West End kids shows

Phil Willmott 3 July, 2015, 08:47

Horrible Histories - Barmy Britain With the school holidays looming there's a wealth of family and kiddie friendly theatre to tempt you. So why not treat your little ones to a West End show?

Several central London theatre's are running special children's matinees during the August vacation. You're bound to find something your young friends and relations will love.

For a theatre experience that's fun AND educational try The Horrible Histories a slapstick but surprisingly informative series of sketches at the Garrick Theatre that your kids will already love from the popular books and TV shows.

Little girls may well find an hour or so with Hetty Feather irresistible. This lively show based on the best selling books by Jacqueline Wilson returns after a highly acclaimed run last year at the Vaudeville theatre. The story of a plucky orphan girl who dreams of running away to the circus is daringly dark and funny for kids who don't like their stories too sugary.

Stiles and Drew are the award winning song writing team behind the award winning family musicals Honk and Mary Poppins. Their latest show The Three Little Pigs is playing daytimes at Palace Theatre through out the Summer starring some terrific West End talent. It could be just the thing to give younger children their first taste of a West End musical.

Firm family favourite The Gruffalo returns to the West End for daytime performances at the Lyric Theatre during the holidays. The big hairy beast is so loveable anyone of any age would be enchanted. I saw a preview of their lovely new set the other day and it should be an eye popping feast of fun.

And don't forget matinee performances of long running family favourites Matilda, Wicked, War Horse and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

There's so many theatrical adventures you can have with the kids this August and of course giving them a taste for theatre is a gift they'll thank you for all their life.