US Edition
London theatre: the best family shows to book now
Looking for inspiration? Check out our picks of the best West End and other London family shows – from toddlers to teenagers
London has a world-leading theatre scene, and it’s particularly strong when it comes to family shows. Head to the West End, and beyond, and you’ll find everything from beloved Disney movies-turned-enthralling musicals to innovative, accessible shows featuring puppetry, comedy, songs and more.
If you’re trying to decide which London children’s theatre to start with in 2024 – perhaps as a treat during the school holidays – and whether it will be suitable for your family, our expert Telegraph critics can help you choose with their incisive reviews. All the latest articles are at Telegraph Theatre. We’ve also rounded up the best London plays and musicals, and the best family shows for half term.
You can find discounted tickets on Telegraph Tickets for all of the best shows for kids, such as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Frozen and The Lion King. Check out our list of top picks for London musicals and plays for kids below and get booking.
The best children’s shows, at a glance
- Best show for 3-6 year olds – Starlight Express
- Best show for 6-10 year olds – The Lion King
- Best show for 10-17 year olds – Six
Best children’s theatre in London’s West End and beyond
The best shows for 3-6 year olds
The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Theatre Royal Haymarket
In a nutshell: This delightful musical adaptation of Judith Kerr’s gorgeous children’s book is a purrfect outing for families, with its goofy slapstick comedy, theatrical magic, sing-a-long songs, and young audience-friendly run-time.
Age recommendation: 3+
Booking: Jul 14-Sept 7
The Smeds and the Smoos, Lyric Theatre
In a nutshell: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s space voyage is out of this world, and so is Tall Stories’ imaginative, Olivier Award-nominated adaptation. Get immersed in this exciting tale of two star-crossed aliens.
Age recommendation: 3+
Booking: Jul 18-Sept 7
The Enormous Crocodile, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
In a nutshell: The idyllic outdoor theatre brings families a new musical version of Roald Dahl’s vivid picture book, with original songs, a menagerie of mischievous puppets, and an irresistible jungle adventure.
Age recommendation: 4+
Booking: Aug 15-Sept 7
Starlight Express, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: “Andrew Lloyd Webber’s blockbuster musical makes a spellbinding return... Skating around a state-of-the-art theatrical environment, the energy and bravura of it all are frankly out of this world.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 3+
Booking until: Mar 1 2026
My Neighbour Totoro, Gillian Lynne Theatre ★★★★
In a nutshell: “Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved anime has been triumphantly brought to the stage in the RSC’s transportive production... Totoro is magnificently humongous with a lumbering walk and bouncy castle of a fluffy tum.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 4+
Booking until: Mar 29 2026
Oliver!, Gielgud Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: “This rousing revival of Lionel Bart’s musical comes to the West End – form an orderly queue and prepare for dollops of theatrical delight... An undeniable triumph.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 3+
Booking until: Mar 29 2026
The best shows for 6-10 year olds
Mrs Doubtfire, Shaftesbury Theatre ★★★★
In a nutshell: “Fear not, dearies – this exuberant show is still one of the biggest treats in the West End... Gabriel Vick is on fire in his utterly astonishing tour-de-force performance.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 6+
Booking until: Apr 26
Shucked, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
In a nutshell: A wonderfully unlikely hit, this hilarious Tony Award-winning musical comedy is all about corn – plus a small farming community under threat, a con artist, a wedding, and a surprise hero.
Age recommendation: 8+
Booking: May 10-Jun 14
Rough Magic, Shakespeare’s Globe
In a nutshell: Something delightfully silly this way comes: a summertime treat for all ages, in the unique setting of the Globe. This is your chance to be supernatural apprentices to the Weird Sisters – so come dressed as your favourite magical creature.
Age recommendation: 5+
Booking: Jul 19-Aug 23
101 Dalmatians, Eventim Apollo
In a nutshell: Douglas Hodge and Johnny McKnight bring Dodie Smith’s canine caper to life in a thrilling stage musical. The doggie stars are evoked by incredible puppets (and actors!), and get ready to boo the fabulously evil Cruella de Vil.
Age recommendation: 5+
Booking: Jul 18-Aug 30
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, The Other Palace
In a nutshell: Rick Riordan’s best-selling novel about a New York teenager who discovers he’s the son of Greek god Poseidon becomes an electrifying rock musical as Percy learns what it means to be a hero.
Age recommendation: 8+
Booking until: Aug 31
Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – The Best Bits, Apollo Theatre
In a nutshell: From battling Boudica to avoiding the putrid plague, joining Guy Fawkes’s gunpowder plot, outwitting dastardly Dick Turpin and partying with Queen Victoria, this romp is the history of Britain with all the entertainingly nasty bits left in.
Age recommendation: 5+
Booking: Jul 31-Aug 31
The Lion King, Lyceum Theatre ★★★★
In a nutshell: “It’s no surprise that each new generation keeps snapping up tickets to share this enchantment with their own cubs. This family-wowing musical remains the pride of the West End.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 6+
Booking until: Oct 26
Back to the Future: The Musical, Adelphi Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: “Thanks to video and illusionist wizardry, the steam-spouting DeLorean skids into view from nowhere and takes off over the stalls, achieving a kind of 3D Hollywood magic... A feelgood triumph.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 6+
Booking until: Jan 3 2026
Disney’s Hercules, Theatre Royal Drury Lane
In a nutshell: The popular animated film version of the Ancient Greek myth becomes an electrifying stage musical, with songs by Disney stalwart Alan Menken. Will the semi-divine Hercules figure out what it truly means to be a hero?
Age recommendation: 6+
Booking: Jun 6-Jan 10 2026
Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, Apollo Theatre
In a nutshell: The latest pitch-perfect blend of chaos and humour from Mischief is a typically disastrous staging of the festive Dickens classic: expect cast confusion, set catastrophes, and a feud over who gets to star as Scrooge.
Age recommendation: 8+
Booking: Dec 6-Jan 26 2026
Mamma Mia!, Novello Theatre ★★★★
In a nutshell: “Phyllida Lloyd’s slick production is still a tremendous crowd-pleaser... Buoyed by Abba’s enduring brilliance, it’s a welcome shot of pure sunshine.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 5+
Booking until: Mar 28 2026
Matilda The Musical, Cambridge Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: “Matthew Warchus’s thrilling, warm-hearted production, exuberantly designed by Rob Howell and with pin-sharp choreography by Peter Darling, constantly combines comedy with a sense of wonder.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 6+
Booking until: May 24 2026
The best shows for 10-17 year olds
Mean Girls, Savoy Theatre ★★★★
In a nutshell: “ Just as there was a winning comic zest to the film (scripted by Tina Fey), so this musical spin-off has a rare combination of warmth, goofiness, snarky wit and perceptiveness... A welcome splash of summer fizz.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 10+
Booking until: Jun 8
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Palace Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: “British theatre hasn’t known anything like it for decades and I haven’t seen anything directly comparable in all my reviewing days... It raises the benchmark for family entertainment.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 10+
Booking until: Jun 29
Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Phoenix Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: “Netflix gives the West End its event of the year... The jaw-dropping coups range from the infernal, supernatural engulfing of a hulking US battle-ship to acts of levitation.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 12+
Booking until: Sept 7
Wicked, Apollo Victoria Theatre ★★★★
In a nutshell: “Joe Mantello’s production has satisfyingly old-school bombast: instead of screens, its impact comes from the detailed, fabulously over-the-top steampunk design. The orchestra is the biggest in the West End – and it shows.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 7+
Booking until: Jan 4 2026
The Play That Goes Wrong, Duchess Theatre ★★★★
In a nutshell: “Seldom has disaster delivered so many belly laughs... This spoof am-dram staging of an Agatha Christie whodunit is the perfect recipe for absurd slapstick.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 8+
Booking until: Feb 1 2026
The Producers, Garrick Theatre ★★★★
In a nutshell: “The Mel Brooks classic is delivered with taste-trampling gusto... The celebrated musical’s first London revival since the West End premiere run is a consummate guilty pleasure.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 10+
Booking: Aug 30-Feb 21 2026
The Phantom of the Opera, His Majesty’s Theatre ★★★★
In a nutshell: “It’s the slew of coups de théâtre, the no-nonsense pacing and the gorgeous spectacles that make this tale of a disfigured man of musical genius lurking beneath the Paris Opera House so effective.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 10+
Booking until: Mar 28 2026
Les Miserables, Sondheim Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: “In its density and epic ambition, its mixture of high-powered ideas and gut-wrenching emotions, it’s a show that feels lastingly revolutionary.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 7+
Booking until: Mar 28 2026
Six, Vaudeville Theatre ★★★★★
In a nutshell: “This infectiously fun production is packed with witty touches... A heart-warming, air-punching finale has everyone up on their feet. I expect these queens to rule the West End for years to come.” Read the full review
Age recommendation: 10+
Booking until: Jun 28 2026
Frequently asked questions
Can children go to all theatres in London?
Most West End shows are suitable for people aged 12 or older. Some productions might have material that is too mature for younger theatregoers. However, there are also fantastic family shows which are appropriate for all ages, or which are specifically aimed at kids – including shorter children’s shows with elements like puppetry and singalongs.
We have included the official production age recommendations with all of our London show picks on this page, but you can always consult the theatre in question for further information to ensure the show is suitable for your children. Find the best deals on London family shows at Telegraph Tickets.
Can I take a 1 or 2 year old to the theatre?
The majority of London theatre shows are aimed at kids from ages 3 upwards at least. The longer running times, and elements like busy lighting and sound design, plus more mature material, probably won’t suit 1 or 2 year olds. Most productions recommend that 3 year olds or older should attend.
However, there are some London plays and musicals for 1 or 2 year olds. For example, children’s theatres like the Polka Theatre, Half Moon Theatre, Unicorn Theatre and Little Angel Theatre host productions aimed at very young children, as well as fun interactive workshops. Find all the latest recommendations for London kids shows and more at Telegraph Theatre.
Are children booster seats available?
Some, though not all, theatres provide booster seats – for example, Nederlander theatres (which includes the Dominion Theatre, Aldwych Theatre and Adelphi Theatre) rent booster seats for £1 if you ask a member of staff. They also provide booster cushions, available on a first come, first served basis. Some venues will also have height restrictions so that patrons sitting behind you can still see. If you want to check ahead of time about booster seats, contact the theatre box office.
Is there storage available for my stroller?
That depends on whether the theatre has a cloakroom where you can store large items, like suitcases and strollers (usually for a small charge, around £1 or £2). This does vary across different venues, so it’s worth contacting the theatre ahead of time to check. In most cases, the cloakroom will open about 45 minutes before the show begins, and you can store items for the duration of the show.
Can I bring my own snacks and drinks into the the theatre?
Some theatres, especially in the West End, won’t allow you to bring your own snacks and drinks in, unless it’s something like a sealed bottle of water. That’s because they sell food and drink in the theatre and that’s part of how they bring in revenue. If you have concerns about dietary requirements, you can contact the theatre beforehand to make arrangements. Plus it’s part of the fun of a theatre outing, treating yourself and your kids to a drink or an interval ice cream.
Are there frequent breaks throughout the duration of a performance?
If it’s a show for a general audience, there will usually be one interval of around 15 minutes; really long shows might have two intervals. Very occasionally a show won’t have an interval at all. You can find that information on Telegraph Tickets and other booking or theatre websites, or check with the box office. Most shows designed specifically for younger audiences will have short running times, like an hour or less. However, if you need to exit the theatre more frequently, for example for a toilet break, child-friendly venues will tend to be more relaxed about that – perhaps try to book near the end of a row so you don’t disrupt other audience members when coming and going.