Take the kids on an unforgettable trip to the theatre and watch as they marvel at some of this year’s most exciting musicals.

From the whip-cracking Calamity Jane to the fantastical world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, these are some of the best family shows coming to Kent this year…

CALAMITY JANE: Take a trip back in time to America’s Wild West and meet Calamity Jane, a gun-slinging shooter who rules the roost in the Dakota Territory. When a glittering actress rides into town and the men of Deadwood fall head over heels for her, Calamity struggles to keep her jealousy, and her true feelings for the notorious Wild Bill Hickok and handsome Lieutenant Gilmartin, at bay. This boisterous new comedy stars Carrie Hope Fletcher, best known for appearing in Heathers, Les Misérables and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella, and is based on the 1953 Doris Day film.

Details: Tuesday, May 27 to Saturday, May 31 at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury and Tuesday, September 16 to Saturday, September 20 at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley. Book tickets here.

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY: Roald Dahl’s story of a mysterious chocolatier who invites five golden ticket holders into his infamous factory has been adored for generations. This musical adaptation features songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder, including the Candy Man and Pure Imagination, as well as a score of new numbers.

Details: Thursday, April 10 to Saturday, April 12 at the Central Theatre in Chatham. Book tickets here.

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG: With appearances from former EastEnders actress Charlie Brooks and Strictly champion Ore Oduba, the latest production of this family show is bursting with all-singing, all-dancing celebs. The musical, based on Ian Fleming’s classic children’s story, features everything from a magical flying car to the spine-chilling Childcatcher, with songs such as Hushabye Mountain and Truly Scrumptious.

Details: Tuesday, April 1 to Saturday, April 12 at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. Book tickets here.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: When star athlete Troy Bolton and bookish singer Gabriella Montez meet at a Christmas party, there’s an instant spark. However, when they both end up at the same school in the New Year, they are pulled in different directions by their friends and struggle to find their own paths. The show is based on the 2006 Disney Channel film starring Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens and is produced and performed by RARE Productions, the largest youth theatre company in the country.

Details: Thursday, February 6 to Saturday, February 8 at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre in Canterbury. Book tickets here.

ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES: It’s a sitcom that families have sat together and watched since the 1980s, so it only seems right that now audiences of all ages are flocking to the theatre to watch the live version. Created by Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan, the son of original TV writer John Sullivan, Only Fools and Horses sees Del Boy, Rodney and Grandad get into all sorts of sticky situations on the market and down the Nag’s Head in a hilarious comedy with original music – and, of course, that unforgettable theme tune.

Details: Monday, April 14 to Saturday, April 19 at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. Book tickets here.

You can also book tickets to the Marlowe Theatre shows by calling 01227 787787.