Family Shows
Family shows can be a great choice for school holidays, birthdays, London breaks, first theatre trips and special days out with children.
Some family shows are large West End musicals, while others are smaller children’s theatre productions, book-based shows, film-based shows, magic shows, comedy, pantomimes or touring productions. The best choice depends on the age of the children, the length of the show, the style of performance and how familiar the story or music is.
Before booking, always check current dates, age guidance, running time, seating, accessibility and whether the show is suitable for your group.
Family Shows in London
London has some of the UK’s best-known family theatre options. Family-friendly London theatre listings regularly include major shows such as The Lion King, Wicked, Matilda The Musical, Disney’s Hercules, Mamma Mia!, and other productions aimed at children, teenagers and mixed-age family groups.
Some shows are suitable for younger children, while others are better for older children or teenagers. Always check the official age guidance before booking.
Big Family Musicals
The Lion King
Lyceum Theatre, London
Disney’s The Lion King is one of the West End’s best-known family musicals. It is popular because of its music, costumes, puppetry, staging and strong visual appeal.
It can be a good choice for families looking for a memorable West End experience, especially where children already know the story or songs.
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Matilda The Musical
Cambridge Theatre, London
Matilda The Musical is based on Roald Dahl’s story and is a popular family choice in the West End. It combines humour, music, schoolroom chaos and a story about a clever child standing up for herself.
It may suit families with school-age children, although visitors should still check age guidance before booking.
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Wicked
Apollo Victoria Theatre, London
Wicked is a large-scale musical connected with the world of Oz. It has strong songs, fantasy staging and a story that appeals to many older children, teenagers and adults.
It can be a good option for families who want a big West End musical rather than a show aimed only at young children.
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Mamma Mia!
Novello Theatre, London
Mamma Mia! is a bright, feel-good musical built around ABBA songs. It is often popular with families, groups and visitors looking for a cheerful London theatre experience.
It may be especially suitable where parents, grandparents and older children all know the music.
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Shows for Younger Children
Some family theatre is designed especially for younger audiences. These may include shorter running times, gentler stories, puppetry, music, familiar book characters and daytime performances.
Examples of children’s theatre and family listings can include productions such as The Gruffalo, Stick Man, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Dinosaur World Live, Peppa Pig productions and similar touring or London shows, depending on current availability. Official London Theatre’s family listings regularly include children’s and family productions alongside major West End shows.
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Older Children and Teenagers
Older children and teenagers may enjoy shows with stronger music, comedy, fantasy, spectacle or more grown-up themes.
Possible choices may include:
Hamilton
Six
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
The Play That Goes Wrong
Wicked
The Lion King
Matilda The Musical
Some of these may not be suitable for all ages, so always check the show’s age guidance and content information before booking.
School Holiday Theatre
The school holidays can be a good time to look for family theatre, but popular dates may sell quickly.
In London, Kids Week is a regular theatre promotion where a child aged 17 or under can go free with a full-paying adult, and additional children may attend at reduced prices, depending on the year’s offer and participating shows. The exact dates and shows change, so always check the current Kids Week information before relying on it.
Regional Family Shows
Family shows are not limited to London. Touring musicals, pantomimes, children’s theatre, comedy shows, magic shows and book-based productions appear at theatres across the UK.
Good places to check include theatres in:
Manchester
Liverpool
Birmingham
Cardiff
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Bristol
Leeds
Newcastle
Nottingham
Sheffield
Planning a Family Theatre Trip
Before booking, check:
Current performance dates
Age guidance
Running time
Interval details
Seat view
Toilet and family facilities
Pushchair or buggy rules
Travel time to the theatre
Nearby food options
Whether the show is too late for younger children
For London theatre trips, visitors may also want:
Where to Stay
Museums & Galleries
Historic Sites
West End Musicals
Things to do in London
More Theatre & Show Ideas
You may also be interested in:
West End Musicals
West End Plays
Comedy Shows
Music Venues
Theatre Breaks
Regional Theatres