Topsy Turvy 24 – Live Programme

Theatre Porto’s spectacular FREE arts celebration returns to Whitby Park in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire
Wednesday 7th to Sunday 11th August

Day Passes & Tickets Now Available – BOOK NOW!

Find Out More | Tag us #TopsyTurvy24
Information for SEND Families – click here

Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday
All timings are subject to change & weather

Wednesday 7th August

From11amTo7pm

HopscotchPark Pathway

Poets in Paint - Hopscotch

Come and play a colourful game of hopscotch!

Based in Ellesmere Port and working together to transform community spaces and to encourage creative engagement for health and well-being. Poets in Paint believe art can be truly uplifting and affect people’s lives for the better.

Find out more – www.poetsinpaint.com

From2.00pmTo4.00pm

WorkshopTheatre

RAWD Open Session at Theatre Porto

Come and have some creative fun with RAWD!

Do you identify as disabled? Are you interested in drama? Always wanted to know what a RAWD session was like? RAWD is a company dedicated to helping disabled people grow through life and art and they are offering an Open Drama workshop, aimed at 16+ years.

As part of their summer program across in-residence theatres RAWD delivers guest artist workshops, where a professional disabled artist delivers a one-off workshop where participants can learn new skills and explore new art forms.

10 spaces available for this workshop. Please contact natasha@theatreporto.org to sign up for this session.

From3.30pmTo4.30pm

Storyhouseamphitheatre

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Embark on a magical (walkabout) journey with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, presented by our friends at Storyhouse.

Audiences of all ages are in for a treat as the show parades around Whitby Park, revealing a cast of characters along the way. The promenade performance concludes with a joyful finale in our outdoor amphitheatre.  

From4.30pmTo7pm

ExhibitionHallway

Art Installation Opening - You, Me and Everything

You, Me and Everything’ is made up of 3D artwork exploring ‘connections’ which have been created by local school children, along with photographed portraits of  Ellesmere Port families captured by Jake Ryan, our Community Artist.

The artwork will be on display daily throughout Topsy Turvy 24, and will be up until summer 2025 as a temporary installation which showcases children’s art work.

From4.30pmTo6pm

Theatre PortoTerrace

Topsy Turvy Launch Event

Official opening of the art installation You, Me and Everythingand the launch of Topsy Turvy 24.

This is a guest/ ticketed event – please confirm your attendance to events@TheatrePorto.org

From5pmTo7pm

Theatre PortoTheatre

Family Film Club - Encanto Sing-Along

A ‘Pay What You Like’ relaxed cinema experience for all families

Sing along screening of the Walt Disney animated movie ‘Encanto‘.
Cert 6+ | Runtime 1h 42m

This is a ticketed show – book now!

Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday
All timings are subject to change & weather

Thursday 8th August

From11amTo7pm

Art InstallationHallway

Art Installation - You, Me and Everything

You, Me and Everything’ is 3D artwork created by local school children which explores ‘connections’, along with photographed portraits of Ellesmere Port families captured by Jake Ryan, our Community Artist.

The artwork will be on display daily throughout Topsy Turvy 24 and forms part of our temporary gallery/ installation space which features children’s artwork.

From11amTo7pm

HopscotchPark Pathway

Poets in Paint - Hopscotch

Come and play a colourful game of hopscotch!

Based in Ellesmere Port and working together to transform community spaces and to encourage creative engagement for health and well-being. Poets in Paint believe art can be truly uplifting and affect people’s lives for the better.

Find out more – www.poetsinpaint.com

From11amTo12pm

PicnicIn the Trees

Join Jenny Harris for a SEND picnic

Come and join our SEND Picnic, either before and/or after watching BIRDIE. It will be an inclusive, relaxed space with some sing-a-long and fun activities. Jenny Harris is a specialist arts facilitator working with families who experience neurodiversity/disability.

If you are a SEND family and would like to attend please contact natasha@theatreporto.org for the booking details

From11.30amTo5pm

ParticipationCafe Workshop

Theatre Porto making space: Impossible Machines

Come along to this accessible arts and crafts workshop where you can make your own impossible machines.

Drop-in, all welcome, no booking required.

From1.30pmTo2.30pm

AmphitheatreWhitby Park

James the Jester

 James the Jester amazing show will leave audiences of all ages laughing and wanting more!

From12pmTo1pm

PerformanceTheatre

Birdie by Mind The Gap (SEND FAMILIES ONLY)

A fun and poignant adventure that blends choreography and original music to tell a powerful and accessible story about climate change for families.

This is a ticketed show – book now!

If you are a SEND family and would like further details please contact natasha@theatreporto.org

From1pmTo2pm

PicnicIN THE TREES

Join Jenny Harries for a SEND Picnic

Come and join our SEND Picnic, either before and/or after watching BIRDIE. It will be an inclusive, relaxed space with some sing-a-long and fun activities. Jenny Harris is a specialist arts facilitator working with families who experience neurodiversity/disability.

If you are a SEND family and would like to attend please contact natasha@theatreporto.org for the booking details

From2.30pmTo3.30pm

PerformanceTheatre

Birdie by Mind The Gap

A fun and poignant adventure that blends choreography and original music to tell a powerful and accessible story about climate change for families.

This is a ticketed show – book now!

Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday
All timings are subject to change & weather

Friday 9th August

From11amTo7pm

Art InstallationHallway

Exhibition - You, Me and Everything

You, Me and Everything’ is made up of 3D artwork exploring ‘connections’ created by local school children along with photographed portraits of Ellesmere Port families captured by Jake Ryan, our Community Artist.

The artwork will be on display throughout the duration of Topsy Turvy 24, and until summer 2025 as a temporary installation showcasing children’s work.

From11amTo7pm

Park PathwayWhitby Park

Poets in Paint - Hopscotch

Come and play a colourful game of hopscotch!

Based in Ellesmere Port and working together to transform community spaces and to encourage creative engagement for health and well-being. Poets in Paint believe art can be truly uplifting and affect people’s lives for the better.

Find out more – www.poetsinpaint.com

From11.30am / 1.45pm / 4.00pmTo

WalkaboutWhitby Park

The Undercover Ravers

Keeping the party secret so no one else has to know – walkabout performance from Teatro Pomodoro

There has been an infiltration! Who could it be? There is a group of undercover agents at work here, and you may be their target. “For what?” you may ask. “To drop the bass” they will respond.

From11amTo12pm

PerformanceIN THE TREES

The Delights – Turned on its Head

A sensory performance for younger children

The Delights is the tale of two homely creatures who wake from sleepy hibernation to discover a delightful, enticing world that has appeared around them. As these curious, playful characters explore this new world, they invite children join them in their dances, creating an outdoor playground full of wonder, joy and delight.

 

From11.30amTo5pm

WorkshopCafé Workshop

Theatre Porto making space: Hobby Horse Making

Come along to this arts and crafts workshop where you can make your own hobby horse to ride home!

All welcome, drop-in, no booking required.

From12pmTo1pm

PerformanceTheatre

The Rubbish Shakespeare Company - Make Your Own Myth

Who is the God of roundabouts? How did the microwave get its ping? You, the audience, will create your own myths and even have the chance to get on stage and become a legend yourself…

Audience Ages 5+ | Runtime 1hr | Find out more

This is a ticketed show – book now!

From1pmTo1.30pm

PerformanceAmphitheatre

Hobby Horse - Opening Ceremony

Come and watch our Drama Droplets perform their very own Opening Ceremony to ‘The Great Horsey Jump Off’ – Theatre Porto’s very own hobby horse show Jumping competition!

From1.30pmTo2.pm

PerformanceHobby Horse Jump Off

Great Horsey Jump Off - Hobby Horse Show Jumping Competition

Join us for Theatre Porto’s world famous, Hobby Horse Show jumping competition!

First grab your hobby horse (provided) and give it some special features, then get ready to trot your stuff on the specially curated horsey jump off course! Complete with water jumps and a disco dance floor, this event promises to be super-fun.

All welcome! Can also be self directed at other times

From2pmTo3pm

PerformanceIN THE TREES

The Delights – Turned on its Head

A sensory performance for younger children

The Delights is the tale of two homely creatures who wake from sleepy hibernation to discover a delightful, enticing world that has appeared around them. As these curious, playful characters explore this new world, they invite children join them in their dances, creating an outdoor playground full of wonder, joy and delight.

From3pmTo4pm

PerformanceAMPHITHEATRE

The Rubbish Shakespeare Company - Romeo & Juliet

Three award-winning fools tackle Shakespeare’s epic love story with only a box of bargain bin wigs, a tatty flowery dress, and a burst air mattress they found by the bins…

Described as ‘like Horrible Histories but funnier’ (Primary Times), the hilarious Rubbish Shakespeare Company return with a joyous, family-friendly spectacle.

From4.30pmTo5pm

PerformanceAmphitheatre

Hobby Horse - Opening Ceremony

Come and watch our Drama Droplets perform their very own Opening Ceremony to ‘The Great Horsey Jump Off’ – Theatre Porto’s very own hobby horse show Jumping competition! 

From4.30pmTo5.30pm

MusicTerrace

Live music on The Terrace

Join us on for Live music on The Terrace with Ethan

From5pmTo5.30pm

PerformanceHobby Horse Jump Off

Great Horsey Jump Off - Hobby Horse Show Jumping Competition

Join us for Theatre Porto’s world famous, Hobby Horse Show jumping competition!

First grab your hobby horse (provided) and give it some special features, then get ready to trot your stuff on the specially curated horsey jump off course! Complete with water jumps and a disco dance floor, this event promises to be super-fun.

All welcome! Can also be self directed at other times

Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday
All timings are subject to change & weather

Saturday 10th August

From11amTo7pm

Art InstallationHallway

Exhibition - You, Me and Everything

You, Me and Everything’ is 3D artwork created by local school children which explores ‘connections’, along with photographed portraits of Ellesmere Port families captured by Jake Ryan, our Community Artist.

The artwork will be on display throughout Topsy Turvy 24 and until summer 2025 as part of our temporary gallery/ installation space which features children’s artwork.

From11amTo7pm

Park PathwayWhitby Park

Poets in Paint - Hopscotch

Come and play a colourful game of hopscotch!

Based in Ellesmere Port and working together to transform community spaces and to encourage creative engagement for health and well-being. Poets in Paint believe art can be truly uplifting and affect people’s lives for the better.

Find out more – www.poetsinpaint.com

From11.45am / 2.00pmTo

WalkaboutWhitby Park

The Running Showers

A sudsy-clean, interactive walkabout performance from Teatro Pomodoro!

Splish-splashing through the streets, with our shower caps and rubber ducks!! Do you sing in the shower? …We Do!!!

From12.15pm / 2.30pm / 5.30pmTo

WalkaboutWhitby Park

James the Juggler

Catch James the Juggler in Whitby Park throughout the day. His hilarious multi skilled walkabout will leave audiences of all ages laughing

From11amTo11.30am

PerformanceAMPHITHEATRE

Proud Marys

Love music and song? Get ready to meet the fabulous Proud Marys!

Performed by a vibrant, diverse LGBTQ group from Cheshire West and North Wales, aged 18 to 70+; the Proud Mary’s harmonious voices perform contemporary pop and timeless classics.

Led by award-winning Musical Director, Matt Baker, to create unforgettable moments which celebrate our community!

From11amTo1pm

Sketch ClubTheatre Porto

The Port Sketch Club

Join the friendly folk of The Port Sketch Club, pick up a sketch pad and pen from the foyer and find something interesting to sketch at our #TopsyTurvy24 event… Tag your pictures with #TopsyTurvySketch

From11.30amTo5pm

WorkshopCafé Workshop

Theatre Porto making space: Hobby Horse Making

Come along to this arts and crafts workshop where you can make your own hobby horse to ride home!

All welcome, drop-in, no booking required.

From11.30amTo12pm

PerformanceAmphitheatre

Hobby Horse - Opening Ceremony

Last chance to come and watch our Drama Droplets perform their very own Opening Ceremony to ‘The Great Horsey Jump Off’ – Theatre Porto’s very own hobby horse show Jumping competition!

From12pmTo12.30pm

PerformanceHobby Horse Jump Off

The Great Horsey Jump Off - Hobby Horse Show Jumping Competition

Join us for Theatre Porto’s world famous, Hobby Horse Show jumping competition!

First grab your hobby horse (provided) and give it some special features, then get ready to trot your stuff on the specially curated horsey jump off course! Complete with water jumps and a disco dance floor, this event promises to be super-fun.

All welcome! Can also be self directed at other times

From12.30pmTo1.30pm

James LyonsTheatre

James Lyons - The Beatboxing Show

Unique loopy live show that weaves rap, beatbox, guitar, flute & harmonica into improvised music inspired by the audience.

Ages All
Runtime 1hr

This is a ticketed show – book now!

From1pmTo1.35pm

PerformanceCOURTYARD

Whispered Tales, Refuge Island

This event has unfortunately been cancelled for Topsy Turvy but will be back in autumn 2024

REFUGE ISLAND is a 20-minute dance performance that shares stories of female migration and the human capacity to offer refuge in times of crisis. Set within a surreal pedestrian refuge island, we hear one woman’s story of why she braved the elements to leave her much-loved home.

Find out more – www.whisperedtales.org/refugeisland

From1.30pmTo2.30pm

PerformanceAMPHITHEATRE

Gemma Bond – Pirate Princess

An outdoor aerial and circus performance performed by Gemma Bond.

Poor Princess Poppy has been shipwrecked and finds herself stranded on a desert island in a most cumbersome ball gown! With the help of the audience she climbs to the top of the ships mast in an impressive display of circus strength and ingenuity…

 

From2.30pmTo7pm

Live Music performed by local young peopleTheatre

Bands! Bands! Bands!

Bands! Bands! Bands! compared by James Lyons

Come and support local young talent and enjoy an afternoon of live music, there will be everything from rock to electronica to acoustic….

From4pmTo4.35pm

PerformanceCOURTYARD

Whispered Tales, Refuge Island

This event has unfortunately been cancelled for Topsy Turvy but will be back in autumn 2024

REFUGE ISLAND is a 20-minute dance performance that shares stories of female migration and the human capacity to offer refuge in times of crisis. Set within a surreal pedestrian refuge island, we hear one woman’s story of why she braved the elements to leave her much-loved home.

Find out more – www.whisperedtales.org/refugeisland

REFUGE ISLAND is a 20-minute dance performance that shares stories of female migration and the human capacity to offer refuge in times of crisis. Set within a surreal pedestrian refuge island, a lone woman appears, and we begin to hear why she braved the elements to leave her much-loved home.

Find out more – www.whisperedtales.org/refugeisland

From4.30pmTo5.30pm

PerformanceAMPHITHEATRE

Gemma Bond – Pirate Princess

An outdoor aerial and circus performance performed by Gemma Bond.

Poor Princess Poppy has been shipwrecked and finds herself stranded on a desert island in a most cumbersome ball gown! With the help of the audience she climbs to the top of the ships mast in an impressive display of circus strength and ingenuity…

 

From5pmTo7pm

Ellesmere Port CollectiveTerrace

DJ and drinks on the sun terrace

Come and listen to a DJ set from Ellesmere Port’s very own Ellesmere Port Collective. BBQ is at the ready.

Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday
All timings are subject to change & weather

Sunday 11th August

From11amTo7pm

Art InstallationHallway

Exhibition - You, Me and Everything

You, Me and Everything’ is 3D artwork created by local school children which explores ‘connections’, along with photographed portraits of Ellesmere Port families captured by Jake Ryan, our Community Artist.

The artwork will be on display daily throughout Topsy Turvy 24 and forms part of our temporary gallery/ installation space which features children’s artwork.

From11amTo7pm

HopscotchPark Pathway

Poets in Paint - Hopscotch

Come and play a colourful game of hopscotch!

Based in Ellesmere Port and working together to transform community spaces and to encourage creative engagement for health and well-being. Poets in Paint believe art can be truly uplifting and affect people’s lives for the better.

Find out more – www.poetsinpaint.com

From11amTo1pm

HangoutTheatre

The Family Hangout

The Family Hangout

Come and hangout in our cafe for some games, crafts and story-exploring. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

No booking required, just turn up and join in.

From11amTo11.45am

PerformanceCOURTYARD

Best in Show – Egg People

These pooches need a round of apaws.

This barking mad highly interactive walkabout show see’s the public & our three delightfully friendly doggies put through their paces by an inept trainer to discover who is Best in Show.

From11.30amTo5pm

WorkshopCafé Workshop

Theatre Porto making space: Bag Faces

Come along to this arts and crafts workshop where you can make your own bag faces!

All welcome, drop-in, no booking required.

From11.30amTo12pm

PerformanceHobby Horse Jump Off

The Great Horsey Jump Off - Hobby Horse Show Jumping Competition

Join us for Theatre Porto’s world famous, Hobby Horse Show jumping competition!

First grab your hobby horse (provided) and give it some special features, then get ready to trot your stuff on the specially curated horsey jump off course! Complete with water jumps and a disco dance floor, this event promises to be super-fun.

All welcome! Can also be self directed at other times

From12pmTo12.45pm

PerformanceAMPHITHEATRE

Cartoon Capers

Cartoon Capers is an hilarious action-packed adventure set inside a giant golden gilded birdcage. Follow a lovable canary and acrobatic poodle as they come together to protect the new born egg from two pesky cats with a big appetite! Expect slapstick silliness, aerial magic and cartoon mayhem in this joyous street theatre show for the whole family.

From1pmTo2pm

WorkshopIN THE TREES

Brainfools – Circus and puppet play

Come and join Brainfools for a fun and inventive circus and puppetry workshop.

Brainfools push the boundaries of traditional circus arts, inspiring audiences to dream big – find out more about them at www.brainfools.com

All welcome, drop-in, no booking required.

From1.15pmTo2pm

PerformanceCOURTYARD

Best In Show - Egg People

These pooches need a round of apaws.

This barking mad highly interactive walkabout show see’s the public & our three delightfully friendly doggies put through their paces by an inept trainer to discover who is Best in Show.

From3.30pmTo4pm

PerformanceAMPHITHEATRE

Cartoon Capers

Cartoon Capers is an hilarious action-packed adventure set inside a giant golden gilded birdcage. Follow a lovable canary and acrobatic poodle as they come together to protect the new born egg from two pesky cats with a big appetite! Expect slapstick silliness, aerial magic and cartoon mayhem in this joyous street theatre show for the whole family.

From2pmTo4pm

WorkshopTHEATRE

Family friendly Movement Workshop

Join Fallen Angels at Theatre Porto for an accessible and fun, family-friendly creative movement workshop.

A shared experience to explore and create intentions for positivity and well being, using words and movement. Led by professionals from Fallen Angels Dance Theatre.

Further information www.fallenangelsdt.org

From2.30pmTo3.30pm

PerformanceFRONT LAWN

Brainfools circus company presents Lucky Pigeons

BrainFools circus presents Lucky Pigeons, a vibrant show blending storytelling and circus arts.

Follow a young businesswoman’s journey as she transforms into a colourful pigeon, discovering a playful new world. Witness stunning juggling and aerial tricks in this reimagined performance, inspiring audiences to dream big.

You can find out more about Brainfools at www.brainfools.com

From2.30pmTo3.30pm

PerformanceCOURTYARD

Best In Show - Egg People

These pooches need a round of apaws.

This barking mad highly interactive walkabout show see’s the public & our three delightfully friendly doggies put through their paces by an inept trainer to discover who is Best in Show.

From3.30pmTo4pm

PerformanceHobby Horse Jump Off

The Great Horsey Jump Off - Hobby Horse Show Jumping Competition

Join us for Theatre Porto’s world famous, Hobby Horse Show jumping competition!

First grab your hobby horse (provided) and give it some special features, then get ready to trot your stuff on the specially curated horsey jump off course! Complete with water jumps and a disco dance floor, this event promises to be super-fun.

All welcome! Can also be self directed at other times

From5pmTo5.30pm

PerformanceAMPHITHEATRE

Cartoon Capers

Cartoon Capers is an hilarious action-packed adventure set inside a giant golden gilded birdcage. Follow a lovable canary and acrobatic poodle as they come together to protect the new born egg from two pesky cats with a big appetite! Expect slapstick silliness, aerial magic and cartoon mayhem in this joyous street theatre show for the whole family.

From5pmTo6.30pm

MusicTerrace

The Family Jam

Join us on our terrace for a journey across genres and decades of popular music in this sing-along family jam.

Adam will be DJing and singing for two hours to keep you on your feet so warm up those vocal-chords and polish off those dancing shoes. From Frank Sinatra to Disney favourites and through disco to kidz bop; there’s a song for all ages and voices.

Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Families

If you are visiting any of the shows or events at Topsy Turvy and your child or young person identifies as disabled or neurodivergent please do contact natasha@TheatrePorto.org to see what we can do to support and enhance their engagement. We will be offering a number of supported visits around all shows as well as a specialised tour of the festival for our SEND families.