HERE are six of the best family-friendly shows to see in Dorset over the next few months...

1. Once Upon a Princess: All your favourite fairytale princesses kick off their first live stage tour on February 21 at the Regent Centre in Christchurch with a set list of pop songs from Olly Murs, Meghan Trainor, Dolly Parton, Little Mix, Jess Glynne plus West End and Broadway smash hits including songs from Shrek and Hairspray.

2. In The Night Garden Live: This popular BBC children’s programme brings its live show to Dorset this year aimed at kids aged between one and six, is at Lighthouse, Poole from May 4 – 5. Seen by over one million people, the critically acclaimed production is described as “a must-see first theatre experience for young children”.

3. AniMalcolm: A new musical based on the bestselling children’s book by comedian and TV presenter David Baddiel at Lighthouse Poole on Tuesday, February 19 at 2pm.

4. Horrible Histories: We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! This new West End show that has never toured before is at the Regent on Thursday, April 18 at 1.30pm and 4.30pm.

5. Sooty’s Magic Show: Izzy Wizzy let’s get busy! Direct from their hit ITV series, Sooty, Sweep and Soo and TV’s Richard Cadell, are back with tricks and jokes at the Regent on Saturday, May 11 at 11am and 3.30pm.

6. Exciting Science: A new educational show which will amaze and astound all ages from four years and up is at the Tivoli on Sunday, March 3 at 1pm and 3pm. Featuring silly, fun, factual science experiments, it’s the perfect way to engage the mind and imagination during the half term holiday.

7. Shrek: The Musical: Theatre school Swish of the Curtain presents Shrek The Musical at the BIC between Wednesday and Saturday next week. Tickets cost £16.