The 5 best events this week

From Mar 16: Tomb Rider

Starring Oscar-winning Swedish actress Alicia Vikander and based on the best-selling video game franchise and early 2000s film series, this action-adventure movie serves as the origin story for the iconic Lara Croft. The 2018 reboot follows the fearless Croft as she makes her first expedition to the island where her father disappeared.

From RMB36. Various locations. Book tickets here.

Mar 21-25: Aga-Boom

The highly-acclaimed Aga-Boom is coming to Shanghai this March. Taking inspiration from European theatrics and clowning, Aga-Boom cuts through the barriers of language and culture by using the art of slapstick comedy. A truly delightful show for the whole family.

Mar 21-23, 7.30pm; Mar 24, 2pm, 7.30pm; Mar 25, 10.30am, 2pm. RMB180-580. Shanghai PG Theater. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Mar 23-24: Hello Kitty: Journey to the West

Japanese pop culture merchandizing icon Hello Kitty retells her version of the classic Chinese fable, Wu Cheng’en’s Journey to the West. Kitty’s friends are kidnapped by monsters when they open an ancient chest, and she must enter the mythical Journey to the West universe in order to get them back. Expect elaborate costumes and staging design. The show is best for children aged 2 and up.

Fri Mar 23, 7.30pm; Sat Mar 24, 10.30am & 2.30pm; RMB120-380. ET Space. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Mar 24: Earth Hour – Great environmental activities

Spring is coming and the days are getting longer and warmer. Community Center Shanghai (CCS) will celebrate global Earth Hour on March 24 at Hongqiao Laowaijie. This free event is offered to the Shanghai community as a collaboration between Laowaijie and CCS. The theme ‘Extend the Life of Our Earth,’ will deliver a fun day filled with environment-themed activities including art and crafts with recycled materials, donation box for used clothing, lucky draw prizes and entertainment from a choir and band. Bring your family and friends along to enjoy this fun afteroon!

Sat Mar 24, 4pm-7pm; Free entry. Laowaijie. See event listing.

Mar 24-25: Theatre Company Hikosen: Sinbad’s Sea Adventure

Well-regarded Japanese children’s theatre company Hikosen presents this adaptation of the classic story from Arabian Nights. Sumptuous set designs and costumes and agile dance performances bring to life the classic story of Sinbad the sailor. The 90-minute show is best for children aged 3 and up.

10.30am & 2.30pm; RMB180-480. Shanghai Children's Art Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.

The 5 best upcoming events

Mar 30-Apr 1: Hofesh Shechter Company: Grand Finale

Internationally celebrated choreographer, Hofesh Shechter's latest work is bold and ambitious, featuring ten dancers and six musicians. The piece combines dance, theatre and comedy to form a performance full of energy and fun. The show has been nominated by the Olivier Awards as one of the best new dance productions, and you have to experience it yourself to understand why.

Mar 30-31, 7.30pm; Apr 1, 2pm; RMB280-1,080. Shanghai International Dance Center. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Apr 13-15: Samajam: Kids Show

A music show where the kids become the stars. Each child will receive instruments to become involved in making some amazing music together. What are you still waiting for? Book now and take your children to this creative event and uncover their inner musical potential.

Apr 13, 7.30pm; Apr 14-15, 10.30am or 3.30pm. RMB180-350. ET Space. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Apr 21: Laputa: Castle in the Sky Concert

Japanese animation lovers will adore this multimedia concert, which features compositions from a variety of Hayao Miyazaki’s greatest movies. From classics like Castle in the Sky, to My Neighbour Totoro, to Princess Mononoke and the Oscar-winning Spirited Away, the whole audience will feel a wave of nostalgia upon listening to these stunningly crafted songs—all due to the immense talents of composer Joe Hisaishi and director Hayao Miyazaki.

Sat Apr 21, 7.30pm; RMB120-380. Shanghai Centre Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.

July 5-8: PAW Patrol Live! "Race to the Rescue"

If your kid is a diehard PAW Patrol fan, then you are in luck because the live show is coming to Shanghai. Featuring action and practical knowledge, the series is popular among kids all around the world and has been aired in over 160 countries. What are you waiting for? Grab your kids to the adventure packed with surprises and laughters.

English version: Sat July 7, 3.30pm. Chinese versions: Thu-Fri July 5-6, 7.30pm; Sat July 7, 10.30am; Sun July 8, 10.30am or 7.30pm. RMB180-580. Shanghai Culture Square. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Jul 11-15: Kinky Boots

As the winner of six 2013 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Kinky Boots has taken over Broadway and The West End for over 6 years, as well as stage performances all over the world. Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you through the story of Charlie Price, who struggles to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business. This performance is a joyous musical celebration about the friendships we discover, as well as the belief that you can change the world with as long as you have the right mindset.

Jul 11-13, Jul 15, 7.30pm; Jul 14, 2pm or 7.30pm. Shanghai Culture Square. See event listing. Book tickets here.