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Ropetackle Arts Centre

Ropetackle Arts Centre is a multi-award-winning, community-run arts venue on the banks of the River Adur in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex.

Alongside live music, comedy and theatre, we run a year-round programme for children and families: gentle storytelling shows for little ones with Short Stories Tall Tales, My First Cinema screenings for first-time film fans, Christmas shows and our much-loved family pantomime every December.

We're a registered charity (no. 1109381), so tickets stay affordable and families from Shoreham, Lancing, Worthing and Brighton & Hove can enjoy brilliant live performance on their doorstep. Step-free access, café bar on site.

Next Activities

12 November at 11:30

Short Stories Tall Tales: Mouse and Sam's Winter Holiday

Interactive storytelling for babies, toddlers and their parents or carers, at Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham-by-Sea. Actress and mum Hannah Summers brings stories to life through live performance and interactive, creative play. Adventure into stories, explore through the senses and let your little ones' imaginations run free. Mouse and Sam are back and they're off on holiday! But where will they go? What will they see? Pack your winter woollies and your thermal pants for a winter adventure, as we see the winter world through the eyes of Mouse and his friend Sam, with a few magical surprises along the way. Hannah guides the story through inventive drama and play, with props, music and illustrations to enjoy. Original tale written and told by Hannah Summers, illustrated by Jo Hathaway. Suitable for ages 0 to 4. 45 minutes. All infants over three months old need a ticket. Dates: Thu 12 Nov 11:30am, Fri 20 Nov 11:30am and 1:30pm. Tickets and info: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/short-stories-tall-tales-mouse-and-sams-winter-holiday/

20 November at 11:30

Short Stories Tall Tales: Mouse and Sam's Winter Holiday

27 November at 11:00

My First Cinema: Zog and the Flying Doctors

A gentle first trip to the cinema for little ones, at Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham-by-Sea. Meet the flying doctors, Princess Pearl and Sir Gadabout, with their trusty air ambulance, Zog the Dragon, as they tend a sunburnt mermaid, a distressed unicorn and a sneezy lion. A fabulous sequel from Julia Donaldson. Rated U. 25 minutes, perfect for short attention spans. Under 18 months go free. Fri 27 Nov, 11am. Tickets and info: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/my-first-cinema-zog-and-the-flying-doctors/

2 December at 16:00

Santa's Best Ever Christmas: every child gets a present from Santa!

A brand new festive, musical, interactive Christmas show from Honalee Media at Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham-by-Sea, featuring Children's TV's Chris Jarvis as the voice of Dasher the Reindeer (Chris does not appear in person). Why does Santa think this Christmas is going to be his best one ever? Dotty the Elf thinks he's planning a surprise party, Pompom the Penguin thinks he's been making Christmas crackers, and Dasher thinks it's the biggest Christmas tree ever. Join Father Christmas and friends to find out! Sing along to Jingle Bells, The Hokey Cokey, Away In A Manger, Baby Shark, The Twelve Days of Christmas and more. Every child receives a specially wrapped present from Santa after the show. Best for ages 2 to 8. 60 minutes. Wed 2 Dec 4pm, Thu 3 Dec 1pm and 4pm. Tickets and info: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/santas-best-christmas-ever/

4 December at 11:30

Short Stories Tall Tales: The Night Before Christmas

Interactive Christmas storytelling for babies, toddlers and their parents or carers, at Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham-by-Sea. Actress and mum Hannah Summers brings stories to life through live performance and interactive, creative play. Inspired by the 19th century tale by Clement Clarke Moore: a family stay at Granny's chocolate-box cottage for Christmas and soon discover everything that is exciting about this magical time of year. Your little ones will play along and sneak a peek at the jolly chap who might visit with presents, if, of course, they are good boys and girls! A high-spirited spin on an old favourite that will melt even the most bah humbug hearts. Written and told by Hannah Summers, illustrations by Miranda Summers. Suitable for ages 0 to 4. 45 minutes. All infants over three months old need a ticket. Fri 4 Dec and Thu 10 Dec, 11:30am and 1:30pm. Tickets and info: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/short-stories-tall-tales-the-night-before-christmas/

17 December at 14:00

Cinderella: Shoreham's family pantomime 2026

LP Creatives and Ropetackle Arts Centre proudly present Cinderella, Shoreham's Christmas pantomime! Get ready for the ultimate rags-to-riches adventure, packed with sparkle, laughter and a sprinkle of fairy dust. Poor Cinders is stuck cleaning up after her wicked stepmother and those ghastly step-sisters, but with the help of her Fairy Godmother, a pumpkin and a touch of magic, she's off to the Royal Ball! Will she win the heart of the dashing Prince before the clock strikes midnight? Expect dazzling costumes, hilarious comedy, toe-tapping songs and plenty of audience participation in this feel-good family spectacular. Runs Thu 17 Dec to Wed 30 Dec, with 10:30am, 2pm and 6pm performances on most days (no shows on Christmas Day). About 2 hours. Tickets from £12. Full dates, times and tickets: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/cinderella/