A musical re-telling of a classic Dickens tale, a black comedy about two young parents, and a high-flying acrobatic performance are among the highlights of the Rose Theatre’s summer programme.

Modern classic A Day in the Death of Joe Egg (April 30 – May 18) follows stressed parents Bri and Sheila as they raise their disabled daughter Josephine, in a funny and heart-wrenching tale full of swirling emotion.

Old-school music and variety are making a comeback in the form of We’ll Meet Again (May 29 – 30) and Best of British (May 31 – Jun 1) with a mix of comedy, music hall and tunes in a classically British style.

The Ockham’s Razor theatre company will enfold their audience in a spectacular hour-long performance. Not Until We Are Lost (June 13-16) will bring together circus, physical theatre, and narrative, with an original choral score to create an emotionally-charged environment.

Players from Youth Music Theatre UK will transform Charles Dickens’ classic novel Great Expectations (August 29 – September 1) into a musical marvel, retelling the well-loved tale of Pip, Miss Haversham and Estella.

Children will be delighted with a range of shows for the whole family.

Ages three and up can enjoy wintry favourite The Gruffalo’s Child (March 14 – 17), while Spot the Dog will celebrate his birthday (June 7 – 9) with his friends Steve the monkey, Helen the hippo, and Tom the crocodile.

Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales (June 27, ages 3 and up) and Aliens Love Underpants (August 1-4, ages two and up) round out the fun with colourful and zany stories.

A host of one-day-only performances will cater for any taste, with animal rhymes for families from TV presenter Michaela Strachan (April 7), the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (May 26), Ginger Baker’s Jazz Confusion (June 5), and the Grimethorpe Colliery Band (July 7).

For more details on these and other shows visit rosetheatrekingston.org.