Best Family Theatre Shows in London

Finding activities the whole family will love can be tricky. But there’s a surefire way to keep both you and your littles entertained. Introducing your children to the theatre can be daunting, but with loads of family-friendly shows in London, you can choose something that’ll suit both you and them.

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly musicals or plays, child-focused shows perfect for younger tots, or something a bit different when it comes to family entertainment in London, the West End has it all.

So take a look at what’s on in the West End and check out some of the best London shows - you won’t be disappointed.

The best family musicals in London

A great way to get kids into theatre is with a musical. Many of the family-friendly shows in London star children, making them more relatable. Song and dance breaks also keep their interest and provide them with something they can relive and recreate at home. Throw in the fact that a lot of the current family musicals in London are based on books and movies they know and love, you really can’t go wrong.

Matilda The Musical

Don’t worry about your kids turning into revolting children. They might just sing about it, instead.

Roald Dahl’s David and Goliath-inspired story of one little girl who dares to defy the odds and change her life continues to wow audiences at the Cambridge Theatre. Matilda The Musical follows a similar premise to the book and the 1996 Matilda film.

Matilda Wormwood is a bright, enthusiastic, book-loving girl. She’s every parent’s dream child. Except for her parents. Neglected and punished for her love of learning, Matilda feels alone. Then she starts at Crunchem Hall, where she’s bullied by the evil head teacher Miss Trunchbull. She finally finds solace in her teacher, Miss Honey, who encourages Matilda to use her imaginative, inquisitive mind to conjure up stories that can become a reality.

Tim Minchin neatly adapts the Matilda story into a whimsical West End show, and it even made Olivier Awards history. Filled with heartwarming moments that children will love (can we ride on the swings?), there are a few humorous moments in there for adults too.

The Lion King

Still the pride of London, Disney’s The Lion King has been feeling the love at the Lyceum Theatre since 1999.

Based on the film of the same name, The Lion King follows the little lion cub Simba as he comes to terms with his place in the world and becomes King of the Pride Lands.

Packed full of Disney classics you know and love, including Circle Of Life and Hakuna Matata, it’s the perfect family-friendly musical that’ll entertain your kids and give you a hulking dose of nostalgia.

Along with the show’s signature music, touching moments, and displays of bravery, your kids will be wowed by the incredible puppets used to bring the animals of The Lion King to life. It’ll teach little audience members - perhaps it’s their first West End show? - about the animal kingdom and what it means to grow.

Paddington The Musical

Britain's most beloved character has got his own show! The marmalade sandwich-loving bear has won the hearts of audiences and critics alike in Paddington The Musical.

Based on Michael Bond’s books and the award-winning films, Paddington The Musical is a must-see show for families.

When a small bear arrives from Peru, he wanders lost in London looking for a new home and stumbles into a family who welcomes them into their home in Windsor Gardens. Explore his new and unfamiliar life, Paddington causes mischief and chaos, resulting in one of the best family theatre shows in London.

With catchy songs written by McFly’s Tom Fletcher and dazzling dance numbers, this will be an easy win and the ultimate crowd pleaser. Book your tickets to see the bear that has stolen everyone’s hearts at the Savoy Theatre.

Oliver!

Consider yourself the best member of the family by taking your brood to see Oliver! in the West End.

Based on Charles Dickens’s classic novel Oliver Twist, Lionel Bart’s musical has delighted families for decades. Follow young orphan Oliver as he navigates the bustling streets of Victorian London, meeting a cast of colourful characters from the cheeky Artful Dodger to the menacing Bill Sikes.

Songs like Food, Glorious Food and Where Is Love? are guaranteed to stick in little ears long after the curtain falls. With plenty of child actors on stage, Oliver! is a perfect introduction for younger theatre fans who may even be inspired to perform themselves. While there are darker moments in Oliver’s journey, the show’s heartwarming message and big ensemble numbers make it an uplifting choice for a family theatre trip.

Wicked

Make the school mums green with envy with a trip to the Apollo Victoria Theatre to see Wicked.

This reimagined prequel to The Wizard of Oz has been one of the top family-friendly musicals in London since 2006.

Telling the tale of Elphaba and how she became known as the Wicked Witch of the West, Stephen Schwartz’s musical is filled with all the enchanting magic you’d expect from a show about witches and wizardry. With flying monkeys, human-sized bubbles, and a mythical dragon atop the stage, there are plenty of wonders to keep your children’s attention.

And though this is a family-friendly musical, you may want to prepare your kids for the slightly darker moments in Wicked, such as when characters die (we’re not giving any spoilers here, you’ll have to see Wicked for yourself!). If you want to brush up on your Wicked musical knowledge before seeing the show, take a listen to all the songs beforehand. But if you’ve got a mini Glinda running around, or a smiley, happy Boq-to-be, then they’ll love Wicked.

High School Musical

What time is it? It’s time to educate your kids on the franchise that raised a generation. Another firm favourite for all the family is High School Musical.

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Disney Channel Original Movie, and relive the unforgettable songs Breaking Free, We’re All in This Together, Get’cha Head in the Game, and more in this upbeat stage adaptation that will get you all singing and dancing at home.

It really is the start of something new this October at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, so book your tickets for this limited run.

Family theatre plays in London

As well as family-friendly musicals, London has plenty of family-friendly plays, too.

My Neighbour Totoro

Let your family be swept away to rural Japan and join two sisters on a wild adventure into a magical land. My Neighbour Totoro is an epic play based on the 1988 animated film of the same name. It’s full of mischief, fun, and giant puppets.

It won six Olivier Awards when it first opened, and its current run at the Gillian Lynne Theatre has a 4.9-star rating from our customers. It’s currently one of the best plays in London.

The Play That Goes Wrong

Everyone, no matter their age, loves a bit of physical comedy. That’s why The Play That Goes Wrong is the perfect family theatre show in London.

Join a hapless amateur dramatics group as they attempt to stage a murder mystery, only for things to go awry. From bungled lines to unfortunate falls, broken scenery to near-miss disasters, The Play That Goes Wrong is hilarious for all.