Family Shows to Watch in London This Easter

The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre

Photo provided by production.

One of the most beloved and long-running shows on the West End (now in its second decade!), The Lion King brings to life the iconic Disney classic through a spectacle of stage magic and life sized puppets that transform the Lyceum Theatre into the African savannah. Relive Disney’s unforgettable story of courage and belonging alongside your favourite characters like Simba, Nala, Timon, and Pumbaa, with catchy songs from the film such as ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’ and ‘Circle of Life’ alongside new ones written just for the musical. Children will be enchanted by this magical stage show, while adults who grew up with the original Disney film will have an equally great time.

The Lion King Tickets

Hercules at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane

The cast of HERCULES. Image provided by production.

Another one for Disney fans, whether you’re a child or an adult. This thrilling musical adaptation takes you on an epic heroic journey alongside Hercules as he goes from zero to hero, battling monsters and facing off with the god Hades on his way to becoming a legend. Like the Disney animated classic, it’s colourful, funny, larger-than-life and full of heart, featuring beloved songs such as ‘I Won’t Say I’m in Love’ and ‘The Gospel Truth’, and bringing to life all your favourite characters in all their glory. Hercules is sure to win over gods and mortals alike.

Hercules Tickets

Paddington the Musical at the Savoy Theatre

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Catch Britain’s favourite bear in his stage debut in this new musical based on the beloved children’s book character Paddington Bear. After charming and delighting children in Michael Bond’s 1950s book series and the subsequent award-winning film franchise, Paddington takes to the stage in an original story where the loveable bear is found by the Brown family when he arrives in London and embarks on a series of whimsical adventures. With original songs and a highly creative bit of puppetry, Paddington the Musical is a true theatrical treat for both children and adults.

Paddington Tickets

Alice in Wonderland at Riverside Studios

The cast of ALICE IN WONDERLAND. Photo provided by production.

In this unforgettable stage play based on Lewis Carroll's beloved and delightfully zany classic, Alice follows the White Rabbit through a rabbit hole into the bizarre and topsy-turvy Wonderland, where eating the wrong thing can make one shrink to doll-size or grow to giant-size. This whimsical new adaptation brings the fantastical world of Wonderland to life through breath-taking costumes, jaw-dropping puppetry, colourful sets, and a thrilling original score. Visually stunning and creative, it puts a fresh spin on a story we all grew up with, filled with wonderfully eclectic and strange characters, and an adventure that will make your head spin.

Alice in Wonderland Tickets

Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge Theatre

The cast of MATILDA THE MUSICAL. Photo provided by production.

If you grew up with Roald Dahl’s beloved classic novel and want to introduce your children to this heartwarming story about a very special, courageous little girl, you won’t want to miss Matilda the Musical, which has won over 100 international awards since it first opened in London in 2011. With a quirky, unique set, larger than life characters like the terrifying Ms Trunchbull, and set to a score of catchy, unforgettable songs, Matilda the Musical brings to life Dahl’s timeless classic with creative flair, laughter, and a whole lot of heart.

Matilda Tickets

The Enormous Crocodile at the Lyric Hammersmith

Artwork provided by production.

A reimagining of a beloved Roald Dahl classic, this charming children's play follows the titular Enormous Crocodile as he wanders the jungle in search of tasty children to eat. The Enormous Crocodile brings the wonderful, endearing animal characters of Dahl's imaginative story to breath-taking life with jaw-dropping puppet work that will leave you thrilled and enchanted. With its easy-to-follow storyline, fun musical moments, and themes of bravery and teamwork, it's perfect for children aged three and upwards and is sure to be a memorable treat for the whole family.

The Enormous Crocodile Tickets

Midnight in the Toyshop at St Martins Theatre

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Step into an enchanted toyshop where, when the clock strikes midnight, the toys come to life and go on wonderful adventures. A brave band of toys teams up to protect their world from an ambitious tech entrepreneur who plans to tear down the toyshop and replace it with a high-tech AI experience centre. With catchy songs, fun dance routines, and joyful storytelling with important messages about friendship, bravery, and the power of play and imagination, this is the perfect theatrical experience for the whole family, ideal for children aged three and upwards.

Midnight in the Toyshop Tickets

Oliver! at the Gielgud Theatre

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Lionel Burt’s timeless musical is back in the West End, bringing to life Charles Dickens’ timeless classic about Oliver, an orphan with the face of an angel trying to find his way in Victorian London, falling in with a band of pickpockets led by the Artful Dodger. Featuring beloved songs like Food, Glorious Food, Consider Yourself and I'd Do Anything, this heartwarming musical puts a fresh, delightful spin on a story we all know and love which is sure to appeal to audiences of all ages.

Oliver! Tickets

My First Ballet: Cinderella at Sadler's Wells East

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Do you love ballet? Are you keen to introduce your kids to ballet? If so, My First Ballet: Cinderella is the perfect introductory ballet for children aged three and upwards, making it the ideal family day out. It has a simple, straightforward story in which the nature-loving Cinderella escapes to the Garden Ball to flee her cruel stepfamily, along with  narrator to help guide young audiences, and a shortened, recorded version of Prokofiev's delightful score. Get your young ones to appreciate the magic of ballet from a young age with this timeless story featuring narration and beautiful music and dance that's sure to capture their imaginations.

My First Ballet: Cinderella Tickets

My Neighbour Totoro at the Gillian Lynne Theatre

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Witness a piece of Studio Ghibli magic onstage with My Neighbour Totoro, based on the beloved 1988 animated film by Hayao Miyazaki. In this enchanting story, sisters Satsuki and Mei move to the countryside with their father and discover a supernatural world full of forest spirits, protected by the ancient guardian Totoro. With dazzling special effects, magical puppetry, and a charming story about growing up, this show truly captures the spirit of the original film. Whether you’re a Studio Ghibli fan or this is your first taste of Japanese anime, you’re sure to fall in love with Totoro.

My Neighbour Totoro Tickets

If you’re looking to make the most of the Easter break by catching up on some theatre, you can also check out our list of New Theatre Shows Opening in April.