The best family days out in London and beyond rated by kids and teens
Published: 15th June 2023
It’s 2024 and here’s our pick of London’ Best Theatre Shows for Kids and under 10s.
There’s nothing quite like taking the family to the theatre. And, there are plenty of shows on now that younger kids will love, laugh at and sing-a-long to. So, whether you live here or just visiting, taking in a performance is sure to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family
In this guide to London’s Best Theatre Shows for Kids, I’ve chosen productions that are suitable for under 10s. If you’re looking for something a little more mature then check out our guide to London’s Best Theatre Shows for Teens and Older Kids by clicking the picture below.
And don’t forget – if you book through us here via our exclusive partnership with TodayTix ,you’ll get some amazing deals on ticket prices. So what are you waiting for?
Discover your spirit with the awe-inspiring My Neighbour Totoro, bought to you by the Royal Shakespeare Company! Based on the beloved 1988 animated film by Hayao Miyazaki, this enchanting show is perfect for kids.
Hailed as “a tender and remarkably beautiful show” (Financial Times), My Neighbour Totoro is an enchanting coming-of-age story exploring the magic of childhood and the transformative power of imagination, as it follows one extraordinary summer in the lives of sisters Satsuki and Mei. With their mother recovering from an illness at a rural convalescent hospital, their father decides to relocate the family so they can be closer to her.
Book now for this unmissable, “huge, healing hug of a show” (The Stage) and join the siblings as they embark on a journey through a mystical world teeming with spirits, sprites, and breathtaking natural wonders.
Alegría is a fusion of acrobatics, artistic expression, choreography, and music. The performance, orchestrated by around 50 individuals, showcases flawlessly executed movements—some deliberate and slow, others rapid to the point of becoming a blur—all set to the compositions of René Dupéré.
The acrobatics and dance sequences are interspersed with entertaining skits featuring clowns and other characters. While younger children might find the skits challenging to understand, the breathtaking acrobatic acts are likely to keep them enthralled. The combination of the visuals with the symphony of movement and music makes Alegria an exciting experience for audiences of all ages.
Tiggy and Heloise KidRate Cirque du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall
We sent 8-yr olds Heloise and Tiggy along and they loved it. The girls described it as ’spectacular, amazing and absolutely gorgeous’ and not surprisingly gave it a KidRating of 10/10.
Mum was also impressed saying. “It was so joyful, beautiful and full of hope. At one point my daughter tapped me on the shoulder and said “it’s like a miracle’! We all went singing out of the Royal Albert Hall…
Pete the badger likes everything to be neat and tidy: the flowers, the leaves, even the other animals. But, when autumn comes, he gets a little bit carried away with cleaning up the forest and accidently destroys his own home!
Based on the much-loved children’s book by author and illustrator, Emily Gravett, Tidy is a gentle but cautionary tale about the value of the world around us, and what happens if we don’t look after it.
With captivating puppets, catchy tunes, and a hint of mischief, this engaging story explores the need for a touch of wild chaos in everyone’s life, promising to delight young audiences.
OK – we get this might be a problematic one as Mr J’s wholesome image took a bit of a bashing in his later years. So if you don’t feel this show is for you we understand if you scroll down…..
For the rest of you, MJ: The Musical brings the King of Pop’s legendary music to life. Featuring Michael Jackson’s greatest hits, this production chronicles his life and career, exploring his rise to fame, iconic performances, and lasting impact on the music industry. Kids will be mesmerised by the spectacular choreography, dazzling costumes, and the infectious energy of the performances.
This musical not only pays tribute to a musical icon but also serves as a history lesson on pop culture. For kids who enjoy music, dance, and the magic of Michael Jackson’s timeless tunes, “MJ: The Musical” promises an unforgettable and entertaining experience.
The Little Big Things is an extraordinary tale about a very ordinary family. In a single transformative moment, Henry’s family is thrust into a schism between a past that feels unfamiliar and a future that they could never have predicted. With a rallying cry from Mum and Dad, Henry’s three brothers join the family on a journey to conquer the unimaginable.
Adapted from Henry Fraser’s Sunday Times best-selling autobiography, “The Little Big Things” features an explosive pop soundtrack and is a life-affirming reminder about the transformative power of family, and how sometimes, it really is the little things that matter the most.
Who could resist the classic tale of Matilda, the dark and delightful adaptation of Roald Dahl’s tale of a child genius and her monstrous headmistress? The show was written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by the quirky, super-clever Australian comedian Tim Minchin.
The narrative focuses on Matilda, precocious at just five years old and a keen reader. It follows her as she overcomes the numerous obstacles put in her way by her family and school, where she ultimately helps the only teacher she likes, to reclaim her life.
This production of Anna and Elsa’s well-known story includes all the incredible special effects you’d expect from a Disney production, jaw-dropping scenery, and all the songs you know and love.
It will be an unmissable experience that will stay with the kids long after the curtain falls. Even the biggest Frozen fans will be in for a few surprises, as the production features new music from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the unforgettable Let It Go writers.
Wicked tells the story of the true friendship between two very different witches, the Wicked Witch of the East and the Good Witch of Oz
This is a story full of magic and spectacular costumes and dresses that will make the kids’ imagination fly. It really is a fabulous musical to take the little ones to.
The Lion King Musical is undoubtedly a family favourite. Both adults and children know the fabulous story of how Simba, a lion cub, comes to the throne to become the Lion King.
It’s a musical with no shortage of famous songs that’s sure to excite the real Disney fans out there. The animals pass through the aisles in the stalls when the show starts, so you might want to choose seats next to the aisles if you want to see the animals up close.
This stage adaptation of the iconic 80’s film, Back to the Future, is sure to evoke some feelings of nostalgia for many of you parents.
The kids are sure to get excited when Marty McFly, your typical rock ‘n’ roll teenager, is accidentally transported back to 1955. In order to guarantee that he makes it back to the future, he needs to ensure that his parents meet and fall in love.
You and the kids will marvel at the gravity-defying, time-travelling DeLorean that supposedly reaches speeds of up to 88 miles per hour!
Mrs. Doubtfire tells the story of everyone’s favourite Scottish nanny. 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.
There’s a real buzz around this production. There are some big granny boots to fill because Robin Williams was such a legend in the film but word of mouth says this will be a hit.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I epitomises the golden age of musicals and is the winner of multiple awards. Your kids will be transported into a world of rich traditions, complex relationships, and political intrigue.
With its touching themes of love and understanding, The King and I teaches us that love can transcend the greatest of differences. Kids will love the upbeat songs about whistling to overcome fear of a new situation, and getting to know a new culture.
Described as Fawlty Towers meets Noises Off; The Play That Goes Wrong at the Duchess Theatre is a must-see smash-hit and absolute riot.
The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are trying to put on ‘The Murder at Haversham Manor,’ a 1920’s murder mystery play where absolutely nothing goes as planned! The accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences.
From falling props and wobbly floors to mishaps with lights and sounds, this show is a laugh-out-loud journey full of slapstick comedy, pranks and mishaps that’ll keep you chuckling the whole way through.
Get ready for an uproarious adventure that both you and the kids will love!
Escape to a world of pure imagination with this spectacular stage show that’s based of Roald Dahl’s iconic children’s book. It follows the hit West End and Broadway productions combining memorable songs from the original 1970’s motion picture with a host of new numbers.
We sent Liberty and Valentine with Mum Belinda, and they absolutely loved it…
Click here for UK & Ireland tour dates.
