Do you want to go to the theatre, and are you looking for inspiration? Well, you've come to the right place. From toddlers to teens and every age in between, we've done the research to bring you the top picks in family-friendly theatre in London. To book the shows or for more information, click here.
1. The Lion King
Disney's unmissable musical is one of the longest-running family musicals.
Set against the majesty of the Serengeti, the awe-inspiring musical is directed by Julie Taymor, who also designed the Olivier Award-winning costumes that transform the stage and auditorium of the Lyceum Theatre into the African plains. Occupied by lions, giraffes, birds, zebras, hyenas and even a stampede of wildebeest, the show is perhaps most famous for its Circle Of Life opening number, which provides one of the most spectacular sights and atmospheres in the West End.
2. Back to The Future the Musical
Winner of Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards, Back to the Future adapts the phenomenal 80s movie into a stunning musical extravaganza.
Marty McFly is a rock ‘n' roll teenager who is accidentally transported back to 1955 in a time-travelling DeLorean invented by his friend, Dr Emmett Brown. But before he can return to 1985, Marty must make sure his high school-aged parents fall in love in order to save his own existence.
Back To The Future The Musical has a book by Bob Gale and new music and lyrics by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning Alan Silvestri and six-time Grammy Award-winning Glen Ballard, with additional songs from the film including The Power of Love and Johnny B. Goode.
3. Frozen the Musical
Michael Grandage's stage musical adaptation of the Disney movie is another hit at the box office
With incredible special effects, jaw-dropping scenery, and all the songs you know and love, Frozen The Musical, London, is an unmissable experience that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.
Even the biggest Frozen fans will be in for some surprises, as the production features brand-new music from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, writers of the unforgettable Let it Go.
4. Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour
Global TV and internet sensation Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour heads into the West End this summer with a playful live learning experience!
Following the success of the 2023 Olivier Award-nominated debut show, Blippi: The Musical, Blippi is coming to the Harold Pinter Theatre for the ultimate curiosity adventure!
So, come on! Dance, sing, and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes different cities unique and special. Will there be monster trucks, excavators, and garbage trucks galore? You bet! So get ready to shake those wiggles out and OJ Twist your way through this brand-new musical party!
5. Wicked
Wicked opened in London in 2006 and is already one of the longest-running West End production in history
Wicked tells the incredible story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two young women: the blonde and very popular Glinda, and a misunderstood green girl named Elphaba.
Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda's unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future.
This musical phenomenon is the winner of over 100 major international awards, including three Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, eleven WhatsOnStage Awards, and a Grammy.
6. Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical
A brilliant musical with plenty of laughs, heartfelt moments and an uplifting message to connect the whole family.
Out-of-work actor Daniel will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As his new character takes on a life of its own, Mrs Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father.
Mrs. Doubtfire has been created by a transatlantic team of award-winning artists, with a book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O'Farrell, original music and lyrics by Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick (the Tony Award-nominated team behind Something Rotten!, along with O'Farrell), direction by 4-time Tony winner Jerry Zaks (Hello, Dolly!), scenic design by David Korins (Hamilton), choreography by Lorin Latarro (Waitress), and music supervision by Ethan Popp (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical).
7. Matilda The Musical
Roald Dahl's much-loved classic of an extraordinary child with magical powers has been reigning supreme in the West End since 2012
This is the story of Matilda Wormwood, a child with an incredible talent for learning. Despite being hampered by unscrupulous, uncaring parents who care neither for their daughter or for education, she excels intellectually and even discovers a rather unique talent. Each time her parents treat her badly, the young Matilda teaches them a lesson – but will she be able to do the same to the terrifying and tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull?
Having started life premiering at the RSC's Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2010, Matilda The Musical won a record-breaking (at the time) seven Olivier Awards when it opened in London's West End in 2011, and four Tony Awards when it subsequently transferred to Broadway in 2013; on both continents, it was named Best New Musical.
8. Shrek The Musical
Jam-packed with catchy tunes, witty humour, and a heartwarming message of acceptance and friendship, Shrek The Musical! is based on the beloved DreamWorks animation film.
From an award-winning creative team and with astonishing visual effects, Shrek the Musical is a hilarious and heart-warming musical sensation.
Enchantingly irreverent and monstrously clever, Shrek the Musical is one whirlwind adventure not to be missed.
9. The Tiger Who Came To Tea
The Tiger Who Came to Tea is a heart-warming stage adaptation of Judith Kerr's beloved children's book.
Based on Britain's best-loved picture book by Judith Kerr, the Olivier Award-nominated smash hit show The Tiger Who Came to Tea returns to the West End for Summer 2024.
The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don't expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger!
Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem… expect to be surprised!
10. The Wizard Of Oz
Following a smash-hit season at The London Palladium and a record-breaking UK & Ireland Tour, The Wizard of Oz returns to the West End for four weeks only this August.
Starring JLS sensation Aston Merrygold as The Tin Man, RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner and Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West, this spectacular production will be truly magical for all the family.
Featuring the iconic original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film including Over The Rainbow, Follow The Yellow Brick Road and We're Off To See The Wizard with additional songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.
London is a haven for theatre lovers, with the widest variety of shows on offer, from musicals to opera, plays and ballet, and more.
Give your family and kids the gift of live theatre and see their faces light up as they live and breathe the vivid drama, spectacular acting, singing and dancing.