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Friday Matinees In London

Friday matinees are a fantastic way to start your weekend early, so book a half day at work and head into London for world-class entertainment. More shows are now playing on Friday afternoons including the hilarious The Book of Mormon and the West End’s own version of drinks at your local, Choir of Man. Performances start any time between 2pm and 4pm on Fridays, so if you can get into London in the mid-afternoon, you can enjoy a show before dinner. This is the perfect way to kick off a mini-break and leaves even more time for other activities the next day. If you are in town all weekend, check listings for Saturday matinees too.

21 Shows in London

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Discover the thrilling origins of the Upside Down in this incredible new prequel to the Netflix series, co-created by the Duffer Brothers.

The Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon

From the creators of South Park this outrageous, multi-award winning musical tells the hilarious story of two naïve Mormon missionaries.

The Mousetrap

The Mousetrap

Agatha Christie’s classic whodunnit is the world's longest running show. Can you keep the secret?

Bluey's Big Play

Bluey's Big Play

Bluey and friends are ready to have so much fun in this fantastic live show, based on the hit TV series. Suitable for all ages.

The Snowman

The Snowman

Fly across a winter wonderland and see a Christmas classic! Now in its 28th year, The Snowman is as magical as ever. Suitable for all ages.

Wicked

Wicked

Discover the untold story of the witches of Oz, with spellbinding songs, a powerful story and incredible visual spectacles. Best for age 7+.

Starlight Express

Starlight Express

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s exhilarating musical, performed entirely on rollerskates, plays in London at the dazzling Starlight Auditorium.

Operation Ouch: Quest for the Jurassic Fart

Operation Ouch: Quest for the Jurassic Fart

Join the twin doctors from CBBC hit Operation Ouch! on this interactive mission to unearth history’s most powerful fart! Best for age 5+.

The Gruffalo's Child

The Gruffalo's Child

The heart-warming children’s show based on Julia Donaldson’s best-selling book returns this winter.

Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice

The smash-hit Broadway comedy, based on Tim Burton’s cult classic film, finally makes its London debut.

Cirque du Soleil: OVO

Cirque du Soleil: OVO

Enter a hidden insect world with Cirque du Soleil’s newest show. Dazzling acrobatics and storytelling at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular

Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular

Step under the big top! Iconic songs from The Greatest Showman meet breathtaking circus acts in this brand‑new immersive family spectacle.

The Nutcracker Musical

The Nutcracker Musical

This silly and moving Olivier-nominated musical version of the Christmas classic is full of singing mice and festive tunes. For all ages!

Peppa Pig's Big Family Show!

Peppa Pig's Big Family Show!

Join Peppa and family as they prepare for a new arrival in this brand new stage show! Suitable for all ages. Babes in arms under 12 months.

Maddie Moate's Very Curious Christmas

Maddie Moate's Very Curious Christmas

Join BAFTA-winning children's presenter Maddie Moate for her live science show, perfect for curious kids and their adults! Best for age 4+.

Jack and the Beanstalk: The Pantomime

Jack and the Beanstalk: The Pantomime

Fee, fi, fo, fum… Trade your magic beans for tickets to West London’s most magical pantomime! Best for age 6+.

The Choir of Man

The Choir of Man

Experience the ultimate pub lock-in in London, thanks to nine normal guys with incredible voices - and a real bar on stage!

My First Ballet: Cinderella

My First Ballet: Cinderella

This charming twist on the classic fairy‑tale is a sparkling, family‑friendly introduction to ballet for children aged 3+.

The Gruffalo

The Gruffalo

Introduce your children to the magical world of live theatre as their favourite picture book bursts onto the stage! Best for age 3+.

The Tempest

The Tempest

Innovative theatremaker Tim Crouch tackles Shakespeare’s tragicomedy about magic, freedom and power in this metatheatrical new production.

Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch

Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch

This splashy, campy, five-star parody-musical returns to London, telling the untold story of one of the most iconic fairytale villains!

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