YOUNG theatre lovers are in for a treat this spring as Nuffield Southampton Theatres bring a host of exciting and original shows for children to the stage.

Expect hilarity from Lewis Carroll’s oddly matched pair, Walrus and Carpenter along with music and slapstick in a salty combination of theatre and haute cuisine as the theatre's popular Saturday Children's Theatre Season returns on February 18.

NST’s new spring season also features a number of popular family favourites from visiting theatre companies, starting this Half Term with Tall Stories’ magical musical stage adaptation of Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler, The witch and her cat are flying happily along on their broomstick when a stormy wind blows the witch’s hat, bow and wand away into the night. A helpful dog, bird and frog find the witch’s lost things and all hop on the broom for a ride. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK! - it snaps in two! When a hungry dragon appears, who will save the poor witch? And will there ever be room on the broom for everyone?

The season will also include an interactive retelling of the classic tale, Old Mother Hubbard on March 4, encompassing beautifully crafted glove puppets, folk music and enchanting storytelling.

Listen to the life story of a very special leaf in a warm, intimate and playful new piece for under 3s inspired by nature and the seasons. Framed within an evocative soundscape, Leaf (March 25) is the perfect introduction to theatre for the very young.

The Twits really are the most spiteful and revolting couple you could ever hope to meet in the Roald Dahl classic, which runs from March 28 to April 1 and is suitable for all the family. They spend their days playing wicked tricks on each other and mistreating Muggle-Wump monkeys. They also have a particularly sticky trick to catch Roly-Poly birds for their bird pies. But not for much longer because the monkeys have a cunning plan to teach those terrible twits a lesson.

Babe the Sheep-Pig, based on the best-selling book by Dick King Smith, runs from May 30 to June 4.

When Babe arrives at Hogget’s Farm he is taken in by the trusty sheep-dog Fly and discovers a talent for herding. With the help of his adopted Mum, our polite piglet soon wins over the most suspicious of sheep. But can a small pig make it in a dog’s world, and when his farmyard friends are in trouble can Babe save the day? The classic novel which inspired the Oscar-winning film comes alive with plenty of laughter, thrills, stunning puppetry and original music.

Tickets: 023 8067 1771 or online at nstheatres.co.uk.