By Anton Constantinou
Kids love the theatre. Nothing says entertainment like fancy dress, singing and special effects. Along with being lots of fun, stage shows are a great way to get children into acting and drama.
Londoners are spoilt for choice when it comes to productions. From plays to pantomimes, the city is filled to the brim with show-stopping performances, suitable for children of all ages.
These are our top eight children’s theatre shows in London right now:
The Lion King – Lyceum Theatre
A timeless Disney film turned West End sell-out, The Lion King is a multi-award winning musical, full of bright colours and spellbinding songs. Now in its 18th year, it continues to draw audiences from around the world with its magical story of life in the Serengeti.
Address: 21 Wellington Street, London, WC2E 7RQ
Nearest tube station: Covent Garden
Ticket prices: £34.50 – £80.00
Dates: until March 2018
Matilda – Cambridge Theatre
Matilda may be gifted, but she’s under the thumb of horrible parents and a headteacher who hates her guts. Will she break free? Roald Dahl’s classic tale is easy to get lost in if you’re young and long for special powers. Parents and children will likewise love this theatre show, which, to date, has won over 86 major awards.
Address: Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9HU
Nearest tube station: Covent Garden
Ticket prices: from £24.50
Dates: until May 2018
Annie – Piccadilly Theatre
This smash hit production is a coming-of-age story about a poor orphan girl whose life takes a turn for the better. It’s funny, heartfelt, and boasts an all singing, all dancing cast of kids. The score is excellent, and balanced out by brilliant performances and impressive set design. Just don’t be too surprised if your little ones chant “it’s a hard knock life” all the way home.
Address: 16 Denam Street, Soho, London, W1 7DY
Nearest tube station: Piccadily Circus
Ticket prices: from £20.00
Dates: until May 2018
The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Ambassadors Theatre
If Aesop Fables have taught us one thing, it’s that children can learn a lot from animals. Case in point: The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Eric Carle’s iconic picture book plays out beautifully on stage, introducing children to a bright, transformative world of life in nature. Watch as their eyes light up at the sight of a giant butterfly; or how mesmerised they become by the 75 colourful puppets used.
Address: West Street, London, WC2H 9ND
Nearest tube station: Covent Garden
Ticket prices: from £25.00
Dates: 13th December 2017 – January 2018
STOMP – Ambassadors Theatre
A theatrical experience that’s taken the world by storm, STOMP gets toes tapping like nothing else, using everyday objects like bin lids and cigarette lighters as a source of rhythm. The universal language of dance is one that all children know and recognise, so what better way to keep their attention.
Address: West Street, London, WC2H 9ND
Nearest tube station: Covent Garden
Ticket prices: from £23.00
Dates: until April 2018
The Snowman – Peacock Theatre
Now for something Christmassy. This festive production about a little boy and a magical snowman has been captivating families for decades. Best known for the song, Walking in the Air, it boasts enchanting storytelling and spine-tingling music from a live orchestra. The Independent has labelled it: “The best kids show for Christmas by far”, while The Guardian say it’s: “Guaranteed to melt the heart of even the most cynical Scrooge.”
Address: Portugal Street, London, WC2A 2HT
Nearest tube station: Holborn
Ticket prices: from £17.25
Dates: 23rd November 2017 – 31st December 2017
Wicked The Musical – Apollo Victoria Theatre
You need only look at the queues outside the Apollo Victoria Theatre to realise what a global sensation Wicked is. People travel far and wide to see this famous musical, currently the 16th longest running production in London. Wicked reworks The Wizard of Oz by imagining two of its lead characters, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch, as two bickering friends. It features colourful scenery, flying monkeys and lots of other stuff kids go crazy for.
Address: 17 Wilton Road, Pimlico, London, SW1V 1OG
Nearest tube station: Victoria
Ticket prices: from £19.50
Dates: ongoing
Dr Seuss’s The Lorax – The Old Vic
The star attraction of this David Grieg production is a small, mossy creature and protector of nature that lives in a forest and speaks to trees. An adaptation of a Dr Suess book, it mixes zany humour and inventive direction in a fun-filled family show, suitable for children aged six and above. Expect puppetry, infectious music and eye-popping visuals.
Address: The Cut, Lambeth, London, SE1 8NB
Nearest tube station: Waterloo
Ticket prices: from £18.00
Dates: 18th October 2017 – 3rd November 2017
