Dad dancing, baby disco and party magic at tenth Looping the Loop Festival

Who doesn't love a bit of Dad Dancing? Photo Zoe Manders

Looping the Loop returns for its tenth festival of adventures and performance across Thanet.

From Dad Dancing and a baby disco, to a journey into one’s own identity, this inclusive festival is packed with a programme of events to excite, inspire and entertain audiences. The line-up includes nationally touring dance, critically acclaimed theatre and mesmerising family experiences, and all of them right on your doorstep.

The festival kicks off on Thursday May 3 with a fundraising event at the cosy Tom Thumb Theatre bar in Margate where, to celebrate Looping the Loop’s anniversary and those who have  supported them on their journey so far, there will be talks and performances from local talent and  stars of the festival.

Photo Zoe Manders

For families, ​Dad Dancing​ mixes dance, music and true stories from Thanet’s own dads, daughters and sons who join the professional cast in this heart-warming show.

Two performances are available, Saturday, May 5, at 7pm and Sunday, May 6, at 2.30pm, at the Taylor Hall in the grounds of St Lawrence College.

Little ones and their not-so- grown-ups can enjoy the squishy interactive show, plus a baby disco and playtime at the end, in ​Sponge​ on Thursday, May 3 and Friday, May 4 (various times) at Looping the Loop favourite, the Cliftonville Community Centre.

On May Day, Looping the Loop takes over St George’s Hall in Ramsgate for ​Magical Mayhem​ where you can join its ​street theatre team, ​Nearly Normal​’s gang of triplets, as they throw their own birthday party. There’ll be party games, party food, party people, arts, crafts, jelly, the odd temper tantrum and a magical show by Thanet’s Tom Adams entitled My Dad the Magician.  The show is about his dad who became a children’s  entertainer.

Suzy Humphries

Suzy Humphries, producer at Looping the Loop, said: “Our tenth festival is our best yet. Award-winning theatre performances alongside Thanet’s own community cast taking centre-stage in a brilliant, moving performance opportunity – I can’t wait to kick it all off with a cocktail at the ​Tom Thumb Theatre bar​ – Thanet’s most bohemian bolthole!”

Show details

Dad Dancing 

​Saturday​ ​May 5, 7pm and Sunday May 6

​Taylor Hall, St Lawrence College, College Road, Ramsgate.

Price: ​£7 for one or £10 and bring a buddy

Sponge 

Thursday​ ​May 3, 11am and 1.30pm, Friday May 4, 11am, 1.30pm and 4pm

Cliftonville Community Centre,  23 St Paul’s Road, Margate

Price: ​£7 for one ticket or £10 and bring a buddy

Mountains: The Dreams of Lily Kwok 

A new play by In-Sook Chappell charting the extraordinary life of Lily Kwok.

Mountains – The Dreams of Lily Kwok is at the Theatre Royal on May 5 at 7:30pm

Tickets
Full Price £16
Concessions £14
FOMT £12
Schools £8
Booking fees – £1 per ticket in person/phone. £2 per ticket online

Call 01843 292795 or click here

My Dad the Magician  

Monday​ ​May 7, 11am and 2pm,

St George’s Hall, Broad Street, Ramsgate CT11 8QY

Price: ​£5 for one ticket or £25 for a group of 6

To book for shows, and find other Looping the Loop events, click here