10 Best Family Shows to see in London in 2023

Entertaining audiences for over two decades, The Lion King has everything you need to keep the whole family entertained. Featuring over 200 puppets, its 50 cast members create a spectacular show full of jaw-dropping performances, dazzling effects and heartfelt scores. You’ll feel no worries as you’re wrapped up in familiar musical songs including The Circle Of Life, I Just Can’t Wait To Be King, and Can You Feel The Love Tonight, as well as some brand-new songs. The sixth longest running musical of all time, over 110 million people worldwide have already seen this show – so why not join them and book your tickets today?

Open the door to this spectacular and award-winning stage adaptation of the hugely successful Disney film. Prepare to have your heart melted by Frozen’s soaring score, which includes the well-loved numbers, Let It Go, Love Is An Open Door and Do You Want To Build A Snowman, as well as twelve new songs written specifically for the show by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. With astonishing special effects, adorable puppets and lots of magical characters to meet along the way, head on down to Theatre Royal Drury Lane for an experience you’ll never let go of!

Going back to school has never been so mischievous and fun with Matilda! Winner of over 99 international awards (including 24 for Best Musical), this musical has been entertaining audiences of all ages for over ten years. A Royal Shakespeare production, this joyous show features original music by Tim Minchin, so there’s plenty of witty one-liners, smart scores and upbeat melodies! Witness the journey of Matilda, the little girl with a passion for books and an ambition to set the world right. This show is the longest running production to ever play at the Cambridge Theatre, and once you watch it for yourself you’ll soon see why!

The most awarded play in history, this magical production has received rave reviews and been described as “one of the most defining pop culture events of the decade”. A brand-new adventure set 19 years after Harry, Ron and Hermione graduated from Hogwarts, the eighth instalment in the Harry Potter franchise is based on an original new story by J.K Rowling. Created by Jack Thorne, this show is full of spells, mystical storytelling, and enchanting performances. So enrol in Hogwarts at the Palace Theatre and find out what happened next to your favourite wizarding team.

Think you know the story of the Wizard of Oz? Think again. An alternative narrative for the Wicked Witch of the West, this award-winning musical has been adapted from the best-selling book by Gregory Maguire. Elphaba was born completely green, and so when she joins Shiz University she doesn’t quite fit in. But when Elphaba and her roommate Glinda attempt to meet the mythical Wizard, the reality of Oz isn’t quite what they expected. A tale of unexpected and profound friendship, love and standing up for what’s right, this musical defies gravity and will leave you spellbound.

Winner of Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards, Back to the Future adapts the phenomenal 80s movie into a stunning musical extravaganza. Packed with songs to transport you to the past (and the future), the show has everything you need for an unforgettable night out, including the iconic DeLorean! When Marty accidentally sends himself back to 1955 in Doc Brown’s time machine, he affects the future by messing up his parent’s first meeting and is in a race against time to put things right. You won’t need roads to see this show, just a ticket to Back to the Future at the Adelphi Theatre!

There’s a new nanny in the West End, poppets! Based on the hilarious 90s film, Mrs Doubtfire tells the story of out-of-work actor Daniel, who after losing custody of his kids in a messy divorce, creates an alter ego of Euphegenia Doubtfire to spend more time with them. Created by an international team of award-winning artists, Mrs Doubtfire is a new show that promises plenty of laughs, heartfelt moments and an uplifting message to connect the whole family.

Head to the Novello Theatre and be transported to a gorgeous Greek island that loves to perform ABBA numbers! Bringing joy to audiences for over 23 years, this jukebox musical has already been seen by over 65 million people worldwide. You’ll find yourself falling in love with this heart-warming and hilarious tale of Donna, her daughter Sophie, and the three potential fathers who’ve been invited to Sophie’s wedding. Take a chance on this timeless classic that features all your favourite ABBA tunes.

There’s a new pub in London, and they’re serving incredible instrumentalists, word-class wordsmiths, sensational singers and memorable mashups! A celebration of friendship and community, you’ll be drinking in lots of nostalgic tunes with a modern Choir of Man spin on them! Songs featured in the show include hits from Queen, Sia, Adele, Guns & Roses, Luther Vandross and many more – all in the space of 90 minutes. So head to the Arts Theatre and become a local at the Choir of Man.