The best family days out in London and beyond rated by kids and teens
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Dragging your Rick and Morty-loving teen to a West End show can feel like convincing a cat to enjoy bath time. Fear not! We’ve crafted the ultimate guide to London’s Best Theatre Shows for Teens and Older Kids, because let’s face it, the only drama you want on a family night out is on the stage, not with your teenager’s verdict on the evening’s entertainment.
Our handpicked selection promises to dazzle even the most screen-obsessed youngsters (yes, even those who think Hamlet is dish made with eggs). From laugh-out-loud comedies to mind-bending dramas, we’ve got the scoop on shows that won’t have them rolling their eyes (well, not much, anyway). And for those with little ones not yet in the double digits, don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten you—there’s a treasure trove of shows just waiting to spark their imaginations too in our other great guide for kids under 10.
Oh and remember, if you book through us here via our exclusive partnership with TodayTix – you’ll get some amazing deals on ticket prices.
Hopefully both guides will steer you toward some wonderful shows you might not have even thought of.
On a general note – For most UK performances children under 16 must be accompanied and sat next to a ticket-holder who is at least 18.
A thrilling West End production that takes you back to Hawkins in 1959 – the small American town where the TV series is set and where all the Upside Down world shenanigans have been taking place.
Packed with suspense, nostalgia, and mind-blowing stagecraft, this play brings the eerie and exciting world of Stranger Things to life. Fans will be captivated by new adventures and familiar faces, with standout performances by all the cast
Perfect for those 12 years old and upwards who love the TV show and crave a live-action experience that feels like watching a movie unfold right before your eyes. Don’t miss this theatrical event that is getting amazing word of mouth! And check out our dedicated page here…
“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.
Kathy and Stella are amateur sleuths with a passion for solving mysteries. When a real-life whodunit lands in their laps, they must use their wits and quirky charm to unravel the clues and catch the culprit.
Move over, Sherlock & Watson – Kathy and Stella are here! This delightful duo will have kids and teens laughing out loud as they bumble through clues and solve crimes. The witty dialogue and clever plot twists keep the audience guessing, while the lovable characters make it a joy to watch. It’s a perfect blend of humour and mystery that young amateur sleuths will love.
Supernatural meets skepticism in this new play by Danny Robbins which has already had success in the West End and around the UK.
Jenny believes her new home is haunted and convinces her husband Sam and their dinner guests, Lauren and Ben, to stay up until 2:22 am to uncover the truth behind the eerie occurrences.
With edge-of-your-seat suspense, witty dialogue, and some simple yet effective scares, this play is perfect for fans of ghost stories and thrillers. With some more adult themes about love and relationships we think this is one for older kids.
Introducing the six wives of Henry VIII, experience the Tudor Wives’ lives as they turn back the clock and retell their stories of love, loss and the infamous ex they all have in common. Join Aragon, Boleyn, Seymour, Cleves, Howard and Parr, backed by their fiercely all-female band, the Ladies in Waiting.
Six The Musical frames its story as a makeshift talent competition in which the wife whose life was most tragic “wins.” The rules are simple: “The queen who was dealt the worst hand … shall be the one to lead the band.” During the show, each wife sings a solo that summarises her experiences. This isn’t just a history lesson for the kids. Both kids and parents alike will find its music addictive and its performances inspiring.
A musical adaptation of the classic novel about Mary Lennox, an orphaned girl who discovers a hidden garden and, with it, a renewed sense of hope and family.
Welcome to the enchanting world of “The Secret Garden” and watch as magic and mystery unfold! Kids will be captivated by the lush, fantastical setting and the heartwarming story, while teens will appreciate the themes of healing and growth. This timeless tale is beautifully brought to life with stunning visuals and memorable music.
Imelda Staunton returns to the West End for the classic musical “Hello Dolly”. The story charts the adventures of Dolly Gallagher Levi, a matchmaker and socialite, as she arranges marriages and brings romance into the lives of those around her in 1890s New York City.
Step into the glamorous world of “Hello Dolly,” where love and laughter are always on the menu! This show is bursting with catchy tunes, vibrant dance numbers, and larger-than-life characters. Kids will be enchanted by the colourful sets and costumes, while older teens who may be Harry Potter fans will love seeing Dolores Umbridge aka Imelda Staunton being very funny. A delightful, feel-good show that should leave everyone smiling.
The comedic adaptation of the classic thriller, “The 39 Steps” has to be seen to be believed because all the characters are played by four actors in multiple roles delivering an eye-dropping whirlwind of slapstick and suspense.
The action follows Richard Hannay as he tries to clear his name while being pursued by spies and it is a masterclass in comedic theatre. We’d describe it as a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud experience that kids and teens will adore. The clever staging and non-stop action make it a perfect blend of humour and suspense and there’s so much going on chances are you’ll want to see it again!
John Cleese brings his classic TV sitcom to the stage in this hugely anticipated new adaption. For this new production, the Monty Python star has taken three of the most-loved original episodes and morphed them into a play. So prepare to relive “The Hotel Inspectors,” “Communication Problems” and, of course, “The Germans.”
That means all our favourite characters are checking in too: Basil and Sybil Fawlty, plus Manuel, Polly, The Major, and more
Parents who remember the classic sitcom will love revisiting the hotel in Torquay, while older kids and teens will quickly fall for the slapstick comedy and outrageous situations, making it a fantastic choice for a fun family outing.
If you missed this at the National Theatre don’t worry – Standing at the Sky’s Edge is transferring to the West End, coming to the Gillian Lynne Theatre from February 2024. The show is described as a love letter to Sheffield and a history of modern Britain told through the stories of one flat on an iconic estate.
Standing at the Sky’s Edge charts the hopes and dreams of three generations over the course of six tumultuous decades. Set to the irresistible songs of legendary Sheffield singer-songwriter Richard Hawley, it is a heartfelt exploration of the power of community and what it is we call home.
If you want to take your older kids and teens along to something completely different, this one fits the bill and we are you now – take some tissues. An absolutely wonderful theatrical experience that feels totally accessible but it’s worth knowing the show does contain some adult themes and strong language.
The Book of Mormon is an award winning musical from the creators of South Park. The story follows a pair of Mormon boys sent on a mission to spread the word of the Latter Day Saints to the locals in a small town in Uganda that’s about as far away from their home in Salt Lake City as you can get!
Anyone familiar with South Park or the work of Trey Parker and Matt Stone would know that The Book of Mormon can get rather crass at times and the humour is certainly not for everyone. Be prepared for explicit language, sexual content and lots and lots of outrageous jokes. We took a group of teenagers and they all absolutely loved it but it’s definitely one for the older teens in your family!
Step inside the magnificent surroundings of London County Hall and experience the intensity and drama of Agatha Christie’s gripping story of justice, passion and betrayal in a unique courtroom setting.
Leonard Vole is accused of murdering a widow to inherit her wealth. The stakes are high – will Leonard survive the shocking witness testimony, will he be able to convince the jury, and you the audience of his innocence and escape the hangman’s noose?
Your older kids and teens will love the excitement of this gripping story that many of us parents read when we were young!
Cole Porter’s classic “Kiss Me Kate” is a lively musical that follows a theatre company as they stage a production of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew”, focusing on Fred and Lilli – a divorced couple playing the lead roles in the play. As you can expect, many romantic entanglements, dramas and bickering ensue, threatening to transform the comedy into a tragedy. After all, the course of true love never did run smooth.
With its toe-tapping tunes and comedic backstage antics, “Kiss Me Kate” is great fun. Older kids and teens will enjoy the clever interplay between the show’s reality and its Shakespearean elements, while Mum and Dad will enjoy seeing the Line of Duty’s Adrian Dunbar singing his heart out. Jesus, Mary and Joseph and the wee Donkey!!
School’s back, and Year 11 students are in for a wild ride! Forget math and science; this term, it’s all about babies – but not the real ones. These plastic simulator dolls are here to teach the teens a thing or two about responsibility. Over one intense week, friendships are tested, dreams are questioned, and beliefs, minds and nappies are changed!
Kids will love the relatable school setting and the comedy of watching their peers struggle with “parenthood.” Older teens will connect with the deeper themes of responsibility, friendship, and figuring out the future. With standout performances from a stellar cast, including Heartstopper’s Bradley Riches, “Babies” is a perfect mix of fun and feels,
Dougal, a bubbly and naïve Brit, flies to New York for his estranged father’s wedding. At the airport, he’s picked up by Robin, the bride’s no-nonsense sister who’s late for work and not thrilled about playing host. What starts as an awkward encounter turns into a whirlwind adventure across the city, with a wedding cake in tow, as these two strangers discover more about each other and themselves.
“Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York),” is a heartwarming romp through the Big Apple! This charming musical brings together the wide-eyed enthusiasm of Dougal and the street-smart sass of Robin, creating a dynamic duo that’s both hilarious and touching.
Kids and teens will love the humorous clashes and clever set design which whisks the audience from one iconic NYC spot to another, making it a visual treat. And older teens will appreciate the relatable themes of family, responsibility, and finding one’s place in the world. Y
Stand right in the centre of the action and move around the stage area with IMMERSIVE TICKETS. Or sit around the auditorium with SEATED TICKETS, where you will never be more than four rows away from the action as Guys and Dolls transports you and your kids to the streets of Manhattan and the bars of Havana in this unlikeliest of love stories!
No-good Nathan Detroit is desperately searching for the money to fund his illegal dice games, all whilst eluding law enforcement and his impatient fiancée Miss Adelaide, who demands that he quit his antics and relocate to the suburbs.
When Nathan meets infamous gambler Sky Masterson, a man with an insatiable appetite for raising the stakes, they make a bet… surely this is one bet that Nathan can’t lose?
Parents should know that overall this is a family-friendly classic musical, but the story does contain themes such as gambling and alcohol, which might not be suitable for everyone.
The play catches up with Harry 19 years after his defeat of Voldemort in the Battle of Hogwarts. Harry’s life looks different now – he’s a husband and father of three who works for the Ministry of Magic. And he is still haunted by his traumatic past.
His eldest son, Albus, is grappling with his own set of challenges – following in his famous father’s footsteps at Hogwarts. The story follows them, as they navigate their strained relationship and the pressures of living in the shadow of Harry’s past.
The critically-acclaimed production is the most awarded new play in theatre history.
And if the kids have read the books or seen the films, they’ll be spellbound by this new chapter. If they haven’t, prepare for lots of questions.
Hamilton is based on the biography of American statesman Alexander Hamilton whose ambition drove him from the position of Caribbean outsider and bastard child to American war hero and George Washington’s right-hand man. In the process, Alexander Hamilton played a significant role in shaping America as we’ve come to know it.
This musical features a blend of hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway And is the perfect musical for those kids who want to be entertained, enlightened, and moved.
“Tina: The Musical” tells the powerful story of Tina Turner’s life and career – from a humble start to becoming the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Featuring iconic hits and a stellar cast, the production delivers a high-energy experience.
If you’re searching for a West End show for your teens, “Tina” offers a dynamic blend of music, emotion, and empowerment. While the show touches on themes of resilience and triumph over adversity, it also includes mature content reflective of Tina Turner’s life. Suitable for teenagers, “Tina: The Musical” promises a soul-stirring and entertaining evening, celebrating the indomitable spirit of a music legend.
This is definitely one for the parents! – and the kids will be mesmerised by the music, performances and narrative about the life of this icon.
Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza.
Set against the backdrop of the Montmartre Quarter of Paris, France at the turn of the 20th century, the musical weaves together popular music to tell the story of Christian, a young composer who falls for Satine, the sparkling diamond of the Moulin Rouge.
This is a theatrical celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and above all, love. There are some adult themes but they are cleverly presented meaning you and the kids should be enthralled by this play about bohemians and aristocrats at the grand Moulin Rouge in Paris!
The Phantom of the Opera follows a deformed composer who haunts the grand Paris Opera House. Sheltered from the outside world in an underground cavern, the lonely, romantic man tutors and composes operas for Christine, a gorgeous young soprano star-to-be.
As Christine’s star rises, and a handsome suitor from her past enters the picture, the Phantom grows mad, terrorising the opera house owners and company with his murderous ways. Still, Christine finds herself drawn to the mystery man.
The staging and music might be a little scary for young kids but older kids and teens will be blown away..
One of the most successful musicals of all time, CABARET features the songs Wilkommen, Don’t Tell Mama, Mein Herr, Maybe This Time, Money and the title number.
Set in early 1930s Berlin, American writer Cliff Bradshaw meets English cabaret singer Sally Bowles, a performer at the Kit Kat Club. It’s the only place where everyone can be free but the rise of Nazism threatens this hedonistic Weimar Republic haven.
The show includes some sexual content so parental guidance is advised but would be great for older kids who have an interest in not only the theatre but also Germany and the rise of Nazism in the 1930s..
One of the most successful musicals of all time, CABARET features the songs Wilkommen, Don’t Tell Mama, Mein Herr, Maybe This Time, Money and the title number.
The Play That Goes Wrong is a backstage burlesque bursting with slapstick, and which sums itself up perfectly in its title. A troupe of actors at a ragtag company decides to present ‘The Murder at Haversham Manor’, and not a single thing goes according to plan. The set, the props, the lighting and the sound thwart the performers at every turn. The Play That Goes Wrong amuses with its pranks and pratfalls and there’s no denying the hilarity of a troupe that unfailingly turns can-do into can-don’t.
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has been running in London’s West End since 1952. Considered a classic whodunnit, it’s about a group of seven strangers who find themselves in a guesthouse in the countryside. Unfortunately, there’s a murderer is in their midst and they set about finding out who it is, revealing their dark pasts in the process. This is a must-see for the murder mystery fans out there!
Mamma Mia! tells the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, the daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. A large cast, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers!
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.
ABBA Voyage is a virtual concert residency by the Swedish pop group ABBA. The concerts feature virtual avatars – or ABBAtars – depicting the group as they appeared in 1977. It’s a futuristic experience like no other where you and the kids will be able to enjoy their timeless classics at this unforgettable event.
Sister Act follows the story of aspiring disco diva Deloris Van Cartier, who, after witnessing a crime, is placed in protective custody in a convent. To avoid detection by the criminals, Deloris transforms the lacklustre convent choir into a singing sensation!
Filled with lively musical numbers, infectious dance routines, and a dose of comedy, the show explores topics of friendship, self-discovery, and the power of music. Your kids are sure to be captivated by the energetic performances, the transformation of the choir, and the overall feel-good atmosphere. It’s an entertaining and uplifting experience, making it an ideal West End show for families.
“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.
Drawing inspiration from John Cassavetes’ legendary film, “Opening Night” tells the gripping tale of a theatre company gearing up to launch a significant new play on Broadway.
However, the real drama unfolds behind the scenes when the leading lady faces a personal tragedy, thrusting the entire company into a whirlwind of emotions. The narrative compels everyone to deliver the performance of their lives, making “Opening Night” a poignant exploration of both onstage and offstage challenges in the world of theatre.
A fascinating for any youngsters interested in the arts.
Based on the iconic film and adapted into a musical, “Mean Girls” explores the tumultuous world of high school cliques and teenage dynamics.
It follows Cady Heron, a newcomer navigating the tricky social landscape of North Shore High School, where the popular and formidable “Plastics” rule. As she infiltrates the clique and experiences the highs and lows of high school popularity, “Mean Girls” delivers sharp wit, catchy tunes, and an important message about friendship and staying true to yourself.
Kids will find the characters relatable and enjoy the humorous take on the challenges of growing up.
First an Oscar winning film, then a Tony and Olivier award-winning West End and Broadway musical, Priscilla Queen of the Desert is now an immersive party experience that the kids are sure to enjoy! “Priscilla The Party!” promises to continue the camp, heart-warming legacy of the original 90s films, with elaborate costumes and a soundtrack of hits and bangers.
The Australian film, which sees three drag queens travel into regional Australia, has the universal and timeless message of acceptance and inclusivity at its core. Priscilla The Party! reimagines the outback adventure so that the show unfolds around the audience to create a theatrical party experience.
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