Activities & Days Out / 20 October, 2022 / Ellie Thompson
Take a trip to theatreland with your kids this half term and beyond, and enjoy a London show perfect for the whole family. We’ve picked eight of our favourite musicals and shows ideal for children. There’s something here for all ages, and to help you choose, we’ve included the age limit for each individual show. And lastly, our top tip: check out this guide to Getting Cheap Frozen tickets with offers for 15 other West End shows!
The Lion King tells the tale of a young lion cub named Simba who struggles to accept his destined role as king and the responsibilities that come with adulthood.
Using a timeless score by Elton John and Tim Rice, Julie Taymor creates an imaginative and highly creative world that brings the flora, fauna and animals of Africa to life, with songs by Lebo M, Julie Taymor, Mark Mancina, and Hans Zimmer.
WHERE: Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington St, London WC2E 7RQ
RUNNING TIME: 2 hours 30 minutes
SUITABLE FOR: Children 8+
With incredible special effects, jaw-dropping scenery, and all the songs you know and love, it’s going to be an unmissable experience that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.
Even the biggest FROZEN fans will be in for some surprises, as the production features brand-new music from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, writers of the unforgettable Let It Go.
For advice on getting cheap tickets, click here.
WHERE: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine St, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JF
RUNNING TIME: 2 hours 15 minutes
SUITABLE FOR: Children under the age of 4 will not be permitted
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Wicked is a big-budget West End experience with a large cast, dazzling choreography and magical special effects.
When Dorothy famously triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West, we only ever heard one side of the story. Gregory Maguire‘s acclaimed 1995 novel, ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’, re-imagines the Land of Oz, creating a parallel universe to the familiar story written by L. Frank Baum and first published as ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ in 1900.
WHERE: Apollo Victoria Theatre, 17 Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1LL
RUNNING TIME: 2 hours 45 minutes
SUITABLE FOR: Children 7+
Packed full of magic and dazzling special effects, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a real event theatre. Made up of two parts which you can see on the same day or on different days, experiencing this show is always going to be more expensive than most others in London.
19 years after Harry, Ron, and Hermione saved the wizarding world, they’re back on a most extraordinary new adventure – this time, joined by a brave new generation that has only just arrived at the legendary Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Prepare for spectacular spells, a mind-blowing race through time, and an epic battle to stop mysterious forces, all while the future hangs in the balance.
WHERE: London Palace Theatre, 113 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 5AY
RUNNING TIME: Part One: 2 hours and 40 minutes | Part Two: 2 hours and 35 minutes
SUITABLE FOR: Children 10+
Back by popular demand! See Blippi in his newest adventure, Blippi the Musical, from 7th December – 8th January 2023 only.
You and your whole family are going to have so much fun, dancing, singing and meeting amazing new friends LIVE on stage. Wow, look at that! It’s a plane, a tractor, a fire truck and a train, just some of the many discoveries you’re going to make together!
WHERE: The Lyric Theatre
RUNNING TIME: 1 hour 5 minutes
SUITABLE FOR: Children 2+
Matilda The Musical is the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl.
With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.
Winner of 99 international awards, including 24 for Best Musical, Matilda has been delighting audiences in London’s West End for over a decade.
WHERE: Cambridge Theatre, 32-34 Earlham Street, London WC2H 9HU
RUNNING TIME: 2 hours 35 minutes
SUITABLE FOR: Children 6+ but younger guests are welcome
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s multi-award-winning musical MARY POPPINS is flying high at the Prince Edward Theatre.
The magical story of the world’s favourite nanny is triumphantly and spectacularly brought to the stage with dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs.
Ending 8th January 2023, so book now to avoid disappointment.
WHERE: Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street, London, W1D 4HS
RUNNING TIME: 2 hours 50 minutes
SUITABLE FOR: Children 7+, under 5’s not permitted
Welcome to Hill Valley! When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past and send himself… back to the future.
WHERE: Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London, WC2R 0NS, UK
RUNNING TIME: 2 hours 40 minutes
SUITABLE FOR: Children 6+
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