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Kids and Family Shows in London
Give your family and kids the gift of live theatre and see their faces light up as they live and breathe the vivid drama, spectacular acting, singing and dancing. We sell low cost tickets for everything from all-time family favourites that have been running continually for years to brand new shows, comedies, fantasies, celebrity-studded musicals, special children's shows, dance, ballet and classical music performances. There's nothing quite like live entertainment. Whatever your choice, and whatever the occasion, your kids will love visiting one of the West End's beautiful theatres for a big night out.
The Lion King
Lyceum Theatre
4.8 8048 reviews 4.8 8048 reviews Tickets from £25.00Disney's The Lion King is an unparalleled West End theatrical experience, bringing the enchanting world of the African savannah to the stage in a mesmerising spectacle for all ages. Adapted from the 1994 animation film, The Lion King has been selling out to audiences for over two decades.
- Booking until: Sunday, 16 May 2027
- Running time: 2hr 30min. Incl. 1 interval.
- Playing at: Lyceum Theatre
- Booking until: Sunday, 16 May 2027
Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular
Empress Museum
4.8 559 reviews 4.8 559 reviews Tickets from £58.00Loosely based on the 2017 movie everyone loves, Come Alive! - The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular is a new London attraction situated in a purpose-built big top. With the finest in musical theatre and extraordinary circus skills, this is one for all the family to enjoy!
- Booking until: Sunday, 29 August 2027
- Running time: 1hr 40min. Incl. 1 interval.
- Playing at: Empress Museum
- Booking until: Sunday, 29 August 2027
Mamma Mia!
Novello Theatre
4.8 5457 reviews 4.8 5457 reviews Tickets from £18.00The third-longest-running musical in West End history, Mamma Mia! is an irresistibly joyous musical set to ABBA's timeless hits. The show contains 23 of the biggest ABBA hits, including unforgettable hits like "Dancing Queen", "Waterloo" and the title song "Mamma Mia".
- Booking until: Saturday, 2 October 2027
- Running time: 2hr 35min. Incl. 1 interval.
- Playing at: Novello Theatre
- Booking until: Saturday, 2 October 2027
Matilda The Musical
Cambridge Theatre
4.7 1583 reviews 4.7 1583 reviews Tickets from £24.00Matilda The Musical takes audiences of all ages on an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, heart, and the inspiring tale of a courageous little girl with extraordinary powers. The show has won over 100 international awards since it opened in London in 2011.
- Booking until: Sunday, 5 September 2027
- Running time: 2hr 35min. Incl. 1 Intermission.
- Playing at: Cambridge Theatre
- Booking until: Sunday, 5 September 2027
Oliver!
Gielgud Theatre
4.9 514 reviews 4.9 514 reviews Tickets from £24.00Lionel Bart's musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' beloved novel returns to the stage with the story of the orphaned Oliver Twist, who escapes a cruel workhouse and ends up in the seedy criminal underworld of Victorian London. Experience Dickens' incredible, moving, and hopeful story in this musical packed with lively choreography, dynamic sets, a truly talented cast, and all the songs you know and love - perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
- Booking until: Sunday, 14 March 2027
- Running time: 2hr 40min. Incl. interval.
- Playing at: Gielgud Theatre
- Booking until: Sunday, 14 March 2027
ABBA Voyage
Abba Arena
4.9 1214 reviews 4.9 1214 reviews Tickets from £48.00Step into the world of ABBA like never before with ABBA Voyage, a revolutionary blend of live performance and cutting-edge technology. Described as 'ground-breaking' by Metro, ABBA Voyage is one of the most popular immersive experiences London has to offer.
- Booking until: Monday, 28 June 2027
- Running time: 1hr 40min. No interval.
- Playing at: Abba Arena
- Booking until: Monday, 28 June 2027
Wicked
Apollo Victoria Theatre
4.7 6132 reviews 4.7 6132 reviews Tickets from £25.00Now in the 10th longest-running West End stage production in British history, Wicked is the multi-award winning musical based on the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Dubbed Best Musical of the Decade by Entertainment Weekly, Wicked continues to be one of the West End's most popular family musicals.
- Booking until: Sunday, 30 May 2027
- Running time: 2hr 45min. Incl. 1 interval.
- Playing at: Apollo Victoria Theatre
- Booking until: Sunday, 30 May 2027
Room On The Broom
Lyric Theatre
4.3 32 reviews 4.3 32 reviews Tickets from £12.00Jump on board a delightful journey this Winter with the musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Room on the Broom. Brought to the stage by acclaimed theatre company Tall Stories, this show is packed with enchanting puppetry, sing-along songs and hilarious fun, making it the perfect family treat.
- Opens: Friday, 27 November 2026
Booking until: Sunday, 3 January 2027 - Running time: 1hr. No interval
- Playing at: Lyric Theatre
- Booking until: Sunday, 3 January 2027
My Neighbour Totoro
Gillian Lynne Theatre
4.9 128 reviews 4.9 128 reviews Tickets from £18.00After having a triumphant run at the Barbican Theatre, My Neighbour Totoro transfers to the West End. Delivering a plethora of vibrant visuals, jaw-dropping puppetry and delightful characters, this production takes audiences on a magical journey into the wonders of childhood imagination and the beauty of friendship.
- Booking until: Sunday, 3 January 2027
- Running time: 2hr 30min. Incl. 1 interval.
- Playing at: Gillian Lynne Theatre
- Booking until: Sunday, 3 January 2027
The Snowman
Peacock Theatre
4.7 75 reviews 4.7 75 reviews Tickets from £15.00Back for its 28th year, this enchanting stage adaptation of the beloved picture book by Raymond Briggs returns to the London stage with the heartwarming story of the friendship between a young boy and the snowman he wishes to life. Full of valuable lessons about friendship and imagination, packed with unforgettable songs like the beloved ‘Walking in the Air', this is the perfect holiday musical for children and adults alike.
- Opens: Saturday, 21 November 2026
Booking until: Sunday, 3 January 2027 - Running time: 1hr 30min. Incl. 1 interval.
- Playing at: Peacock Theatre
- Booking until: Sunday, 3 January 2027
Paddington: The Musical
Savoy Theatre
4.9 181 reviews 4.9 181 reviews Tickets from £29.00Beloved children’s book character Paddington Bear gets his own musical, directed by Luke Sheppard with music by Tom Fletcher. This heart-warming story of a lost bear searching for a home in London has arrived at the Savoy Theatre and is already a hit with audiences of all ages!
- Booking until: Sunday, 13 February 2028
- Running time: 2hr 45min. Incl. 1 Interval.
- Playing at: Savoy Theatre
- Booking until: Sunday, 13 February 2028
Cirque Berserk
Garrick Theatre
4.5 6 reviews 4.5 6 reviews Tickets from £15.00Reimagining the big top for the theatre stage, Cirque Berserk combines contemporary cirque-style artistry with adrenaline-fuelled stunt action, featuring over thirty acrobats, aerialists and daredevil stuntmen showcasing the finest in traditional circus thrills and skills. Filled with electrifying spectacle, dazzling stunts, and edge-of-your-seat entertainment, it's the perfect half-term activity for the whole family.
- Opens: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
Booking until: Saturday, 31 October 2026 - Running time: 1hr 45min. Incl 1 interval.
- Playing at: Garrick Theatre
- Booking until: Saturday, 31 October 2026
The Smartest Giant In Town
St Martins Theatre
4.5 4 reviews 4.5 4 reviews Tickets from £16.00Adapted from the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, The Smartest Giant in Town heads to London for a limited festive run. Follow the heart-warming tale about friendship and helping those in need through a puppet-filled adventure, perfect for younger audiences.
- Opens: Wednesday, 9 December 2026
Booking until: Sunday, 3 January 2027 - Running time: 55min. No interval.
- Playing at: St Martins Theatre
- Booking until: Sunday, 3 January 2027
Potted Panto
Apollo Theatre
4.5 15 reviews 4.5 15 reviews Tickets from £15.00Seven classic pantomimes in 70 hilarious minutes! The Olivier Award nominated festive celebration Potted Panto is back for four weeks only.
- Opens: Sunday, 6 December 2026
Booking until: Sunday, 3 January 2027 - Running time: 70min. No Interval
- Playing at: Apollo Theatre
- Booking until: Sunday, 3 January 2027
Jaja's African Hair Braiding
Lyric Hammersmith
4.8 58 reviews 4.8 58 reviews Tickets from £61.00Step into the bustling, lively neighbourhood of Harlem, where the women of the community gather at Jaja's braiding saloon to have their hair done and share laughter and dreams with the whip-smart, fiercely strong stylists who work there. Written by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Monique Touko, this clever, funny, and heartwarming play is a celebration of chasing your dreams in a beautiful, diverse, and deeply challenging city while finding solace and strength in community.
- Opens: Thursday, 28 January 2027
Booking until: Saturday, 27 February 2027 - Running time: 1hr 30min. No interval.
- Playing at: Lyric Hammersmith
- Booking until: Saturday, 27 February 2027
Hairspray
New Wimbledon Theatre
4.9 35 reviews 4.9 35 reviewsThe iconic, award-winning musical returns with the uplifting and upbeat story of Tracy Turnblad, who dreams of being a dancer, featuring beloved hit songs like Welcome to the 60s and Good Morning Baltimore. Neil Hurst returns to the role of the formidable Edna Turnblad in this delightful touring production of Hairspray, a story that's been charming audiences since the original film first released in 1988.
- Opens: Tuesday, 31 August 2027
Booking until: Saturday, 4 September 2027 - Running time: 2h 30m
- Playing at: New Wimbledon Theatre
- Booking until: Saturday, 4 September 2027
Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
London Coliseum
4.7 1904 reviews 4.7 1904 reviewsRoald Dahl's beloved children's book comes to life on the stage in this dazzling new production starring musical theatre icon and beloved British entertainer Michael Ball as the eccentric, enigmatic Willy Wonka. Young Charlie Bucket wins a golden ticket to visit Wonka's magical chocolate factory and embarks on the adventure of a lifetime into a world where inventions defy imagination and every room holds a delicious surprise. Featuring much-loved songs from the 1971 film adaptation, this musical will be a joy for anyone who grew up with the book and wants to introduce their young ones to Dahl's story.
- Opens: Friday, 4 June 2027
Booking until: Saturday, 18 September 2027 - Running time: 2hours 30 minutes
- Starring: Michael Ball
- Playing at: London Coliseum
- Booking until: Saturday, 18 September 2027
Love live theatre with London's best family shows
Humans have loved storytelling since time began and live theatre is the best way to enjoy it, the most immediate, intimate, and absorbing. The storytellers are right in front of your eyes in real life and you’re surrounded by an audience of hundreds or even thousands of people on the exact same wavelength, sharing the joy. No wonder so many people flock to family shows, a treat for everyone whatever their age.
The West End itself is an experience to remember: the bright lights and happy crowds, the stunning theatre facades, the bustle and shops, bars and eateries. Add an award winning stage production to the mix and it’s hard to beat for thrills, all right in the heart of London. Some of the best family shows have been on stage for decades, appealing to families visiting the West End from around the world.
Marvel at stage magic so eye-boggling the kids will never forget it. Catch a brand new show that broke box office records in the USA, or see a family drama with a powerful message that makes you think. Maybe a family comedy show is on the cards. Bring the family along to see an uplifting family production like The Lion King. Or how about Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular, Mamma Mia! or Matilda The Musical?
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This Month in the West End Family and Kids Frequently Asked Questions
Are theatre shows a good activity for children?
Theatre is a fun and educational activity for children of all ages. Adaptations of classic books such as The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe can be a great way for children to be immersed into works while or after reading them. Child-friendly shows for young children are an excellent way to introduce them to theatre, and older children will also enjoy the storytelling and immersiveness of traditional plays and musicals, making this the perfect activity to do as a family.
Is there a lower age limit for family-friendly plays?
Most London theatres do not admit children under the age of 3-5 years old, though certain productions are specifically designed for babies and toddler-aged children. Always check the show's page for age restrictions and recommendations.
Are there any interactive children's shows?
Many family-friendly shows include interactive elements, with sing-alongs, audience participation, and immersive storytelling, which may be most appealing for toddler-aged children.
Are there shows based on children's books or films?
Yes. Many of the most popular family-friendly shows in London are adaptations of beloved children's books (Matilda: The Musical, Paddington: The Musical), Disney films (The Lion King, Hercules), or cartoon characters (Peppa Pig's Big Family Show, CoComelon Singalong).
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