Kids Theatre Shows in London

Musicals can make for great family theatre shows, with catchy songs and choreography ensuring that their stories are engaging for a wide audience. Long-running family musicals like Matilda, The Lion King and Wicked are particularly popular for families with children aged 6 - 11, but always check the age and content guidance before booking your tickets. 

New this year, Hercules at Theatre Royal Drury Lane is a Disney adventure of mythic proportions that kids (and '90s kids) will be thrilled by. There's also Paddington The Musical, a magical new West End show that's marmalade-packed full of fun! Whatever your age, you'll be amazed when you see everyone's favourite Peruvian bear live on stage for the first time.

For slightly older children heading into secondary school, Six is a pop musical with more complex themes presented in an accessible format. Other London musicals for kids are suitable for ages 8+ as long as they are accompanied by an adult. It is best to check guidance and content warnings on a case-by-case basis.

Booster seats are a great way to ensure your child can see the stage clearly. Most children’s and family shows will offer booster seats, including Disney’s The Lion King. These can be collected at the theatre when you arrive and may be limited to first-come, first-serve.

There are shows suitable for all ages in the West End, including those aimed at toddlers and pre-school aged children. These are shorter than a standard play or musical and feature lots of interaction, puppetry and songs.

Popular children’s picture books such as The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Julia Donaldson's The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and The Smeds and The Smoos are regularly adapted for the stage and are an excellent way to introduce your little one to theatre.

There are several theatres in London which produce work especially for children up to the age of 11, including Unicorn Theatre and Little Angel Theatre.

It’s a good idea to talk to children about the show they are going to see, especially if they have not attended a live performance before. If it is based on a book or television programme, try to watch this before attending so they recognise the characters on stage.

Parent blogger Cardiff Mummy Says suggests talking to children about what they will see and hear inside a theatre, including the architecture and conventions such as the curtains rising and clapping at the end of the performance.

Very young children and toddlers will never be expected to sit completely still in the theatre, but it is always best to prepare them so they do not get upset or confused. Parenting site Kidadl has further suggestions for engaging your children both before and during a trip to the theatre in their theatre guide.

Many shows specifically for toddlers are at theatres with pushchair storage in the cloakroom, such as Theatre Royal Haymarket and Leicester Square Theatre. Space is limited and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis and all pushchairs, prams and buggies must be collapsible.

Most West End theatres do not have baby changing facilities.

Queues for the toilet can get quite long, so it’s best to make sure your child goes before the performance starts, or is sat on an aisle for easy access in and out of the auditorium.

Tickets for shows aimed at younger children are usually cheaper than tickets for other West End plays and musicals. Some shows offer different prices for child and adult tickets, such as Stick Man.

Babes-in-arms are admitted to shows aimed at pre-school aged children. Babes-in-arms are usually up to 12 or 18 months depending on the venue, and they will not need a ticket.

Some productions have concessions and family ticket prices available at the box office. Details of this and how to book are noted on the production page.