Your voice matters - Choose performances for the coming year in your libraries.
The Library Presents is inviting people from all walks of life to get involved in choosing the shows that come to their local libraries.
Deadline for making your choices is 20 February 2026.
Tell us your thoughts, whether you're a theatre lover, music fan, creative thinker – or just curious!
There are two menu’s pf performances to choose from one for Families (with children 0-11) and one for Adults and Young Adults. Performances for All Ages feature on both menu’s.
Choose up to 6 performances from each of our Menu’s. Workshops will be included in the events. They are not on the menu for choosing.
Libraries hosting performances in 2026 are: Alconbury Weald, Arbury Court, Barnwell Road, Bassingbourne, Burwell, Cambourne, Cambridge Central, Chatteris, Cherry Hinton, Clay Farm, Ely, Huntingdon, Littleport, March, Ramsey, Sawston, St Ives, St Neots, Whittlesey, Wisbech.
Scroll down to watch taster videos for performances on each of the menu’s and website version of the menu.
Music
FAMILY - Hat’s Off!
Mambo Jambo's 'Hats Off!' concert is a playful interactive show/concert for families. Songs, music, props, instruments, interaction, mayhem, AND HATS! Pete and Frankie play a fascinating array of musical instruments including sax, guitar, banjo, accordion, clarinet, vocals suitcase and spoons. Please do wear or bring along a hat! Suitable for Families 3-7 years
FAMILY - Miss Moore Thought Otherwise (No Video Taster)
Golden Toad Theatre presents a new interactive musical. Meet Miss Moore, the trailblazing librarian born in 1871 who pioneered the creation of the children's library. A thrilling experience full of puppetry, songs and your own ideas. About a time when children were banned from libraries and an imagined and built a space filled with music, stories and art, welcoming children into a special library room created just for them. Suitable for Families 3-6 years.
ALL AGES - Graffiti Classics
16 strings, 8 dancing feet and 4 voices in 1 electrifying, hilarious musical show! A comedy string quartet who never sit down. They burst perceived elitist classical music boundaries with a hilarious all-singing, all-dancing show. From Beethoven to Elvis, the group energetically clown their way through an eclectic musical landscape. They are on a mission: to make classical music irresistibly fun. Suitable for All Ages
ALL AGES - The Bookshop Band
The award-winning Bookshop Band came to life as an artistic collaboration with Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights. They write and perform songs inspired by books and have released 14 book-inspired albums. No previous knowledge of the books is required as the band guides the audience through each song’s inspiration. Suitable for All Ages
ALL AGES - Klezmer Foygl
'Klezmer Foygl', meaning 'Klezmer Songbird' is an exciting ensemble playing both traditional and original Klezmer repertoire. Led by Clarinettist John Macnaughton, featuring some of the UK's leading Klezmer musicians, the group is deeply grounded in traditional Yiddish music, with a contemporary twist. Suitable for All Ages
ADULT & YOUNG ADULT - Charlie Hooper-Williams
A pianist and composer redefining classical music with modern technology. Using Otto, his custom-built algorithmic machine, Charlie transforms his music into stunning real-time visuals, creating an immersive experience where sound and visuals merge. Don’t miss this unique journey pushing the boundaries of performance. Suitable for Adults and Families 10+yrs
ADULT & YOUNG ADULT - Minima
Minima are a four-piece band specialising in live accompaniment to screenings of classic silent films. Minima’s original scores strike up a thrilling relationship with the images and narratives of some of the most iconic silent films of 1920s, creating a truly immersive audio-visual experience. Suitable for Adults & Young Adults
ADULT & YOUNG ADULT - Times of Our Lives (No taster trailer)
Join Dreamcast Productions for a magical tour down Memory Lane, packed with historic moments and heartwarming memories. With a soundtrack of more than eighty years, ‘Times of Our Lives’, discovers a hit melody and headline memory around every corner. Combining headline news, footage of national events and songs from the Roaring Twenties, Elegant Thirties, nostalgic Forties, Rock & Roll Fifties, Swinging Sixties, Groovy Seventies and Awesome Eighties. Suitable for Adults & Young Adults
ADULT & YOUNG ADULT - A Pocket Opera
An irreverent reimagining of the story of Bizet's Opera Carmen, told from her own point of view, and with 150 years' hindsight. Dare you consult the cards with her? What does she think of the men in her story? Did she foresee her gruesome ending? And does she like the opera Bizet wrote about her? A fun-filled fantasy/comedy/drama with tremendous music. Suitable for Adults & Young Adults 12+yrs
ADULT & YOUNG ADULT - The Pinewood Saxophone Quartet
Four of the UK's top saxophonists come together to present an unforgettable evening of film music. Special arrangements of music by Michel Legrand, Burt Bacharach, Neal Hefti and many other top film composers. There will be plenty of information given on all pieces and composers as well as a short history of the saxophone. A guaranteed interactive virtuoso performance. Suitable for Adults & Young Adults
ADULT & YOUNG ADULT - Sonare (Videos on their website)
A beautiful concert exploring the intimate relationship between words and music. With pieces from all over the stylistic map - from Haydn to Bob Dylan and the Lord of the Rings soundtrack - and words by Shakespeare, Maya Angelou and many more, Sonare take you on a journey of poetic inspiration with their signature choral sound. Suitable for Adults & Young Adults
ADULT & YOUNG ADULT - Shades of Miles Centenary
2026 marks the centenary of Miles Davies. Paul Higgs presents a performance of tunes by trumpet legend Miles Davis. At the forefront of many important jazz innovations from the 20th century, Miles Davis was also famous for his haunting lyrical sound. Paul plays well-known favourites and less familiar treasures. Suitable for Adults & Young Adults
ADULT & YOUNG ADULT - Paprika
Experience the vibrant energy of Paprika, the UK’s leading Balkan band, in an unforgettable musical journey. With accordion, violin, guitar, and percussion, Paprika fuses Eastern European, Balkan, Gypsy, and Classical music into electrifying performances full of fiery melodies, foot-tapping rhythms, and heartfelt laments. Suitable for Adults and Young Adults
ADULT & YOUNG ADULT - Tim Kliphuis Trio (Videos on their website)
Classically-trained Dutchman Tim Kliphuis ranks among the world's finest jazz violinists, often being called "the successor of Stéphane Grappelli". Tim is now exploring the myriad classical arrangements he has perfected over the years (including Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Bach’s Brandenburgs), to which he has most recently added Pictures at an Exhibition, Tim’s own take on Musorgsky’s famous suite, and Gerswhin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Suitable for Adults & Young Adults
Poetry
ADULT & YOUNG ADULT - Gobbess
Gobbess is a hilarious and heart-warming kaleidoscopic one-creature spoken word show. It's a true story about creativity and identity, of queerness and self-expression and one person's rage and resilience, amongst existential curiosity, mental chaos and cat-calling. Described as 'a mic drop on women's experiences' (audience Brighton Fringe) and 'a work of creative mastery' (UCLAN Lancashire Fringe review). Suitable for Adults & Young Adults 14+
ADULT & YOUNG ADULT - FRIEND
Story telling & poetry show - this show is an average guy’s guide to making new friends. Join award-winning poet and performer Lewis Buxton in a story about sport, sitcoms and socialising. He’ll write poems for his best mates, confess his darkest secrets and, with his trademark welcoming wit, ask how on earth does a man in his thirties make new friends? Suitable for Adults & Young Adults 16+. www.lewisbuxton.com
FAMILIES - A Noise Annoys at Christmas
Jude Simpson is a poet, entertainer and three-time national slam champion. Jude performs a festive hour of witty wordplay, silly songs and fun interaction. From a rap about wrapping to imagining how noisy that supposedly “silent” night must have been, there is lots of joy, a healthy dose of nonsense, and even a few seasonal words of peace and harmony. Suitable for Families 6-12 years
Puppetry
FAMILIES - How to Catch a Book Witch
Kira loves reading, visiting the library is her favourite thing. One day the words in the books start to disappear and the adults start to get grumpy. Graham Grey says the library will be knocked down to make way for a car park! Let’s uncover where these book monsters have come from! Exploring the importance of libraries and sharing stories. Suitable for Families 4-8 years
FAMILIES - Stories in the Dust
With live music and puppetry, Stories in the Dust is a funny, heartfelt and hopeful eco-fable that takes you to another world. A world where an ancient book guides your way, a drop of rain changes everything and a mighty lion holds its secrets in an old clay pot. Will our intrepid explorers make it? They're full of ideas and full of hope but dangerously low on baked beans. Suitable for Families 5-12 years
FAMILIES - The Pigeon and the Peacock
Pigeon wants to share his poetry talent with the world, but he is laughed at by the other birds. They all, however, love the peacock just for his flamboyant feathers! How will Pigeon win the birds over and follow his dreams? An expressive and interactive play, told through puppetry, poetry and live music that shows the power of confidence and empathy. Suitable for Families 5-10 years
FAMILIES - Tiny Planet (no taster video)
Leading UK puppetry company Half a String are back with a brand new show. Imagine a whole world no bigger than a house. A planet that can be explored in a matter of minutes yet it is the centre of a galaxy. With puppetry, original live folk songs and stunning live camera projection, uncover the mysteries that keep this little globe turning. We invite you on a journey to explore how we can all sometimes feel impossibly small and infinitely gigantic. Suitable for Families 5-11 years. Tiny Planet - Half a String
FAMILIES - The Zoo That Comes To You
Two wildlife enthusiasts who provide care to animals in need, now have a sanctuary full of animals, but no visitors! So everybody - animals and humans alike - have decided it is time to bring the zoo to you! Featuring puppetry, live music and unforgettable characters, this joyful production inspires our next generation to take action. Suitable for Families 5-11 years
FAMILIES - Mrs Mantell’s Tooth (Taster video on Instagram)
No more bones!” MaryAnn walks from her house bulging with old bones. Near the quarry she uncovers an unusually large tooth. TheatreRotto, tells the incredible story of Gideon Mantell's discovery of the dinosaurs. Alongside her husband, MaryAnn illustrated the first dinosaurs, advancing the infant science of geology. Puppets in epic and miniature scale, mixed with Victorian spectacle as fantastical dinosaurs become reality. Suitable for Families 8+ years
Dance
FAMILIES - A Dance For Us
KDE Dance presents contemporary dance and live cello music. A Dance for Us is a dance theatre show for babies aged 0-12m and their caregivers. A restorative, immersive experience where carer and baby can be soothed and inspired. Celebrating the unique relationship forged in the first year of life. Suitable for Families 0-12 months
FAMILIES - Magical Honey
When celestial being Saraswati helps young Maya harness her magic, they begin exploring. But the evil Miss Tusra wants to destroy their mystical world. Help Maya combat Miss Tusra and restore her enchanting world! An interactive South Asian dance show bringing East and West storytelling with magic, dance, live music. Suitable for Families 8+ years
ALL AGES - NIDA (No video taster)
NIDA by Sonia Sabri Company is an invitation to step away from the stresses and challenges of everyday life. It is a welcome to a world where beautiful and uplifting Kathak dance and soulful Indian music meet in intimate light. This new work is a guiding hand for those who have lost their way, illuminating the path and awakening inspiration. Through wordless storytelling, beatboxing and percussive dance with upbeat audience interaction. Suitable for All Ages
Magic
ADULTS & YOUNG ADULTS - Kane & Abel
Magicians: Twin Feats is our brand new magic and comedy show. It tackles the preconceptions and misconceptions surrounding twins. Do they have a supernatural connection, unlike non-twins? It also examines what makes up an impressive feat - such as skill, bravery, and strength. Kane & Abel are the comedy magic duo for you. With almost 20-years' experiences performing all over the world. Suitable for Adults & Young Adults 10+
Digital
ALL AGES - Secrets of Soil & Water Portals
A night of immersive audio/visual performances and videogames that explore nature and science! Journey through stunning digital landscapes and discover the beautiful microbes that live in our soils, rivers, lakes and seas - the invisible lifeforms that keep our planet healthy. Followed by a Q&A and gaming session of nature videogames, and learn how to build your own game world! Suitable for All Ages
Comedy
ADULTS - Crumbs (Video trailer youtube shorts)
‘Crumbs’ follows our heroine, a famous TV baking show host who has just been fired.
Now trying to re-style herself within the fast-paced and cut-throat world of social media, follow the hilarious slips and trips of her new live-baking broadcast as she tries to keep the lights- and the oven- on in the face of almost certain doom… Expect comedy, clowning AND baking to taste at the end. Suitable for Adults. www.badappletheatre.co.uk
ADULTS & YOUNG ADULTS - Victor & Albert
Spend an unforgettable evening in the company of Identical Twins Professor Victor and Dr Albert who guarantee a night of hilarity, music, magic and interactive comic mayhem. Think of a traditional double act brought kicking and screaming into the 21st Century! Suitable for Adults.
Theatre and Storytelling
FAMILIES - A Tale Of Us
Sleep is like an old friend I’ve not seen for a long time. But some nights feel sort of magic – just you and me, watching a new day being born. Blending drama and multi-sensory play in a relaxed, beautifully designed environment, this is a celebration of the wonder and challenges of new parenthood, with a guided Stay and Play session after the show. Suitable for Families 0-18 months.
FAMILIES - SQUISHY
When Squishy Goes In the Washing Machine' is an immersive story told in a huge pile of laundry which you can crawl in and out of with your baby or toddler. Expect songs about sorting socks, pillow case puppets. Together, we’ll find a story about a special toy who goes through the wash and comes back out sparkling clean. Suitable for Families 0-4 years
FAMILIES - On Your Bike Baffo
Get ready for laughs as the lovable, bumbling Baffo returns in a riotous, cycle-themed clown show! Wondering how to blow up a tire or ride a bike? Baffo’s got you covered—sort of. Expect wildly silly stunts, ridiculous feats, and plenty of belly laughs, all set to live music. It’s pure fun from the start to the finish line! “I would watch that 3 more times!” Otto, age 7. Suitable for Families 3-8 years.
FAMILIES - The Witch and the Egg
Witch does what witches do best… live in a nest, fly around scaring people and eat biscuits. She’s a bad tempered old witch who doesn’t like company, the last thing she wants in her life is an giant EGG! Should she have it for breakfast? What will she do if it hatches?
Luminous tales, with a flock of shadow puppets tells an engaging and heart-warming story about friendship, laughter and flying the nest. Suitable for Families 3-9 years
FAMILIES - Peachy & Me
Peachy & Me follows Cherry, a budding live magician and her mischievous on-screen companion, Peachy. Together, they take audiences on a magical journey of friendship, self discovery, and the transformative power of connection. Through inventive comedy, heartfelt storytelling, and interactive magic, this joyful performance captivates audiences, leaving them inspired to embrace their own unique magic. Suitable for Families 4+ years.
FAMILIES - Ask Granny by Ishi Khan
Meet NaanE – the comedy Granny with wisdom, mischief and unbeatable life hacks! Bring your everyday worries and trade them for NaanE’s hilarious, heartwarming advice. This uplifting interactive show blends clowning, storytelling, gentle improvisation, singing and dancing. It celebrates love, culture and community through laughter. Suitable for Families 4+ years. www.instagram.com/ishi2funny/?hl=en
FAMILIES - Romeo & Juliet
Enemies. Balconies. Kissing... SAUSAGE ROLLS!!?? Three hapless idiots perform Shakespeare’s famous tragedy using nothing but tatty wigs and a burst airbed they found by the bins. This frenetic 60 mins of fourth-wall-breaking, ludicrous action features clowning, slapstick, and mischievous storytelling, ensuring everyone from 5 to 105 knows what’s going on! Suitable for Families 5+ years
FAMILIES - Alicia’s Amazing Adventure
Alicia's Amazing Adventure to Find the First Black Britons. A magical, time-travelling family show that begins with one big question... “Why do people have different coloured skin?” Children ask questions. Big ones. Awkward ones. Important ones. And sometimes, grown-ups don’t know how to answer. A joyful and imaginative theatre show, journeying across time, meeting historic heroes and uncovering surprising stories from Britain’s past. Suitable for Families 7+ years
FAMILIES - Framed!
PaddleBoat Theatre Company present a thrilling family whodunnit with their distinctive fingerprints all over it! Legendary detective Rufus Caper has had an astonishing career of solving crimes: Murders, mysteries, missing persons - it's all in a day's work for Rufus and his trusty assistant. Expect music, puppetry, clowning and more. Come and help us catch the clues and spot the suspects before Rufus goes down for a crime he didn't commit! Suitable for Families 7+ years
FAMILIES - Marion Leeper & Tonka Uzu (No taster Video)
Let storyteller Marion Leeper and illustrator Tonka Uzu take you on a timeless journey to a remote atoll in the Pacific ocean to meet Sky Mother and her ten quarrelsome sons. Watch pictures come alive on a big screen as the story unfolds. Help to create a brand new canoe adventure, as well as your own map to take home. Digital live drawing meets the oral storytelling tradition in this engaging and thought-provoking performance.
Suitable for Families 5-11 years. www.tonkauzu.co.uk
FAMILIES - Tales of river, forest and fen (No taster video)
Join local storyteller Marianne Powell and artist Lizzie Ault for stories and sketching in the library. Listen and be inspired by a live performance of folktales from near and far. No need to just sit in your chair as you listen – you can sketch, doodle or create while the performance unfolds around you. Suitable for Families 7+ years. www.talesfromthefen.co.uk
FAMILIES - Once Upon a Time in Fenland
A once in a lifetime opportunity to uncover the secrets of human existence (in Fenland). As told by an intrepid team of archaeologists, artefacts from the most important archaeological dig in Northern Europe will reveal stories of travel and tribulation. Featuring genuine artefacts over 2000 years old, footprints nearly a million years old, and live music. These fantastical and truthful tales will transport you to when Fenland was joined to Europe. Suitable for Families 7+ years.
ADULTS & YOUNG ADULTS - Devilled Eggs
Welcome to the Dakota Guest House! The most glamorous B&B this side of Great yarmouth! The Dakota is the true spirit of Variety; comedy, music and mystery. Let your hosts, Roman and Prudence flip through their guest book and regale you with showbiz stories and anecdotes. Suitable for Adults and young adults 12+ yrs
ADULTS & YOUNG ADULTS - Lord Byron, Dangerous to know.
A secret passed to Claire Clairmont, Byron’s former mistress has raked up painful memories about their scandalous affair and a conviction that she must uncover the truth. Claire co-opts her stepsister, Mary Shelley, author of ‘Frankenstein’ to help. However, the past is murky; are they prepared for what will be unearthed? Suitable for Adults and young adults 10+ yrs
ADULTS & YOUNG ADULTS - Just An Ordinary Lawyer
Join playwright, actor and singer Tayo Aluko as he looks at the history of the British and other European Empires from the viewpoint of a cricket-mad Nigerian man who wants to be part of the British Establishment. His radical, rather uncouth friend however insists on spouting anti-colonialist rhetoric and raises a few laughs telling the kinds of stories the former colonial masters would rather remain hidden, while our protagonist just wishes to remain as Just An Ordinary Lawyer. Suitable for Adults and young people 14+ yrs
ADULTS & YOUNG ADULTS - Palestine: Peace De Resistance
You can run from resistance but it will always catch up with you – as Sami finds out in his latest show. Join his open call for mass civil disobedience, equitable distribution of hand puppets and more! Find out once and for all: can resistance be funny? As a Palestinian born in exile, only to be displaced from his country of birth by yet another war, he digs deep into his own ties to resistance, Palestinian identity, and shows you some very silly faces along the way. Suitable for Adults and young people 14+ yrs
ADULTS & YOUNG ADULTS - Careless Talk
A true story of high treason, espionage, spam fritters. The only British woman to be tried for treason in the Second World War takes to the stage for the first time. A collaborator? A victim? Misguided or misunderstood? Join Isle of Wight landlady Mabel Bancroft on Sandown Beach with her sequins and her secateurs...A comedy drama with deeper themes exploring conformity and justice. Suitable for Adults and young adults 12+ yrs
ADULTS & YOUNG ADULTS - Bones in the Desert (No taster video)
Presented by Half Moon an urgent new play about memory, belonging and the shadows of war. Spanning the deserts of 1915 to the turbulence of today, Bones in the Desert confronts the long shadows of war, racism in contemporary Europe and the struggle for freedom. With humour, heart and a pulsating soundtrack, this immersive new play speaks directly to young adults. Suitable for Adults and young adults 13+ yrs
ADULTS & YOUNG ADULTS - Ramayana Retold
Deep in the forest where Rama & Sita live in exile, eyes watch their every move and the universe shimmers with illusion. Epic comic strip meets ancient Indian myth as storyteller Emily Hennessey and virtuoso sitar player Sheema Mukherjee conjure up the vivid, wild and beguiling world of the great Indian epic, shot through with bitter rivalry, wild battles, love, loyalty, demons and cosmic monkeys. Suitable for Adults and young people 12+ yrs
ADULTS & YOUNG ADULTS - Behind Enemy Lines
Find out about the stories of extraordinary women whose courage, daring, ingenuity and sacrifice defeated Nazi terror in occupied France during WW2. Join songwriter and storyteller Louise Jordan to uncover the lives of the inspiring secret agents of Special Operations Executive. "Behind Enemy Lines is a great show, careful research delivered in a highly visual and aural way, a great night's entertainment.” FATEA Magazine. Suitable for Adults and young people 14+ yrs
ADULTS & YOUNG ADULTS - The War of the Worlds
A gripping and surprising version of a classic we all think we know. Not a musical version. No Tom Cruise in sight. Just a surprisingly modern story that is exciting, horrifying, revealing and upsetting in equal measure. Pictures of Tripods and terror, tears and human failings are painted by a story that has never gone out of print. It's like an audiobook come to life... Suitable for Adults and young adults 14+ yrs
ADULTS & YOUNG ADULTS - Identities
A play about boobs. Happy boobs. Sad boobs. Naughty boobs. Scared boobs…Poorly boobs. From bra fittings to breast cancer diagnosis, Lucy’s boobs tell her story in 60 minutes – the time it takes to perform a standard lumpectomy. Co-created with women who have experience of breast cancer and those who treat them, Identities unclasps the hidden adventures our boobs go on; the good, the bad and the silly. Suitable for Adults and young people 16+ yrs
OLDER ADULTS - Bloom
Join Spiltmilk for an enchanting show packed with magic, joy and hope lovingly crafted for Older Adults including those living with dementia. Full of the joys of Spring, Bloom brings the outdoors in as live music, poetry and dance combine to celebrate the light and wonder that comes with the changing of the season.
‘I haven’t felt like that in ages and you can’t buy something like that’ Audience Member. Suitable for Older Adults.
ADULTS & YOUNG ADULTS - The Goosebumps of Delight! (No taster video)
A sequel to The Ghost of a Smile, and spookily apt between Halloween and Christmas, two (more) of Charles Dickens' ghost stories, with a comic element- adapted from his original stories ‘The Baron of Grogzwig’ and ‘The Goblins Who Stole A Sexton’ – the latter being Dickens’ own inspiration for what later became A CHRISTMAS CAROL! The themes of redemption and humility are all there – but funnier! Suitable for Adults and young adults 12+ yrs.
ADULTS & YOUNG ADULTS- Art Crime Mystery (Video taster here)
Do you have a good eye for detail? A keen nose for a strong lead? Will you stop at nothing to uncover the truth? Work with art detectives Agents Kahlo and Dali on a bloodless immersive ART CRIME MYSTERY created especially for adults (and older teens) to solve. Scrutinise our detective board, get your hands on TOP SECRET case files and work with fellow sleuths to CRACK THE CASE! Suitable for Adults and young people 16+ yrs
ADULTS & YOUNG ADULTS-Mildly Uncanny (No taster video)
Mildly Uncanny a theatrical performance of mind reading, imagination and human behaviour - a story of how science fiction and 1970s television sparked a lifelong fascination with the strange and the uncanny. How what begins as childhood curiosity becomes a life long journey through psychology, influence and the boundaries of perception. Are things ever really as they seem? Don’t panic! … it’s only Mildly Uncanny. Suitable for Adults and young people 15+ yrs