Family favourites

“Just because you’re little, you can do a lot.” A surprisingly powerful musical that inspires little ones just finding their footing in the world, and gives us adults an uplifting, knowing wink as we navigate the chaos of grown-up life. The songs are unbelievably catchy and go down a treat on car rides, and the overarching message of courage and self-belief lingers long after the curtain falls.

The coming-of-age musical many of us wish we’d seen earlier. Beneath the spectacle, Wicked explores friendship, loyalty, and questioning unfairness in a way that really lands with pre-teens. It’s a brilliant “first big musical” and perfect for those “can so-and-so come too?” days that quietly turn into lifelong memories.

The one families keep coming back to. The Lion King is a Broadway-to-West-End musical packed with jaw-dropping puppetry, bold visuals, and songs everyone already knows. The theatre’s a short walk from the Covent Garden piazza, so you’re never far from a quick bite or something to keep the kids’ attention, meaning you can make a proper outing of it and still be home before anyone crashes. It’s one of those rare shows that fills a whole day without leaving you wiped.

Struggling to get your kids off their screens? Harry Potter and the Cursed Child just might be the breakthrough you're looking for. The practical effects on stage will leave them wide-eyed, and once they’ve experienced the story in person, the rest of the wizarding world becomes irresistible.

Tickets have been in high demand since day one, so this is one to plan ahead. Paddington translates the beloved story from the book and film into a warm, funny musical with a big heart and plenty of visual charm. Politeness, kindness, and gentle chaos run through it all, and you’ll likely spot a few teary smiles in the audience along the way.

A calm, visually beautiful adaptation that leans on puppetry, movement, and atmosphere rather than big dialogue —for those after a calmer, gentler adventure that still leaves a big impact, My Neighbour Totoro is sure to be your new best friend. Nestled near Holborn, on the quieter side of central London, it’s easy to get around and plan a relaxed outing. And, if sitting still is still a work in progress, the show offers ‘chilled performances’ that let you move in and out of the auditorium at your own pace.

This show will keep even those with the shortest attention spans entertained. Acrobats, aerialists and puppets retell Alice's tumble down the rabbit hole through pure spectacle: contortion, aerial stunts and a live band reworking classical hits into something the kids haven't heard before. Royal Festival Hall's riverside café and Southbank walk make it easy to build a whole afternoon around, and it runs right through the Christmas school holidays. This show is suitable for ages 5 and up, book now to plan some unforgettable family fun.

Classic British slapstick with everything falling apart on purpose. Kids love the chaos; adults appreciate the precision behind it. It moves quickly, needs no theatre knowledge, and rewards arriving early with a mini pre-show that gently eases younger audiences into the experience before total mayhem begins.

Many of us met Oliver! via school productions, but seeing it done properly is a completely different experience. Packed with young performers, big ensemble numbers, and songs that span generations, it’s a reminder of how many theatre careers started right here. A great pick for kids already curious about performing.

The one for the littlest ones. At 55 minutes with no interval, The Smartest Giant in Town is built for attention spans that haven't quite arrived yet as babes in arms are welcome, and nobody minds a wriggle. Julia Donaldson's giant George gives away his smart new clothes to animals who need them more, told through the puppetry that made Little Angel Theatre's name.