If there’s one thing you must do when you are in London it’s see a show. Going to the theatre is one of our favourite things to do as a family and there is always something new on from musicals and contemporary adaptations of classics to new plays and dance performances.
London is one of the world’s greatest theatre cities with shows for the whole family to enjoy. The city’s West End is home to dozens of famous theatres from the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden that dates from 1858 to @sohoplace that opened in 2022.
But it’s not just the West End where you can go to be entertained, there are dozens of venues scattered across London.
The Unicorn Theatre near London Bridge is dedicated to producing theatre for younger audiences and stages dozens of family-friendly shows every year. The Globe Theatre on the banks of the River Thames performs variations of plays by Shakespeare, and the National Theatre on the Southbank is known for producing world-class works.
This rolling list is regularly updated to showcase the best of what’s on in London and what’s coming up.
This list of shows is not exhaustive but they are the ones that we believe are best for families from old favourites such as the Lion King to new shows that we’re excited to see brought to life on stage. We’ve also include a recommended age guide alongside each show.
If you’re wondering where are the best way to book tickets then this guide to securing cheaper theatre tickets at West End theatres will help.
So, as you get ready to plan your time in London, here are the best family shows in London to book, enjoy!
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The best family shows in London 2024
Table of Contents
This list of family-friendly shows is updated regularly however it is always worth checking with the official theatre website before booking tickets. If you’re wondering about which seats to book then SeatPlan is invaluable.
Note that tickets for popular shows can get sold out during busy time such as school holidays so it’s worth booking in advance. Children will need their own ticket.
For ideas on where to eat before (or after) your London theatre experience then take a look at this list of recommend restaurants within walking distance of the Lyceum Theatre.
Best shows for children aged 3 – 6
The Tiger Who Came To Tea, Theatre Royal Haymarket
Judith Kerr’s beloved book about the tea-guzzling tiger who turns up on Sophie’s doorstep unannounced has been a popular bedtime story with younger children since it was first published in 1968 and now you can see it on stage.
Enjoy singalong songs, magic and plenty of fun in this 55 minute play staged at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. If it’s your child’s first time to the theatre then The Tiger who Came to Tea is a great option.
Recommended ages: 3+
Booking: 8 July – 1 September
The Enormous Crocodile at Regent’s Park Open-Air Theatre
This adaptation of Roald Dahl’s story of the greedy crocodile who tries to trick unsuspecting children into being his lunch is a great introduction to the theatre for younger kids and a great way to spend the afternoon.
The Enormous Crocodile is suitable for children age 4+ and takes place at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre from 17 May – 8 June.
The Lion Inside
Enjoy this wonderful tale of a shy little mouse and a mighty lion as they discover that despite their sizes, they are more similar than they are different. This heart-warming tale of confidence and self-esteem is being brought to life at the Unicorn Theatre for two weeks in the summer and is sure to be a hit with young kids.
Ages: 3+
Booking: 23 July – 4 August
The Colour of Dinosaurs at the Polka Theatre
Perfect for 6- to 12-year-olds is this lively prehistoric science pop gig that explores what dinosaurs were really like.
If you’ve ever wondered what exactly a dinosaur might do all day and what colours they really were then this show at London’s brilliant Polka Theatre is for you.
Join palaeontologist Dr Jakob Vinther and five musicians as they enter the multi-coloured world of the dinosaurs.
The Colour of Dinosaurs opens on 11 May and runs until 9 June.
Shrek the Musical
Journey to Far Far Away with the big green ogre comes to London this summer. Meet Shrek, Princess Fiona, Lord Farquaad and other popular characters from the DreamWorks movies when they hit the stage at the Eventim Apollo.
Ages: 3+
Booking: 19 July – 31 August
Best shows for children aged 6 – 10
The Lion King
Simba, Timon and Pumbaa have been entertaining theatre-goes on stage at the Lyceum Theatre since 1999. Sing along to hits by Elton John including Hakuna Matata and the Circle of Life as you enjoy this spectacular musical that brings Disney’s Lion King to life using 232 puppets.
Ages: The Lion King is recommended for ages 6+. Children under the age of 3 (including babies in arms) will not be admitted into the theatre.
Booking Until: October 2024
Frozen
Elsa, Anna and Olaf have been wowing audiences since the Disney adaptation of Frozen first opened at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in September 2021.
The musical, as with the films, is loosely based on the based on the book Hans Christian Anderson fairytale “The Snow Queen” but with some fun additions, including some spectacular special effects, dazzling signature ballads and a comedic song and dance around the Nordic notion of hygge. Critics have called it the perfect introduction to theatre for children.
You had better be quick, however, Frozen will complete its run at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 8 September.
Ages: Recommended for children aged 6 and up. Children under the age of 4 will not be admitted into the theatre.
Booking until: September 8 2024
Matilda the Musical, Cambridge Theatre
The stage show adaptation of Roald Dahl’s story about a young girl with mysterious magical powers is one of the best west end shows to see in London with kids.
Filled with fantastic choreography, toe-tapping tunes and laugh-out-loud comedic moments, it’s a winner with audiences of all ages. Matilda the Musical is on at London’s Cambridge Theatre in Covent Garden.
Ages: Recommended for 6+
Booking until: You can book Matilda tickets into 2025.
Back to the Future, Adelphi Theatre
Even kids who have never heard of Doc Brown or Marty McFly will love this award-winning musical based on the 1985 blockbuster movie, Back to the Future. With a fun storyline, rollicking original music and mind-boggling special effects, this is a a fantastic show for the whole family.
Back to the Future is on at the Adelphi Theatre.
Ages: Recommended for 6+
Booking until: Until December 2024
Spirited Away, London Coliseum
Fans of Studio Ghibli will love this incredible Japanese production of Hayao Miyazaki’s 2021 Spirited Away. The story of Chihiro, a ten-year-old girl who inadvertently enters the world of kami (Japanese spirits). Performed in Japanese with English subtitles and with a live orchestra.
Spirited Away will play at the London Coliseum until 24 August. Tickets are available to book now.
Mamma Mia! The Musical, Novello Theatre
Get ready to have the time of your life at Mamma Mia! the Musical. This feel-good show premiered an incredible 24 years ago in London’s West End and remains one of the most popular London musicals.
The madcap story of the single mother Donna, her newly-engaged daughter Sophie and three potential fathers set on a sunny Greek island to a medley of ABBA hits is laugh-out-loud funny and toe-tappingly good.
Mamma Mia! The Musical is on at the Novello Theatre
And if you think this show is super (trouper) then you’ll love Mamma Mia! The Party.
Ages: 5+
Booking until: September 2024
Mrs Doubtfire, Shaftesbury Theatre
This family theatre show is an adaptation of the 1993 movie starring Robin Williams, Sally Fields and Pierce Bornean.
Fans of the original will love this story of the voice actor Daniel Hillard who dresses up as an elderly Scottish nanny in order to spend time with his children. It stays true to the original script with the odd modern cultural reference including Tinder and Love Island. For a fun-filled musical comedy that the whole family can enjoy, this is a great choice.
Mrs Doubtfire is on at the Shaftesbury Theatre.
Ages: 7+
Booking until: February 2025
Wicked The Musical, Apollo Victoria Theatre
Wicked has been playing in London’s West End since 2006 and remains one of the city’s most popular musicals.
The Wizard of Oz prequel tells the tale of of a likely friendship between Elphaba and Glinda and the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch. Filled with big musical numbers and impressive special effects, there’s a reason why this London show is still filling the Apollo Victoria Theatre.
Buy Wicked tickets direct from the theatre or try one of these options.
Ages: 8+
Booking until: December 2024
Operation Mincemeat, The Fortune Theatre
This wartime musical about a secret service plot is seriously laugh-out-loud funny. Based on a real life spy stunt this show started life as a fringe production before moving to the West End and its run keeps getting extended. It’s a hilarious, often bonkers, take on one of the most audacious World War II plots by the British intelligence service to fool the Nazis.
Operation Mincemeat is showing at The Fortune Theatre.
Ages: 5+
Booking until: November 2024
Best shows for children aged 10+
Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Phoenix Theatre
Fans of Stranger Things will love this origin story of the huge Duffer Brothers’ Netflix sci-fi hit.
Set in Hawkins, Indiana the story starts four decades before the 1983 start of the first series, and the story of young Jim Hopper, Bob Newby and Joyce Maldonado. Newcomer Henry Creel and his family arrive and discover that the past is hard to escape.
This is a big show in every sense; it’s three hours long, has some mind-boggling special effects, some true jump-out-of-your-seat moments, twists, turns, bamboozling story lines and everything else you might expect from the retro horror tv series.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow is showing at the Phoenix Theatre.
Ages: Recommended 12+
Booking until: August 2024
Guys & Dolls, Bridge Theatre
Without doubt one of the best shows in town is the all singing, all dancing, immersive production of Guys & Dolls at the Bridge Theatre.
With amazing choreography (the choreographers Arlene Phillips and James Cousins, both picked up Olivier Awards for their work), sing-along songs and standout performances this is a show that you’ll want to see again and again.
Unless you’re going to struggle standing for two hours then buy the standing tickets where you will be part of the action as ushers dressed as policeman roam around manoeuvring the audience as platforms rise and fall and performers enter and exit. It’s a truly fantastic theatre experience.
Guys & Dolls is on at the Bridge Theatre.
Ages: 6+. Under 12s must have a seated ticket.
Booking until: August 2024
The Mousetrap, St. Martin’s Theatre
Everyone knows The Mousetrap is the longest running show in the West End but unless you’ve seen the play then you won’t know whodunit. If you’re after a classic Agatha Christie thriller for the whole family to enjoy then this is it.
The Mousetrap is playing at St. Martin’s Theatre.
Ages: 7+
Booking until: September 2024
Hamilton, Victoria Palace Theatre
Believe the hype, the hip hop musical Hamilton by Lin Lin-Manuel Miranda is one of the best London shows. And no, you don’t need to be all over American history to enjoy it. With catchy, confident songs, spellbinding choreography and mash-up of dance styles, comedic turns and genuinely moving moments, this is a show that you don’t want to miss.
Hamilton is playing at the Victoria Palace Theatre.
Ages: 10+
Booking until: September 2024
The Play That Goes Wrong, Duchess Theatre
Am-dram meets Agatha Christie meets absurd slapstick in The Play That Goes Wrong, the longest running comedy in the West End. This brilliant comedy originally started life in a pub-theatre. Today it’s performed in more than 30 countries and continues to delight audiences – including children of all ages – at the Duchess Theatre.
Ages: 8+
Booking until: 3 November 2024
Les Misérables, Sondheim Theatre
Les Misérables is one of those big-hearted, powerful and rousing musicals that stays with you long after you have left the theatre. This long running musical (it was first performed in London 1985) tells teh stry of loss, power, poverty, and corruption against the backdrop of the French revolution and is filled with big, emotional musical numbers that you’ll be singing for days to come.
Les Misérables is showing at the Sondheim Theatre.
Ages: 7+
Booking until: September 2024
Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, Palace Theatre
A must for all wizarding fans is ‘The Cursed Child’, set 19 years after the events that took places in the events that took place in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. In this story, Harry Potter is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three children, and struggling to leave the past behind. Meanwhile his youngest son, Albus, has to deal with expectations that comes with having a famous father.
The story is told in two parts and last for five-plus hours. Don’t let this put you off, however, this is a must-see for Harry Potter fans everywhere. The Cursed Child plays at the Palace Theatre.
Ages: 10+
Booking until: March 2025
Six The Musical, Vaudeville Theatre
This slick and sassy modern day musical is all about Henry VIII’s six wives told by the women themselves. It’s very clever and very catchy and perfect for teens – it definitely makes GCSE History revision a little more exciting. The musical started life as a student show at Cambridge and has gone on to win 26 major international awards.
Six The Musical plays at the Vaudeville Theatre.
Ages: 10+
Booking until: November 2024
Mean Girls The Musical, The Savoy Theatre
The Plastics are coming to the West End this June! Get ready to meet Queen Bee Regina and her gang of Mean Girls when this hit musical comes to London and remember, on Wednesdays we wear pink. This is the perfect show if you’re exploring London with teens.
Mean Girls The Musical will play at the Savoy Theatre.
Ages: 12+
Booking now: starts June 2024.
