London has a world-leading theatre scene, and it’s particularly strong when it comes to family shows. Head to the West End, and beyond, and you’ll find everything from beloved Disney movies-turned-enthralling musicals to innovative, accessible shows featuring puppetry, comedy, songs and more.
If you’re trying to decide which London children’s theatre to start with in 2024 – perhaps as a treat during the school holidays – and whether it will be suitable for your family, our expert Telegraph critics can help you choose with their incisive reviews. All the latest articles are at Telegraph Theatre. We’ve also rounded up the best London plays and musicals, and the best family shows for half term.
You can find discounted tickets on Telegraph Tickets for all of the best shows for kids, such as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Frozen and The Lion King. Check out our list of top picks for London musicals and plays for kids below and get booking.
The best children’s shows, at a glance
- Best show for 3-6 year olds – The Tiger Who Came to Tea
- Best show for 6-10 year olds – The Lion King
- Best show for 10-17 year olds – Six
Best children’s theatre in London’s West End and beyond
The best shows for 3-6 year olds
Shrek The Musical, Eventim Apollo
In a nutshell: There’s Shrektacular summer entertainment on the way with this blockbuster staging of the laugh-out-loud, fairy-tale-subverting animated movie. Antony Lawrence, Brandon Lee Sears and Joanne Clifton star.
Age recommendation: 3+
Booking: Jul 19-Aug 31
The Tiger Who Came To Tea, Theatre Royal Haymarket
In a nutshell: Join Sophie, her mummy and a surprise stripy guest in this gloriously madcap adaptation of Judith Kerr’s beloved picture book. There’s singalong songs, clumsy antics and magic galore.
Age recommendation: 3+
Booking until: Sept 1
Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, Harold Pinter Theatre
In a nutshell: The Olivier Award-nominated production is back, once again making learning fun via Blippi and Meekah’s accessible adventures. Expect songs, dances, travel and monster trucks.
Age recommendation: 2+
Booking until: Sept 7
Gruffalo, Lyric Theatre
In a nutshell: This hugely popular musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s picture book is back in the West End. Join Mouse, Fox, Owl and Snake, plus the legendary Gruffalo, on an unforgettable adventure.
Age recommendation: 3+
Booking: Jul 17-Sept 8
The Smartest Giant in Town, St Martin’s Theatre
In a nutshell: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s zany tale about George the giant shopping for smart new clothes, and then helping out his animal pals, becomes a musical, puppet-filled stage adventure.
Age recommendation: All ages
Booking: Dec 2-Jan 7 2025
Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out, Theatre Royal Haymarket
In a nutshell: Everyone’s favourite pig returns in an oink-tastic new show, which sees Peppa and her family visit the zoo and the beach. Expect songs, dances, laughs and muddy puddles.
Age recommendation: All ages
Booking: Nov 28-Jan 5 2025
The Snowy Day, Polka Theatre
In a nutshell: Jo This new adaptation of Ezra Jack Keats’ award-winning picture book (the first with an African-American protagonist to win a major children’s award) will feature original music, dance and enchanting immersive set.
Age recommendation: 1+
Booking: Dec 6-Feb 2 2025
Starlight Express, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: “Andrew Lloyd Webber’s blockbuster musical makes a spellbinding return... Skating around a state-of-the-art theatrical environment, the energy and bravura of it all are frankly out of this world.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 3+
Booking until: Jun 8 2025
The best shows for 6-10 year olds
Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Ghosts, Polka Theatre
In a nutshell: In this new adaptation of Katie and Kevin Tsang’s best-selling book, Sam Wu goes on a mission to prove he’s NOT a scaredy-cat. Sam Liu (Ted Lasso) stars in this warm-hearted adventure.
Age recommendation: 6+
Booking until: Aug 18
Rough Magic, Shakespeare’s Globe
In a nutshell: Reuniting the crack team behind last year’s brilliant Midsummer Mechanicals, the Globe is once again home to top-quality children’s theatre with a show full of magical creatures – come dressed as your favourite.
Age recommendation: 5+
Booking: Jul 20-Aug 24
Enitan’s Game, Punchdrunk Enrichment Stores
In a nutshell: Pick a card and let the journey begin! Immersive theatre legends Punchdrunk invite family audiences into this new show based on a game that Enitan used to play with her grandfather. Enter a secret world of magic, stories and community.
Age recommendation: 6+
Booking until: Sept 1
Frozen the Musical, Theatre Royal Drury Lane ★★★★★
In a nutshell: “It’s pure West End spectacle, exactly what you want for a production likely to be many kids’ first experience of theatre, and told with a blazing passion that is surprisingly affecting.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 6+
Booking until: Sept 8
The Wizard of Oz, Gillian Lynne Theatre ★★★
In a nutshell: “Children will love much of this – the digitised army of helmeted helpers for the snarling Wicked Witch are just the ticket, as is the vast pulsing motherboard via which the Wizard exerts his boomy command.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 6+
Booking until: Aug 15-Sept 8
Your Lie in April, Harold Pinter Theatre ★★★
In a nutshell: “This new musical demonstrates why Naoshi Arawaka’s coming-of-age story is one of the most popular in manga history... All the performances, including the live band and a star turn from violinist Akiko Ishikawa, are spot on.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 8+
Booking until: Sept 21
Mamma Mia!, Novello Theatre ★★★★
In a nutshell: “Phyllida Lloyd’s slick production is still a tremendous crowd-pleaser... Buoyed by Abba’s enduring brilliance, it’s a welcome shot of pure sunshine.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 5+
Booking until: Sept 28
The Lion King, Lyceum Theatre ★★★★
In a nutshell: “Watching the show alongside my rapt children, I was struck by how much it succeeds in speaking to the heart rather than the head... A deeply felt celebration of life.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 6+
Booking until: Oct 16
Back to the Future: The Musical, Adelphi Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: “Thanks to video and illusionist wizardry, the steam-spouting DeLorean skids into view from nowhere and takes off over the stalls, achieving a kind of 3D Hollywood magic... A feelgood triumph.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 6+
Booking until: Dec 22
The Nutcracker, Polka Theatre
In a nutshell: A fun new spin on the classical ballet tale, featuring a heroic quest, rodent singalongs (with plenty of familiar songs), and festive celebrations for all the family.
Age recommendation: 5+
Booking: Nov 16-Jan 26 2025
Mrs Doubtfire, Shaftesbury Theatre ★★★★
In a nutshell: “Fear not, dearies – this exuberant show is still one of the biggest treats in the West End... Gabriel Vick is on fire in his utterly astonishing tour-de-force performance.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 6+
Booking until: Feb 16 2025
Matilda The Musical, Cambridge Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: “Matthew Warchus’s thrilling, warm-hearted production, exuberantly designed by Rob Howell and with pin-sharp choreography by Peter Darling, constantly combines comedy with a sense of wonder.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 6+
Booking until: May 25 2025
The best shows for 10-17 year olds
The Secret Garden, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre ★★★★
In a nutshell: “This heart-warming production will keep adults and children alike emotionally hooked. The verdant setting, and emphasised colonial perspective, allow themes of renewal to come through all the more strongly.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 10+
Booking until: Jul 20
Wicked, Apollo Victoria Theatre ★★★★
In a nutshell: “Joe Mantello’s production has satisfyingly old-school bombast: instead of screens, its impact comes from the detailed, fabulously over-the-top steampunk design. The orchestra is the biggest in the West End – and it shows.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 7+
Booking until: Dec 15
Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Phoenix Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: “Netflix gives the West End its event of the year... The jaw-dropping coups range from the infernal, supernatural engulfing of a hulking US battle-ship to acts of levitation.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 12+
Booking until: Dec 15
Guys & Dolls, Bridge Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: “Nicholas Hytner’s box of tricks, the Bridge, unleashes the show all around you if you’re one of the 380 punters standing in the thick of it... It’s an extravaganza that explodes every which way.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: All ages (under-16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult if buying immersive standing tickets)
Booking until: Jan 4 2025
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Palace Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: “British theatre hasn’t known anything like it for decades and I haven’t seen anything directly comparable in all my reviewing days... It raises the benchmark for family entertainment.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 10+
Booking until: Mar 2 2025
Les Miserables, Sondheim Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: “In its density and epic ambition, its mixture of high-powered ideas and gut-wrenching emotions, it’s a show that feels lastingly revolutionary.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 7+
Booking until: Mar 29 2025
The Play That Goes Wrong, Duchess Theatre ★★★★
In a nutshell: “Seldom has disaster delivered so many belly laughs... This spoof am-dram staging of an Agatha Christie whodunit is the perfect recipe for absurd slapstick.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 8+
Booking until: May 4 2025
Six, Vaudeville Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: “This infectiously fun production is packed with witty touches... A heart-warming, air-punching finale has everyone up on their feet. I expect these queens to rule the West End for years to come.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 10+
Booking until: May 4 2025
Frequently asked questions
Can children go to all theatres in London?
Most West End shows are suitable for people aged 12 or older. Some productions might have material that is too mature for younger theatregoers. However, there are also fantastic family shows which are appropriate for all ages, or which are specifically aimed at kids – including shorter children’s shows with elements like puppetry and singalongs.
We have included the official production age recommendations with all of our London show picks on this page, but you can always consult the theatre in question for further information to ensure the show is suitable for your children. Find the best deals on London family shows at Telegraph Tickets.
Can I take a 1 or 2 year old to the theatre?
The majority of London theatre shows are aimed at kids from ages 3 upwards at least. The longer running times, and elements like busy lighting and sound design, plus more mature material, probably won’t suit 1 or 2 year olds. Most productions recommend that 3 year olds or older should attend.
However, there are some London plays and musicals for 1 or 2 year olds. For example, children’s theatres like the Polka Theatre, Half Moon Theatre, Unicorn Theatre and Little Angel Theatre host productions aimed at very young children, as well as fun interactive workshops. Find all the latest recommendations for London kids shows and more at Telegraph Theatre.
Are children booster seats available?
Some, though not all, theatres provide booster seats – for example, Nederlander theatres (which includes the Dominion Theatre, Aldwych Theatre and Adelphi Theatre) rent booster seats for £1 if you ask a member of staff. They also provide booster cushions, available on a first come, first served basis. Some venues will also have height restrictions so that patrons sitting behind you can still see. If you want to check ahead of time about booster seats, contact the theatre box office.
Is there storage available for my stroller?
That depends on whether the theatre has a cloakroom where you can store large items, like suitcases and strollers (usually for a small charge, around £1 or £2). This does vary across different venues, so it’s worth contacting the theatre ahead of time to check. In most cases, the cloakroom will open about 45 minutes before the show begins, and you can store items for the duration of the show.
Can I bring my own snacks and drinks into the the theatre?
Some theatres, especially in the West End, won’t allow you to bring your own snacks and drinks in, unless it’s something like a sealed bottle of water. That’s because they sell food and drink in the theatre and that’s part of how they bring in revenue. If you have concerns about dietary requirements, you can contact the theatre beforehand to make arrangements. Plus it’s part of the fun of a theatre outing, treating yourself and your kids to a drink or an interval ice cream.
Are there frequent breaks throughout the duration of a performance?
If it’s a show for a general audience, there will usually be one interval of around 15 minutes; really long shows might have two intervals. Very occasionally a show won’t have an interval at all. You can find that information on Telegraph Tickets and other booking or theatre websites, or check with the box office. Most shows designed specifically for younger audiences will have short running times, like an hour or less. However, if you need to exit the theatre more frequently, for example for a toilet break, child-friendly venues will tend to be more relaxed about that – perhaps try to book near the end of a row so you don’t disrupt other audience members when coming and going.
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