Children's theatre in London
Even the smallest members of the family enjoy the odd stage show. Here are the Time Out theatre team's recommendations for which performances will suit the very little ones, the nearly big ones, and the grown ups.
- Family friendly
- For children
- For young children
Theatre for children
Aliens Love Underpants
This madcap adaptation brings Claire Freedman and Ben Cort's bestselling children's book to the stage for the first time. Ages 2+.
- Rose Theatre Kingston 24-26 High St, Kingston, KT1 1HL
- Thu Aug 1 - Sun Aug 4
Brainiac Live! Science Abuse
Based on the Sky TV show, this will be scientific based mayhem featuring exploding dustbins, combusting microwaves and daredevil stunts. All done in the name of science, of course. Ages 5+.
- Palace Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5AY
- Thu Jul 18 - Sat Aug 17
Charlie and Lola's Extremely New Play
Lauren Child's brother and sister duo return to the stage in puppet form for this magical journey through the seasons, with Sizzles the dog and Pirate Squidbones. Ages 4-7.
- Polka Theatre 240 The Broadway, SW19 1SB
- Tue Jun 18 - Sat Aug 17
Crystal's Vardo
- Free
To celebrate Gypsy Roma Traveller History month, Hackney Empire are staging this free play for children behind the theatre, on Wilton Way. Crystal runs away from home with her grandfather's wagon and pony and arrives in the grounds of a school completely lost. Ages 7+. Tickets are free but should be booked.
- Hackney Empire 291 Mare St, E8 1EJ
- Fri Jun 21
Dinosaur Zoo
Even assuming they can handle the dodgy early-Nineties CGI, it's going to be years before your kids get around to watching 'Jurassic Park'. So they should have no fear whatsoever in coming face to face with the inhabitants of Australian company Erth's unusual 'zoo', a puppet-based show for kids featuring a range of dinosaurs, from adorable babies to carnivorous monsters. There will also be a possibility to meet the beasties on the Open Air Theatre lawn after the show. Ages 3+.
- Regent's Park Open Air Theatre Inner Circle, Regent's Park, NW1 4NR
- Fri Aug 9 - Sun Sep 8
Fowl Play
A series of unexpected events follow the birth of a new foal in this puppet show farmyard adventure. With lighting and sound to excite everyone aged three years old and over.
- Puppet Theatre Barge Little Venice, Blomfield Rd, W9 2PF
- Sat Jun 22 - Sun Jul 14
Kan Ya Makan (Once Upon A Time)
A modern retelling of Arab folktales inspired by the recent events in the Arab world. An interactive event which offers a free taster of some food from the Middle East. Ags 8+.
- Cockpit Theatre Gateforth St, NW8 8EH
- Sun Jun 23
Monkey & Crocodile
- Free
Coming to a playground near you, Metta Theatre's new show features aerial circus, acrobatics, live music and skateboards. Monkey and Crocodile are new best friends, but Crocodile's mother has other plans, so Monkey must keep her wits about her. Following from the company's 'Arab Nights' at Soho theatre, this arrives in Wimbledon in association with Polka Theatre after premiering at the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival.
- High Paths Estate Wimbledon, SW19
- Sat Jul 6 - Sun Jul 7
The Snail and the Whale
A snail and a whale go on an oceanic adventure together in this new children's show from Tall Stories. Ages 4-10.
- St James Theatre 12 Palace Street, SW1E 5JA
- Tue Dec 10 - Sun Jan 5
We're Going on a Bear Hunt
- Rated as: 4/5
‘We’re going on a bear hunt, we’re going to catch a big one, what a beautiful day, we’re not scared.’ Michael Rosen’s rhythmic tale about a family which goes looking for bears is addictively popular with tots. And it's very nicely adapted here by a sweet-throated troupe of Little Angel puppeteers. Ages 2+
- Little Angel Theatre 14 Dagmar Passage, Cross St, N1 2DN
- Tue Jun 18 - Sun Jul 21
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Children's theatre FAQs
Trips with the kids aren't always plain sailing, so London's best kids' theatre venues have answered some questions to help you avoid the hiccups
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