Top ten children's theatre shows this October 2019 half-term

Michael Grandage’s excellent stage adaptation of the Disney smash will appeal to little Elsas who just want to relive their favourite moments for the millionth time, but is also deeper and smarter than the film – parents tagging along should be impressed.

As ever, the iconic Bankside venue runs one of the best line-ups of half-term activities of any theatre in London, from abridged storytelling versions of Shakespeare plays (aka Telling Tales, this time ‘Hamlet’ and ‘Romeo and Juliet’) to sword-fighting workshops for all the family.

The posters have been plastered around the London Underground for years – long enough for this show to become the most successful musical of all time – but nothing prepares you for the sheer impact of 'The Lion King's opening sequence.

'Matilda' must be making its creators, playwright Dennis Kelly and comedian-songsmith Tim Minchin, a very pair of proud parents…