What is it? Disney’s big new West End musical is an enjoyable, undemanding adpatation of its beloved 1997 Greek mythology-rooted cartoon film.
Where is it? Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Hello – I'm Time Out’s theatre editor and also a parent, something that has a lot of overlap in London, a city with three dedicated kids theatres and where pretty much every other theatre might stage a child-friendly show.
This round up focusses on the flagship shows at London’s kids theatres – that’s the Little Angel, the Unicorn and Polka – plus other major shows aimed at or suitable for youngsters.
On the whole, pre-school and primary children are the age groups best served specifically, because secondary school aged teenagers can generally see adult theatre perfectly well (and will indeed often be made to do so!). So while the odd teen focussed show will make it in here, if you’re looking for something to do with teens why not consult our reviews page or what to book list.
Our London kids’ theatre page normally contains information for all the main 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 primary school children.
See also:
50 things to do in London with kids.
The best child-friendly restaurants in London.
The top 9 museums in London for kids.
What is it? Disney’s big new West End musical is an enjoyable, undemanding adpatation of its beloved 1997 Greek mythology-rooted cartoon film.
Where is it? Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
What is it? Nothing prepares you for the sheer impact of The Lion King's opening sequence: the absurdly successful Disney musical may have been around for decades, but there’s a good reason why the film adapation has become the most successful musical of all time.
Where is it? Lyceum Theatre.
What is it? Matthew Warchus's RSC production of Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin’s Roald Dahl adaptation remains a treat – the best new British West End musical of the twenty-first century.
Where is it? Cambridge Theatre.
What is it? While super-producer Cameron Mackistosh still has breath in his body we’ll never be too far from the next revival of Lionel Bart’s all-singing Dickens adaptation Oliver!. Fifteen years after the last, it’s back in new guise in a Matthew Bourne directed production that premiered at Chichester Festival Theatre back in the summer to reviews that praised it as comfortingly nostalgic rather than doing anything particularly bold.
Where is it? Gielgud Theatre.
What is it? The Paddington supremacy continues, as the polite Peruvian bear bags himself a big splashy West End musical. West End super-producer Sonia Friedman has done the honours, assembling a crack team headed by playwright Jessica Swale doing the book and kids’ author and McFly member Tom Fletcher on songs, all directed by Luke Shepherd, who did such a good job with the smash revival of Starlight Express. We’re led to believe the plot is basically that of the first film.
Where is it? Savoy Theatre.
What is it? This short musical romp through the (after)lives of Henry VIII’s six wives is perfect for adults and secondary school kids alike.
Where is it? Vaudeville Theatre.
What is it? Quite possibly the most aggressively ‘80s artefact in existence, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Starlight Express’ is a musical about anthropomorphic roller skating trains that often feels like being forced to watch ten consecutive episodes of some trashy Saturday morning action cartoon…
Where is it? Troubadour Wembley Park.
What is it? Ella Hickson’s family friendly but somewhat radical reworking of JM Barrie’s Peter Pan was a festive hit for the RSC over a decade ago. Now director Jonathan Munby’s OG production leaps to the Barbican in a revival with an impressive cast that includes Toby Stephens as Captain Hook/Mr Darling and Lolita Chakrabarti as Mrs Darling.
Where is it? Barbican Centre.
What is it? Written by Sarah Middleton and directed by Hannah Stone, Dweeb-A-Mania concerns two teenage girls – Kemi and Norah – who set out to become actual wrestling champions after cool kid Bentley refuses to invite them to his wrestling themed party on grounds of their being dweebs. For ages eight to 13.
Where is it? Polka Theatre.
What is it? Returning for a fresh run having premiered at the Uniorn back in 2019, Anansi the Spider is a funny and beguiling trio of tales concerning the beloved trickster arachnid of West African folklore.
Where is it? Unicorn Theatre.
What is it? Well Done, Mummy Penguin is an adaptation of idiosyncratic kids’ author and illustrator Chris Haughton’s latest sweet-but-droll picture book, which concerns the aforementioned Mummy Penguin’s hazardous efforts to score a fish for her partner and child, who are looking on nervously. It’s aimed at ages three to seven.
Where is it? Polka Theatre.
What is it? 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, in whose hands it’s become a charming, slightly alarming Saturday dad disaster story with additional folk songs.
Where is it? Little Angel Theatre
What is it? Back for a fresh run, WOW! Said the Owl follows a curious owl as she stays awake during the daytime to discover a brand new world of colours. Using a blend of story-telling, puppetry and music this venerable Little Angel production brings Tim Hopgood's book to life. For two-to-five-year-olds.
Where is it? Little Angel Theatre Studios.
October is arguably the peak month of the London theatre calendar, with all the big shows that’ll be running until Christmas getting underway…
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