Get a real taste of the Kids Week experience with a theatrical extravaganza on Tuesday 29 May 2009

A summer of theatre fun starts here with a fantastic free family event thanks to the much-loved and eagerly awaited annual initiative - Kids Week in the West End! Don�t miss your chance to enjoy a taste of the Kids Week experience at Southbank�s Centre Royal Festival Hall with a range of exclusive workshops, arts and crafts activities and a performance from Thriller - Live making West End Family Fun Day one you and your kids will never forget. The theatrical extravaganza will be held at The Clore Ballroom from 11:00am on Tuesday 26 May 2009.

West End Family Fun Day will feature songs from the cast of Thriller - Live, the spectacular show that celebrates the legendary career of the world�s undisputed king of pop, Michael Jackson. Parents and children will have the opportunity to take part in a fantastic ballet workshop hosted by the English National Ballet and a singing lesson taught by Mary King, the voice coach to the stars of London theatre. Plus, there�s the chance to be put through your paces by the resident choreographer and the children's resident director of Oliver! as they teach you the words and moves to Consider Yourself, the much-loved song from the hit West End musical. The action-packed day will be presented by Michael Absalom, aka Abs, the popular presenter of CBBC�s hit TV show �Best of Friends� and CBBC�s F1 commentator.

If West End Family Fun Day puts a spring in your step and leaves you wanting more, then watch out for Kids Week as it takes centre stage this summer. Now in its 12th year, Kids Week offers children aged 5 - 16 the opportunity to experience the magic of London theatre for FREE! From 14 to 28 August 2009, head to London�s West End to see hit shows such as Wicked, Hairspray and the brand new musical in town, Sister Act. Whatever you�re into, whether it�s smash hit musicals, comedies or captivating plays, Kids Week guarantees a great theatre experience for all the family.

The Kids Week ticket deal is simple - one child (aged between 5 and 16) can go absolutely FREE to any participating show when accompanied by a full paying adult, and another two children can go for half price. Log on now to www.kidsweek.co.uk and sign up to the Family Bulletin to be the first to find out all the latest Kids Week news, plus details of other exciting events taking place this summer where children can experience the magic of London theatre.

So don�t miss out, bring your family to West End Family Fun Day at Southbank Centre�s Royal Festival Hall on 26 May 2009 for an enthralling day of theatre fun and a taste of Kids Week 2009.

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For further information, please contact: Kate Last / Susanna Underwood Rare Communications T: 020 7284 5911 E: kate@rarecommunications.co.uk / susanna@rarecommunications.co.uk

Notes to Editors

1. Kids Week in the West End is organised by the Society of London Theatre and provides a free ticket for one child aged between 5 and 16 when accompanied by a full paying adult. Up to two additional children�s tickets can be purchased at half price. Most West End shows which are suitable for children, are participating. Offer subject to limited availability and not applicable to tickets previously purchased. 2. Full information on performances, free activities, travel and accommodation, and restaurants will be available at www.kidsweek.co.uk. 3. Children should seek parental permission before logging on to the internet. 4. Booking lines open mid July 2009. 5. West End Family Fun Day is part of National Family Week 2009 6. Southbank Centre is the UK�s largest arts centre, occupying a 21-acre site that sits in the midst of London�s most vibrant cultural quarter on the South Bank of the Thames. The site has an extraordinary creative and architectural history stretching back to the 1951 Festival of Britain. Southbank Centre is home to the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and the Hayward Gallery as well as The Saison Poetry Library and the Arts Council Collection. The Royal Festival Hall reopened in June 2007 following the major refurbishment of the Hall and redevelopment of the surrounding area and facilities.