Family Shows to Watch in London this Year

Shehrazade Zafar-Arif 15 September, 2026, 10:54

Going to the theatre is one of the best activities you can do as a family. It’s a great way to introduce young children to the joy of theatre. And luckily, there are plenty of shows, both old and new, that are perfect for both adults and children of all ages to enjoy together. Make the most of them before the year runs out, and fill your Christmas holidays with a bit of theatre magic.

Summary

This festive season, enjoy Christmas classics like The Snowman or A Christmas Carol.
Revisit beloved childhood stories like The Lion King, The Jungle Book, and Pinocchio.
Younger children will enjoy something simple like Room on the Broom, which is a perfect introduction to theatre.

The Snowman

Artwork for The Snowman Artwork provided by production

If you're looking for a festive watch, look no further than this this enchanting stage adaptation of the beloved picture book by Raymond Briggs, back for its 28th year. Witness the heartwarming story of the friendship between a young boy and the snowman he wishes to life, in a story filled with valuable lessons about friendship and imagination and packed with unforgettable songs like the beloved ‘Walking in the Air'.

Opens on 21 November at the Peacock Theatre
For ages 3 and upwards

The Snowman Tickets

Matilda the Musical

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 brings to life Dahl’s timeless classic with creative flair, laughter, and a whole lot of heart.

Playing at the Cambridge Theatre until 5 September 2027
For ages six and upwards

Matilda Tickets

Paddington the Musical

The cast of Paddington the Musical. Photo provided by production

Born out of the 1950s children's books by Michael Bond, Paddington Bear is Britain's most beloved cultural icon, and now you can see him onstage in this seven-time Olivier Award-winning musical adaptation. With a sweet, moving story about a Peruvian bear who arrives in London in search of a home and is adopted by the Brown family, a powerful message about acceptance and belonging in a multicultural city, a delightfully fun villain, and catchy songs - Paddington is a timeless classic you'll fall in love with regardless of your age.

Playing at the Savoy Theatre until 13 February 2028
For ages 6 and upwards

Paddington Tickets

Oliver!

simon lipkin oliver west end Simon Lipkin in Oliver! Photo provided by production

Lionel 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 songs you know and love, like 'Food Glorious Food' and 'Consider Yourself'.

Playing at the Gielgud Theatre until 14 March 2027
For ages 7 and upwards

Oliver Tickets

Pinocchio

Artwork provided by production

We all know and love the story of the little wooden puppet who comes to life and longs to be a real boy. A festive favourite, Pinocchio returns to the beautiful open-air Globe Theatre in time for Christmas. Children and adults alike will fall in love with this moving story of family and belonging, told through whimsical puppetry and delightful song.

Opens 28 November at the Globe Theatre
For ages 5 and upwards

Pinocchio Tickets

The Lion King

the lion king west end Photo provided by production

No list of family shows is complete without a Disney classic. One of the most beloved and long-running shows on the West End, The Lion King is packed with spectacle, stage magic, and life sized puppets that transform the Lyceum Theatre into the African savannah. Relive this unforgettable story 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. Perfect for children of all ages, as well as adults who grew up with the original Disney film.

Playing at the Lyceum Theatre until 16 May 2027
For ages 6 and upwards

The Lion King Tickets

My Neighbour Totoro

Photo provided by production

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.

Playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre until 3 January 2027
For ages 6 and upwards

My Neighbour Totoro Tickets

A Christmas Carol

Giles Terera as Scrooge. Photo by Hugo Glendinning

Charles Dickens' classic Christmas story returns to the stage in this spooky, heartwarming stage adaptation by Matthew Warchus, now in its tenth year. Step into the gloom of Victorian London and join the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey through time as he's visited by three ghosts who teach him a valuable lesson about the meaning of Christmas. Imaginative and immersive, with a haunting score and a powerful message, this is a classic that children and adults can both enjoy.

Opens 12 November 2026 at the Old Vic
For ages 8 and upwards

A Christmas Carol Tickets

The Jungle Book

Artwork provided by production

Olivier Award winner Hiran Abeysekera (The Father and the Assassin) stars in a stunning new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, in this new play by Anupama Chandrasekhar. Experience the story of Mowgli, a wild child raised by the animals of the jungle, in this epic, colourful production that brings Kipling's iconic jungle setting to life, while jaw-dropping life-sized puppets breathe life into beloved characters like Bagheera, Baloo, and Shere Khan.

Opens 13 November 2026 at the National Theatre
For ages 7 and upwards

The Jungle Book Tickets

Room on the Broom

Artwork for Room on the Broom Artwork provided by production

Tall Stories breathes life into the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler in this joyful, fun-filled stage adaptation about a kind-hearted witch who's constantly picking up hitchhikers on her broom. This magical Olivier Award-nominated show is packed with imaginative storytelling and valuable lessons, making it perfect for younger children and a great introduction to theatre.

Opens 27 November 2026 at the Lyric Theatre
For ages 3 and upwards

Room on the Broom Tickets

Can't decide between Paddington and Totoro? We've broken down the differences to help you decide which is the best family show in London. And if you're looking for more inspiration for shows to watch, check out our list of our favourite new book to stage adaptations