Goldilocks and the Three Bears - Market Place Theatre Armagh

The classic fairy tale gets a full live-theatre treatment at the Market Place Theatre in Armagh this July, and this is one for the small people in the family. Goldilocks and the Three Bears is a fun-filled interactive musical production that brings the much-loved story to life with colourful costumes, a proper stage set and a cast that really plays to the crowd. If you have young children aged roughly 2 to 8, this is the kind of afternoon that makes the drive worthwhile.

What to expect

The show keeps close enough to the familiar tale - Goldilocks, three bears, porridge, chairs and all - but adds its own characters along the way, including Ruff the dog and Mr Bunny, plus a few twists the original Brothers Grimm version never thought of. The production is built around audience participation, so expect children to be on their feet. Action songs include firm favourites like Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes and If You’re Happy and You Know It, meaning even the very youngest in the audience can join in from their seats without feeling lost.

The staging is bright and properly theatrical - this is not a touring flat-pack production. The Market Place has run a children’s summer show as part of its annual programme for several years, and the format is well tested. Multiple performance dates are typically scheduled across the run, so check the box office for the full showtime schedule.

Tickets start from GBP 10. Summer family shows at this venue regularly sell out, so booking ahead is strongly advised.

Getting there

Armagh city sits roughly an hour south of Belfast on the A3, and about 90 minutes north of Dublin via the M1 and A3. Translink bus routes serve Armagh from Belfast Europa Bus Centre and from Newry; the journey from Belfast takes around an hour. The Market Place Theatre is on Market Street in the city centre, well signed from the main approach roads. City centre car parks on English Street and Friary Road are within a short walk of the theatre entrance.

While you’re in Armagh

Armagh is one of the oldest cities on the island, with two cathedrals, the Armagh County Museum and the Armagh Public Library among its sights - plenty to keep a family busy before or after the show. There is more to see in Armagh and across Co. Armagh.

Good to know

• Date: 11 July 2026 (multiple performances likely - check box office for full schedule)
• Tickets: from GBP 10
• Box office: 028 3752 1823 or boxoffice@marketplacearmagh.com
• Book via: visitarmagh.com
• Suited to children aged 2 to 8 and their families
• Book early - summer children’s shows at this venue sell out regularly