HERE are six stage shows to suit children of all ages during May half term week...

1. One Duck Down at Lighthouse Poole on Wednesday, May 29 at 1pm and 4pm. Based on the true story, featured in Blue Planet II, of what happened to 7000 ducks cast adrift in a giant storm. Packed with music, clowning and puppetry, not to mention a set recycled from rubbish.

2. Waxwings at Lighthouse Poole on Wednesday, May 29 at 2pm. The latest in English Touring Opera’s acclaimed series of operas for children aged 2 to 5, Waxwings follows Ollie, an autistic boy who is obsessed with birds on a quest to make an injured waxwing fly. With beautiful music, live singing and playing and lots of interactive design the show is designed to stimulate and engage young people with many different and complex needs.

3. The Sound of Music at the Regent Centre from Wednesday May 29 to Saturday, June 1 at various times. The hills of Christchurch will be alive with The Sound of Music when Bournemouth Musical Theatre Productions return for the sixth consecutive year, with this wonderful family favourite. There will be a best dressed competition at each show and sing-along performances on Friday evening and the Saturday matinee only.

4. Paradise Planet at Lighthouse Poole on Friday May 31 at 2pm. The opera follows the adventures of humans who live on the waves and the animals that live beneath them. Written by artists Hanbury & Groves, the opera is performed by a cast of four professional singers and the musical ensemble features cello, clarinet and keyboard. There’s an opportunity to meet the cast and ask questions after the performance.

5. We Love Little Mix at Bournemouth Pavilion on Wednesday, May 29 at 1pm. High energy tribute show to one of the finest girl bands includes all their best known hits.

6. The Jungle Challenge (Mad4Animals) at the Barrington Centre, Ferndown on May 31 at 10.30am, 1.30pm and 5.30pm. An interactive show for all ages where you get to meet and learn about jungle creatures including snakes and spiders and enjoy challenges and music with ranger AJ. After the show, there’s a chance to meet AJ and have a photo with some amazing jungle animals.