London’s Best Theatre Shows for Kids Under 10
It’s 2025 and here’s our pick of London’ Best Theatre Shows for Kids under 10.
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, we’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.
My Neighbour Totoro
The enchanting world of Studio Ghibli’s “My Neighbour Totoro” is making a magical return to London’s West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre from March 8 to November 2, 2025. This multi-award-winning adaptation brings the beloved characters of Satsuki, Mei, and the whimsical forest spirit Totoro to life with astonishing puppetry, beautiful music, and imaginative staging.
Based on the beloved 1988 animated film by Hayao Miyazaki, this enchanting show is a feast for the senses. The production’s use of live music, and inventive puppetry will mesmerise young audiences.
Be aware though that with a runtime of just under three hours, including an interval, it’s may be quite an epic undertaking for some kids. others though will be engaged from start to finish and is a brilliant introduction to the magic of theatre and the timeless appeal of Studio Ghibli’s storytelling
We sent Nell, Tiggy and Wren to rate it for us….
Age: 6+
Date: From 8th March 2025 – November 2nd 2025
Venue: Gillian Lynne Theatre
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
Hercules
Great googly gods! Disney’s Hercules is flexing its musical muscles as it bursts onto the West End stage at Theatre Royal Drury Lane this June—and it’s set to be a mythical, magical, laugh-out-loud adventure for the whole family as you can see from Felix and Amandine’s review above!
Based on the much-loved 1997 animated film, this brand-new musical reimagines the story of Hercules, the clumsy demi-god on a mission to become a true hero. Expect big laughs, high-energy choreography, eye-popping sets, and an all-powerful soundtrack packed with fan favourites like “Go the Distance” and “Zero to Hero,” plus brand new songs by Disney legends Alan Menken and David Zippel.
Directed by Casey Nicholaw (Aladdin, The Book of Mormon), the show features a gospel-singing Greek chorus, an unforgettable Hades, and monsters galore. Ideal for ages 6+, this is one summer blockbuster your family won’t want to miss.
Age: 6+
Date: 6th June – 10th January 2026
Venue: Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
Operation Mincemeat
Operation Mincemeat is the gloriously bonkers WW2 musical that’s taken the West End by storm – and is perfect for kids from the age of six, teens and curious history lovers who like their facts with a big side of fun.
Based on the true story of one of the weirdest wartime plots ever, the show follows a group of unlikely British spies and their plan to fool the Nazis… with a fake corpse and a briefcase full of lies.
With high-energy performances, wild character swaps (the cast plays everyone), and a toe-tapping score that mixes vintage swing with modern tunes this sleeper hit has been so successful, it recently transferred to Broadway.
Sharp, smart, and very funny, with enough history to feel clever and enough chaos to keep everyone on the edge of their seats. Click here to visit our dedicated page.
Age: 6+
Date: Until March 2026
Venue: Fortune Theatre
Comedy Club 4 Kids
Comedy Club 4 Kids is a proper comedy club… just earlier in the day, with much, much younger audience. Featuring top stand-up comedians, sketch acts and cabaret stars it’s all suitable for ages six and up.
Running nationwide since 2005, this laugh-out-loud show is fast, funny, and brilliantly bonkers—with jokes that grown-ups will enjoy too. There’s even a podcast (Radio Nonsense) and a book if your kids fancy giving stand-up a go themselves!
Expect giggles, gags and genuine belly laughs. Kids must be accompanied by adults—mainly so they can help explain any jokes that go over little heads.
Perfect for families who love a good laugh together!
Age: 6+
Dates: Sundays 3pm – 14th Sept; 12th Oct; 09 Nov; 14th Dec
Venue: Park Theatre
Price: £15 – Book here
Starlight Express
“Starlight Express” is a high-octane, roller-skating musical extravaganza where toy trains come to life in a child’s dream. The story follows a steam engine named Rusty who races against modern engines to win the heart of the beautiful Pearl.
Get ready to be blown away by “Starlight Express,” a show that’s part musical, part roller derby, and all fun! The dazzling lights, speedy stunts, and catchy songs will keep kids and teens on the edge of their seats. The unique roller-skating spectacle brings a thrilling twist to the classic underdog story. Perfect for kids who love action and teens who crave high-energy performances, this one’s a must-see!
We sent Tiggy to KidRate it and she appeared on The Gaby Roslin Show to give her verdict – “10/10 with great songs and amazing effects. I would definitely go again.”
Age: All ages
Date: Until September 2025
Venue: Troubadour Theatre, Wembley Park
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
Hadestown
Nearly every kid who has been exposed to any of the Greek myths gets hooked on the storytelling and sense of adventure. So fans or not there’s a very good chance your kids will feel the same about Hadestown.
After huge success in the US this visually stunning and emotionally rich musical lands in the West End in an enchanting production that weaves together the stories of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone into a single, mesmerizing tale. With its vibrant set designs and hauntingly beautiful music, “Hadestown” will take the family on a journey to the underworld and back, making every moment an adventure.
“Hadestown” isn’t just a show; it’s an experience that combines music, storytelling, and visual artistry in a way that will leave you and your children spellbound. The innovative set and lighting designs create an immersive environment, transforming the stage into a world where myths come to life. The musical’s themes of resilience, love, and the power of music resonate deeply, making it a meaningful and memorable outing for families.
Whether you’re familiar with the original myths or discovering them for the first time, “Hadestown” promises to be a theatrical journey that you and your kids wi’ll cherish long after the final curtain call
Age: 8+.
Date: 28th September 2025
Venue: Lyric Theatre
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
MJ the Musical
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.
Age: 8+
Date: Until Feb 2026
Venue: Prince Edward Theatre
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
Matilda the Musical
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.
Age: 6+
Date: until May 2026
Venue: Cambridge Theatre
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
Wicked
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.
Age: 7+
Date: until Feb 2026
Venue: Apollo Victoria Theatre
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
The Lion King
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.
Age: 6+
Date: until Feb 2026
Venue: Lyceum Theatre
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
Back to the Future: The Musical
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!
Age: 6+
Date: until March 2026
Venue: Adelphi Theatre
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
The Play That Goes Wrong
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!
Age: 8+
Date: Until September 2025
Venue: Duchess Theatre
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
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Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas
In Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas, CBeebies favourite Maddie is doing work experience in Santa’s chaotic workshop and needs help from the audience to save the day
Expect fart facts, exploding crackers, festive experiments and songs that make STEM feel magical. With help from two bonkers elves and surprise visits from Mrs Claus, this is , giggle-packed treat for curious youngsters.
Age: All Ages
Date: 24th November – 4th January 2026
Venue: King’s Head Theatre, Islington
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
Jack & The Beanstalk
So, follow young milkman Jack as he takes on a greedy giant with nothing but squirty cream and cracking puns! Packed with slapstick, show tunes, and a scene-stealing cow called Cowpatti Lupone, audiences can expect laughs, chaos, and moo-sical mayhem for the whole family.
Age: 4+
Date: 12th December – 4th January 2026
Venue: Garrick Theatre
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
Tips about pushchairs, buggies and booking
Pushchairs: Most theatres offer a cloakroom or “buggy bay” for storing pushchairs during the show, but it’s best to check with the box office beforehand.
Booster Seats:
- Not all theatres provide them, and they cannot be booked in advance.
- They may require a small fee and are available first-come, first-served.
- Most children won’t need one due to theatre seating design.
- Personal booster seats are usually not allowed.
Top Theatre Tips for Families
✔️ Arrive early to secure booster seats & use facilities.
✔️ Best seats? Dress/Royal Circle for clear views.
✔️ Aisle seats make bathroom trips easier.
✔️ Matinees are ideal for younger children.
✔️ Research the show to check suitability.
✔️ Theatres expect quiet, seated behaviour.
What Theatres Don’t Offer
❌ No children invited on stage.
❌ No birthday shoutouts.
❌ Limited baby-changing facilities.
And for Older Kids and Teenagers….
Click here or the image below for our unbeatable guide to the best theatre for Older Kids and Teens….
