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London theatre: the best family shows to book now
Looking for inspiration? Check out our picks of the best West End and other London family shows – from toddlers to teenagers
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 – perhaps as a treat during the summer 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 Snowman
- 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
Told by an Idiot’s Get Happy, Barbican
In a nutshell: Told by an Idiot celebrate the 10th anniversary of their Get Happy with this revival. Everyone is welcome to enter the madcap chaos of this interactive show, which features dance, acrobatics, music and physical comedy.
Age recommendation: all ages
Booking: Dec 7-19
Father Christmas Needs A Wee!, Arts Theatre
In a nutshell: Father Christmas has been sampling tasty treats at every house on his rounds – but that leaves him with an urgent problem... This witty musical adaptation of Nicholas Allan’s picture book should delight young viewers.
Age recommendation: all ages
Booking until: Dec 23
Finding Santa, Bloomsbury Theatre
In a nutshell: This interactive, puppet-filled family Christmas entertainment is a choose-your-own-adventure story by Sean Taylor. Discover how Santa gets to the North Pole and how his elves ensure his mail is delivered on time.
Age recommendation: 3+
Booking: Dec 7-24
The Snowman, Peacock Theatre
In a nutshell: “My favourite thing is hearing the kids scream with laughter when I put a banana on my nose, or gasp when we start to fly. There’s no dialogue, so everyone can follow the story. It’s truly universal.” Read the full interview
Age recommendation: all ages
Booking until: Dec 30
Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out, Theatre Royal Haymarket
In a nutshell: The oinktastic Peppa Pig is back in a new live show, along with her family and friends. Join them on a trip to the zoo and the beach, complete with young-audience-friendly songs, dancing and plenty of muddle puddles.
Age recommendation: all ages
Booking until: Dec 31
The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse, Unicorn Theatre
In a nutshell: This dark comic fairy tale, based on Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen’s subversive picture book, is back at the Unicorn, once again featuring the adventures of a duck and a mouse in the belly of a wolf – and an unusual friendship.
Age recommendation: 3+
Booking until: Dec 31
Stick Man, Leicester Square Theatre
In a nutshell: The much-loved festive fixture is back in the West End. Freckle Productions bring Julia Donaldson’s eventful picture book to life, with puppetry, songs and funky dance moves.
Age recommendation: all ages
Booking until: Jan 2, 2024
Elf, Dominion Theatre
In a nutshell: There’s Christmas cheer galore in this stage musical adaptation of the beloved film comedy. Buddy the lost elf journeys from the North Pole to New York in search of his family – and hijinks ensue...
Age recommendation: 4+
Booking until: Jan 6, 2024
The Gruffalo’s Child, Garrick Theatre
In a nutshell: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s enchanting picture book, about the intrepid Gruffalo’s Child who tracks a mysterious creature into the deep dark wood, becomes a show with songs and (not-too-scary) fun for all.
Age recommendation: 3+
Booking until: Jan 7, 2024
Peter Pan, Rose Theatre Kingston
In a nutshell: Journey to Neverland with Evan Placey’s new adaptation of JM Barrie’s classic adventure story. Lucy Mmorrell’s production also features songs, magic and performances by the Rose Youth Theatre.
Age recommendation: 5+
Booking until: Jan 7, 2024
The Smartest Giant in Town, St Martin’s Theatre
In a nutshell: Another successful page-to-stage transfer of a Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler book, this musical and puppetry adaptation is all about friendship and benevolence: perfect for Christmas.
Age recommendation: 2+
Booking until: Jan 7, 2024
The Night Before Christmas, Polka Theatre
In a nutshell: Hattie Naylor’s original play, inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s festive poem, sees six-year-old Amber welcome a very special visitor. The production features music, puppetry and magic.
Age recommendation: 2+
Booking until: Jan 14, 2024
Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book, Little Angel Theatre
In a nutshell: Charlie is trying to convince his sister that there’s a whole world inside a book. This new adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s children’s favourite promises puppets, songs and a celebration of the joy of reading.
Age recommendation: 3+
Booking until: Feb 4, 2024
My Neighbour Totoro, Barbican ★★★★
In a nutshell: “Totoro is magnificently humongous with a mighty, reverberating growl, wicked smile, lumbering walk and bouncy castle of a fluffy tum. The wow-factor of his spectacular appearances is worth the price of admission alone.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 4+
Booking until: Mar 23, 2024
The best shows for 6-10 year olds
The Bolds, Unicorn Theatre
In a nutshell: Julian Clary’s popular stage adaptation of his bestseller, about a family of hyenas living in disguise, returns to the Unicorn for Christmas. Expect songs, secrets and wild laughter.
Age recommendation: 6+
Booking until: Dec 31
The Witches, National Theatre ★★★
In a nutshell: “A lovely note of comic darkness is ushered in by Daniel Rigby’s maniacal hotelier Mr Stringer, and Katherine Kingsley as the glowering Grand High Witch gets a sharp-tongued solo about jettisoning child-care.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 8+
Booking until: Jan 6, 2024
The Snow Queen, Polka Theatre
In a nutshell: Jude Christian adapts the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale about the plucky Gerda, who must save her friend Kai from the evil Snow Queen. Emma Baggott directs this frosty adventure.
Age recommendation: 6+
Booking until: Jan 21, 2024
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: Feb 11, 2024
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: Feb 11, 2024
The King and I, London Palladium ★★★★
In a nutshell: “The whole affair is a satisfying blend of bombast and subtlety. Many of the songs remain transcendently lovely, chief among them that invitation to madly polka, Shall We Dance?.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 5+
Booking: Jan 20-Mar 2, 2024
Mamma Mia!, Novello Theatre
In a nutshell: Bride-to-be Sophie invites three of her mother’s exes to her wedding (on a fantasy Greek island) in hopes of meeting her biological father. Take a chance on this ABBA-tastic show, which features all of the band’s big hits.
Age recommendation: 5+
Booking until: Mar 2, 2024
Romeo and Juliet, Polka Theatre
In a nutshell: The venue is premiering a new 60-minute hip-hop production of Shakespeare’s play, retold through rap, rhythm and harmonies, and with the story moved to south London.
Age recommendation: 6+
Booking: Mar 2-Apr 4, 2024
Mrs Doubtfire, Shaftesbury Theatre ★★★★
In a nutshell: “Never doubt I love Mrs Doubtfire, the feelgood but not fluffy-minded musical that has pitched up at the newly made-over Shaftesbury Theatre... A sure-fire hit, my dears.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 6+
Booking until: Jun 2, 2024
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: Jun 2, 2024
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: Dec 15, 2024
The best shows for 10-17 year olds
The House with Chicken Legs, Queen Elizabeth Hall
In a nutshell: Les Enfants Terribles and HOME Manchester bring their adaptation of Sophie Anderson’s novel, about a girl whose house goes walkabout, to the Southbank Centre. The production features puppets, music and magic.
Age recommendation: 9+
Booking: Dec 13-30
Peter Pan Goes Wrong, Lyric Theatre ★★★★
In a nutshell: “The team are having a go at Peter Pan, and the same comic itinerary lies in store: collapsing sets, misplaced props, mistimed cues, and hopeless attempts to cover for mistakes that create a domino effect of mishap.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 8+
Booking until: Jan 14, 2024
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: Feb 24, 2024
Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Phoenix Theatre
In a nutshell: Netflix’s nostalgic sci-fi mega-hit comes to the stage, in a new story set in the world of 1950s Hawkins, Indiana, co-written by Jack Thorne and directed by Stephen Daldry.
Age recommendation: 12+
Booking: Jun 30, 2024
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: Sept 28, 2024
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: Sept 29, 2024
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: Nov 3, 2024
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: Nov 3, 2024
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, 2024
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.