There's classic stories, mythical creatures and loads of free activities coming to Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, this half-term.

Not to be confused with the other RSC, The Rubbish Shakespeare Company stage a truly unique interpretation of the classic drama Romeo and Juliet (Sun 26 May) as three idiots perform William Shakespeare’s enduring tragedy using only a box of tatty wigs, a worn floral dress, and a burst airbed they found by the bins.

Described as "like Horrible Histories but funnier" (Primary Times), this matinee performance is an anarchic and joyous family-friendly treat for all ages, filled with clowning, slapstick and mischievous storytelling.

The following weekend, Dragons and Mythical Beasts Live (Saturday 1 to Sunday 2 June) sees a host of fantastic creatures take to Warwick Arts Centre's stage.

Direct from London's West End, the awe-inspiring show features some of the most magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts imagined, including a colossal Stone Troll; the mysterious Indrik and Japanese Baku; the Tooth Fairy (not as sweet as you'd think); an adorable Unicorn; and the majestic Griffin - a fantastic creature that's half-eagle/ half-lion.

Winner of the Entertainment Now Best Kids Show at the Edinburgh Fringe (where it was praised for being the "pinnacle of kids’ entertainment"), Dragons and Mythical Beasts Live has been created by the same team as the international hit Dinosaur World Live. Suitable for ages 3+, it's an adventure not to be missed!

Regardless of whether you’re attending a performance or not, young visitors can also enjoy a free Dragons and Mythical Beasts themed drop-in workshop with artist Benny Semp (Saturday 1 June, 10am-2pm) – let your imagination run wild and create your own mythical beast!

Warwick Arts Centre’s weekly free drop-in Family Sundays continue throughout the Half-Term break too. With no booking required, the family-focused creative workshops are helmed by leading regional artists and creatives. Each session explores a specific theme or practice, and gives families an opportunity to create together.

Sunday 26 May 2024’s session runs from 1.30pm to 4pm, while Sunday 2 June boasts a very special Family Sunday Extended Session led by multi-disciplinary artist Naoibh McNamee. Starting at the earlier time of 11am, the free drop-in workshop forms part of the University of Warwick’s Resonate Festival of Arts and Culture - Day Out! (Sunday 2 June, 11am-4pm) - a packed day of music, dance, theatre, poetry, food, history, circus stills, textiles, art, languages and more, for all ages, all with a World Culture theme. Among the many festival activities is The Big Parade, a colourful procession led by visual arts duo Hipkiss and Graney that begins at the landmark White Koan sculpture, just outside the Arts Centre.

For more information on all activities at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, including tickets for Rubbish Shakespeare and Dragons and Mythical Beasts Live, see: warwickartscentre.co.uk