on 0844 248 5151 (no booking or postage fees on Kids Week tickets).

The event will be presented by Sam Attwater, currently starring in Dreamboats and Petticoats. Actor and comedian Marcus Brigstocke, currently starring as Station Master Perks in the Olivier-Award winning production The Railway Children, will be opening the afternoon's entertainment which includes performances from the talented casts of Billy Elliot the Musical, Mamma Mia! and Million Dollar Quartet, as well as magic from award-winning children's dramatist David Wood OBE.

Children can take part in an English National Ballet taster session, do some energetic ‘'Tiger-Aerobics" with The Tiger Who Came To Tea, learn a Mamma Mia! dance routine with the show's Dance Captain Tim Stanley and exercise their vocal chords in a West End sing-a-long led by West End Musical Director Dominic Ferris and friends. Look out for the multi-talented Flying Karamazov Brothers who will be wowing the crowds outside with their juggling before the event!

Mark Rubinstein, SOLT President, said: "I am delighted that the 14th year of Kids Week in the West End has got off to a flying start with more than 50,000 tickets snapped up already. With 32 shows taking part, there truly is something for all ages to enjoy on a special day out from The Tiger Who Came To Tea and Potted Potter through to Jersey Boys."

During Kids Week (12 August until 4 September 2011) a child 16 years or under can see an awesome selection of shows for free when they are accompanied by a full paying adult, plus two additional children can go at half price (per transaction). There is also an action-packed schedule of free workshops, activities and events. Book via www.kidsweek.co.uk or call the Ticketmaster 24hr Kids Week hotline on 0844 248 5151 (no booking or postage fees on Kids Week tickets).

In the meantime, join the Kids Week buzz on Facebook and Twitter (@kidsweek) and keep up to date on www.kidsweek.co.uk where you can find handy information on discounts for Family & Friends Railcards and car parking, along with family-friendly restaurant and hotel deals.

Event: To celebrate the launch of Kids Week in the West End, a free afternoon of theatrical fun. Special performances from West End shows, and the chance to learn some unforgettable song and dance routines.
Date: Wednesday 10 August 2011
Time: 14.00-17.00 (drop-in event)
Venue: Clore Ballroom, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
Tickets: free event; tickets not required;
Website: www.kidsweek.co.uk