The Easter holidays are well underway and with colder weather forecast a trip to the theatre for a family show could be just the way keep the family entertained. SIMON PARKIN previews some highlights of what's on offer.

SNOW PLAY

Norwich Playhouse, April 4-5, �8 (�6 cons), 01603 598598, www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk

The magical quality of snowflakes that enchants the child in all of us are the subject of this award-winning production, devised by Italian theatre company Lyngo. When Mr Green comes back from his Christmas holidays he finds that Mr White has moved into his house and covered everything in snow. The production sees children encouraged to get involved, from making a giant snowman and having a snowball fight.

FOREST OF FABLES

Norwich Puppet Theatre, April 5, 2.30pm, �7.50 (�6 cons), �5.50 children, �22 family, 01603 629921, www.puppettheatre.co.uk

Who is the stronger – the north wind or the sun? This show for children aged three and over from Idolrich Theatre, based on the ancient tales from Aesop, aims to find out. The show is performed with inventive imagery and puppets.

CIRCUS HILARIOUS

Yarmouth Hippodrome, April 6-12, 2.30pm/6.30pm (Thurs no 6.30pm show), �16-�12 (�12 cons), �10 children, �40-�36 family, 01493 844172, www.hippodromecircus.co.uk

Yes – their back again – the UK's big top circus of laughter returns to the Hippodrome this Easter with an all new show which does exactly what it says on the tin (well on the posters anyway). Now in its 17th year, the aim of the hugely popular show — fronted as ever by international comedy award-winners Clive Webb and Danny Adams — is to 'Keep Britain Laughing'. Adding to the zany humour and slapstick comedy will be the country's craziest musician Mick Potts and rock band Clownforce.

LITTLE BO PEEP

Norwich Puppet Theatre, April 7, 11am, �7.50 (�6 cons), �5.50 children, �22 family, 01603 629921, www.puppettheatre.co.uk

Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep and doesn't know where to find them. Her companion, Little Boy Blue is doing his best to find the woolly runaways but he keeps falling asleep. Featuring puppets and lots of music and singing, this show is specially designed for young children.

GOLDILOCKS

Norwich Puppet Theatre, April 10-14, 2.30pm, �7.50 (�6 cons), �5.50 children, �22 family, 01603 629921, www.puppettheatre.co.uk

Young Goldilocks likes to explore the world and experience new things. This time, when she wanders into an empty house, she finds much more than three bowls of porridge… Using puppetry and musical influences from around the world, this production brings this classic story to life with a twist. Aimed at children aged 2-5.

CIRQUE DU CIEL: SHANGHAI

Norwich Theatre Royal, April 12-14, �27-�6.50, 01603 630000, www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

This eagerly awaited, internationally acclaimed production comes to the Theatre Royal as part of its first visit to the UK. A two hour extravaganza, originally directed by Cirque Du Soleil's Guy Caron, combining acrobatics, modern dance, original music and martial arts.

THE THREE BILLY PIGS

Norwich Arts Centre, April 14, 2pm, �6 (�4 cons), �16 family, 01603 660352, www.norwichartscentre.co.uk

This new show comes from Noisy Oyster and is aimed at children over three. It blends The Three Little Pigs and The Three Billy Goats Gruff with puppets, light-hearted storytelling, live music and a little bit of eco-awareness.