Wednesday 7th to Sunday 11th August – View Programme / BOOK NOW!
Topsy Turvy 2024
Theatre Porto’s spectacular arts celebration returns to Whitby Park in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire…
Running Times / Further Details
- FREE / Pay What You Like passes – BOOK NOW!
- Ticketed Events – BOOK NOW!
- Digital Programme – Click here to view
- A5 Flyer – View/Download
- A3 Poster – View/Download
- Colouring Sheet – View/Download
Please consider grabbing a day pass that suits your budget, either FREE or make a donation – if you can contribute, we’d greatly appreciate it!
- The day pass includes all events except some ticketed performances in the theatre
- Tickets for some performances inside the theatre need booking need booking separate
- Ticket FAQs/programme listings/day splits are available here
Running Times / Further Details
- FREE / Pay What You Like passes – BOOK NOW!
- Ticketed Events – BOOK NOW!
- Digital Programme – Click here to view
- A5 Flyer – View/Download
- A3 Poster – View/Download
- Colouring Sheet – View/Download

Get ready for an unforgettable experience with Theatre Porto as we bring you ‘Topsy Turvy 24’ in Whitby Park this August. Prepare to be amazed by a weekend filled with brilliant performances and special events, curated especially for children, young people, and local families!
Daily Highlights:
Wednesday, August 7th – Opening Day
- Launch of the “You, Me and Everything” art exhibition
- RAWD open session offering theatre and dance workshops
- The Wonderful Wizard of Oz promenade performance
- VIP launch event in the evening
- Family Film Club featuring an “Encanto” sing-along screening (GET TICKETS)
Thursday, August 8th – SEND Focus Day
- SEND picnic and relaxed performance of “Birdie” by Mind The Gap
- “Impossible Machines” arts and crafts workshop
- Performance of “Birdie” (GET TICKETS) exploring climate change through dance and music (If you are a SEND family and would like to attend the SEND showing at 12pm please contact natasha@theatreporto.org for booking details)
Friday, August 9th – Shakespeare and Hobby Horses
- “The Delights” by Turned On Its Head, an interactive outdoor performance
- Hobby Horse making workshop and show jumping competition
- The Rubbish Shakespeare Company presenting “Make Your Own Myth” (GET TICKETS) and “Romeo & Juliet”
Saturday, August 10th – Music and Dance Extravaganza
- All-day walkabout performances throughout Whitby Park
- Performances by Proud Marys LGBTQ choir
- James Lyons’ Beatboxing Show (GET TICKETS)
- “Refuge Island” dance performance by Whispered Tales
- “Pirate Princess” show by Gemma Bond
- Live music showcase featuring local bands
- DJ set by Ellesmere Port Collective
Sunday, August 11th – Family Fun Day
- “The Family Hangout” with games, crafts, and story exploration
- “Best in Show” interactive dog show by the Egg People
- “Cartoon Capers” acrobatic performance featuring a birdcage stage
- Circus workshop and “Lucky Pigeons” show by Brainfools
- Fallen Angels open dance workshop
- “The Family Jam” music session to close the festival
‘Topsy Turvy 24’ follows several years of summer outdoor arts in Whitby Park and promises to be a great celebration of creativity and community inspired by children and young people.
Join us for a weekend of wonder and excitement! General admission is FREE, some indoor performances will be ticketed, and there will be a variety of ‘Pay What You Like’ options. We are offering SEND support across the whole programme. Café at Theatre Porto is open daily.
We can’t wait to see you at #TopsyTurvy24!
#TopsyTurvy24 #LetsCreate #TheatrePorto #CheshireArts #WhitbyPark #EllesmerePort #FamilyFun #SummerFun #ChildCentredTheatre #InclusiveTheatre #ArtsHubCheshire #FreeEvent #CommunityFun
What is Theatre Porto ‘Pay What You Like‘?
Pay What You Like – this means all are welcome to watch the performance and you do not have to pay for a ticket. If you CAN make a contribution, this will ensure we are able to keep our performances and activities free and low cost to those who most need it.
FAQs
What does a day pass include?
The day pass includes all events except the shows inside the theatre space. Tickets for shows inside the theatre need booking in addition to the day pass.
Where can I book tickets for the theatre shows?
We advise booking in advance via Ticketsource – there may be tickets available to buy on the day from the welcome desk but capacity is limited and we can’t guarantee when they will sell out.
Can I just turn up on the day?
We’d really like to encourage you to book a day pass in advance. This is so helpful to us for lots of reasons. It helps us plan and we’ll be able to communicate with you in the case of bad weather or cancellations. But, yes, you can just turn up on the day – if you choose to do this please drop in at our welcome desk so we can ‘count you’ and give you lots of helpful info.
Do I need to present my day pass at the event?
No, you do not need to present your day pass at the event.
Do I need to arrive at the event at 11am?
No, you can arrive at the event anytime.
How long can I stay at the event?
You can stay as long or as short as you like.
Do you have access provision?
If you are visiting any of the shows or events at Topsy Turvy 2024 and your child or young person experiences disability or neurodivergence please do contact natasha@TheatrePorto.org to see what we can do to support and enhance your visit. We will be offering a number of Supported Visits around all bookable shows as well as personalised tours of the festival for our SEND families -if you are interested in this please fill out this form and Natasha will be in touch.