Grab your cheese and crackers because Aardman in Concert is coming to town! Produced by the award-winning Carrot Productions, this landmark anniversary event is a “baaaa-rilliant” celebration of five decades of claymation magic, from the chaotic inventions of Wallace to the mischief of Shaun the Sheep.
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This isn’t just a trip to the cinema but a full-throttle sensory experience. The show is split into two halves:
- The Golden Montage: The first half features a specially curated montage of Aardman’s most iconic moments. Watch Morph, Creature Comforts, and Timmy Time on the big screen, all while a world-class orchestra performs a bespoke score live in the room.
- The Main Feature: For the second half, fans will be treated to a full screening of an Aardman classic—either the high-stakes heist of The Wrong Trousers or the bakery-based mystery of A Matter of Loaf and Death. Hearing the iconic brass themes performed live by professional musicians adds a layer of “grand day out” excitement you simply can’t get at home.
Is it Family Friendly?
Absolutely. The event is designed for “hip hop heads” of the animation world, from the old school (parents who grew up with A Grand Day Out) to the new school (kids who love Shaun the Sheep).
Top Tip for Parents: While the show is suitable for ages 3 and up, the live orchestral sound can be quite powerful. If your little ones are sensitive to noise or get a bit restless, the relaxed atmosphere and visual spectacle usually keep them enthralled, but keep an eye on the 60–90 minute runtime.
Dates & Tickets
The tour arrives at London’s prestigious Cadogan Hall on Saturday, 2 May 2026, with two performances at 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM. Full details are available on the Aardman in Concert website. Ages: 3+ (Under 14s must be with an adult). Tickets from £18: available via Carrot Productions and Cadogan Hall.
Take a peek inside the magic of Aardman at the Young V&A
Aardman fans of all ages can get up close and personal with that “thumbiness” as Young V&A hosts its third major exhibition Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends throughout the summer. This major event is one of the many celebrations of Aardman’s 50th anniversary this year, proving that even after five decades, the studio hasn’t lost its tactile, homemade soul.
Created primarily for children and families, the exhibition is a great opportunity to explore how iconic characters like Wallace & Gromit, Chicken Run, Shaun the Sheep and Morph were created. From first sketches to real life filming sets, and plenty of tips and tricks to create funny stories, there is plenty here to admire and try. Discover how the funny details make a story stand out or how soundtracks are created, or just have a go at creating your very own stop-motion film.
Visitors can see first hand how a simple doodle transforms into a cinematic icon through a collection of over 150 items, a treasure trove for film buffs and curious kids alike.
From sketchbook to screen
Must-see highlights include:
- Early development sketches for Morph and original storyboards for Wallace & Gromit and Aardman’s physical scheduling board, a relic of the complex logistics behind stop-motion filming.
- The step by step creative process that includes story boards, model making, filming techniques. Check out the hand-drawn storyboard from the legendary The Wrong Trousers (1993) train chase.
- For the first time ever, see the motorbike and sidecar from the 2024 film Vengeance Most Fowl.
Anyone can have a go
While the technical skill on display is breathtaking—featuring sets from Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget and The Pirates!—the top attractions of this exhibition are the interactive stations where visitors can have a go at creating their own plasticine heroes and learn how to make their own stop-motion films at home with minimal equipment.
“Aardman quite literally began on the kitchen table,” says Alex Newson, Chief Curator at Young V&A. “It’s possible for anyone to have a go at making their own stop-motion films at home.”
Determined young creatives are encouraged and inspired to:
- Design their own quirky characters.
- Create a professional-style sets and make use of the light to see how mood is created.
- Learn how to use stop motion filming technique to animate their own live action videos to take home.
A half-century of storytelling
As Aardman enters its 50th year, the studio is busier than ever. While Inside Aardman celebrates the legacy of A Grand Day Out, the studio is already looking forward to the autumn 2026 release of Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom.
“We hope the joy and wonder of our craft will inspire the next generation of storytellers, directors, and model-makers,” says Ngaio Harding-Hill, Aardman’s Head of Live Experiences.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Gromit’s silent expressions or a child picking up a piece of modelling clay for the first time, Inside Aardman is a reminder that the biggest adventures always start with a very small idea.
Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends is at the Young V&A Museum until 15 November. Tickets £11. You can come back to visit as many times as you like with your entry ticket.
Visit our events and activities area for more ideas of things to do with kids in London this season. or have a look at our theatre and dance page to see our selection of family friendly shows.