Paddington the Musical

Brilliant for 5+. Younger ones will love the bear and the slapstick, older kids will follow the story easily, and teens will happily buy into the cool villainy and big musical numbers. Adults get the emotional sucker-punches.

Mildly – there’s a villain (a taxidermist!), a couple of loud bangs, and a touch of jeopardy. But it’s all played for fun, never fear. If your child has seen the films, they’ll be absolutely fine.

Around 2 hours 30 minutes, including interval. Enough time for marmalade, loo breaks and merch-longing.

Inside the auditorium? Sure – it’s contained and ushers are everywhere. Outside? No – it’s the Strand. Classic London chaos.

Yes. The Savoy Theatre has step-free access to certain areas and dedicated wheelchair spaces in the Dress Circle. Pre-book if you need them. The staff are excellent.

Yup! Covent Garden’s a stone’s throw so you can combine it with a trip to the shops, a peek at the street performers and of course the secret cafe at the top of the Royal Opera House.

Loads – Somerset House, the London Transport Museum and the Southbank are all five to ten minutes away.