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 7th August
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
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.
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.
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.
Topsy Turvy Launch Event
Official opening of the art installation ‘You, Me and Everything’ and the launch of Topsy Turvy 24.
This is a guest/ ticketed event – please confirm your attendance to events@TheatrePorto.org
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!
Thursday 8th August
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.
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
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
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.
James the Jester
James the Jester amazing show will leave audiences of all ages laughing and wanting more!
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
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
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!
Friday 9th August
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.
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
The Undercover Ravers
Keeping the party secret so no one else has to know – walkabout performance from Teatro Pomodoro
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.
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.
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!
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!
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
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.
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.
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!
Live music on The Terrace
Join us on for Live music on The Terrace with Ethan
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
Saturday 10th August
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.
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
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!!!
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
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!
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
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.
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!
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
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!
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
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…
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….
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
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…
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.
Sunday 11th August
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.