Children's theatre in London - the best shows for kids of all ages
From tiny tots to older kids, we've got your next family theatre trip covered.
London children’s theatre hasn’t had the best 2020, with none of its dedicated venues scheduled to reopen at time of writing, and the Christmas season a shadow of its usual self. However, a few favourites are back, and shows are generally being announced at much shorter notice than usual, so stay tuned.
It's never to early to introduce kids to the magic of theatre, and London's bursting with shows that'll delight junior audiences. There are gentle puppet shows for babies and toddlers. Rainbow bright, song-stuffed adventures for young kids. Smart dramas that are sure to hold teenagers rapt. And spectacular musicals that'll get the whole family on side.
Our kids’ theatre page normally contains information for children’s shows running in London theatres this month and next month, and is broken down into three categories.
Theatre for all the family is suitable for any age, including adults without children.
Theatre for older children is specifically aimed at school-age children and teenagers.
Theatre for babies, pre-schoolers and younger children does what the title suggests, and also includes shows suitable for younger school-age children.
Theatre for all the family
A Christmas Carol (Bridge)
The Bridge Theatre’s three-hander ‘A Christmas Carol’ starring Simon Russell Beale, Patsy Ferran and Eben Figueiredo is suitable for ages six-plus.
A Christmas Carol (Dominion)
This musical version of ‘A Christmas Carol’ starring Brian Conley is suitable for ages five-plus. The morning matinees skip the interval and run at 90 minutes only.
Christmas pantomimes in London
Most of the major seasonal pantomimes confirmed their cancellation back in the summer. However: there are a handful going ahead – if you want to, you shall go to the ball.
The Gruffalo's Child
Tall Stories' musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's award-winning sequel to 'The Gruffalo' is packed with inventive storytelling, energy and furry jumpsuits from the cast of three. It winters at a socially-distanced Ally Pally for 2020. Ages three-plus.
The Nutcracker(s)
Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet is the definition of family-friendly entertainment and London’s getting three major versions this Christmas: the Royal Ballet (Royal Opera House), Birmingham Royal Ballet (Royal Albert Hall) and English National Ballet (London Coliseum).
Stick Man
This popular and long-running adaptation of Julia Donaldson's book returns for a socially-distanced Christmas run in 2020.
New theatre this month
Top 10 theatre openings this month
London's theatre calendars are flooded with acclaimed shows, big names and hotshot directors, and there's no way anyone can see them all. As a starting point, the Time Out theatre team have picked ten shows opening in London this month that you won't regret booking for.