London theatre for toddlers and young children

A touch of magic at Westfield Shepherd’s Bush with this official immersive CBeebies theatre adventure for ages zero to six featuring contributions from a host of beloved characters from the pre-school network, ranging from Mr Tumble to Bluey herself. 

A shy little mouse wishes he could become as brave as a lion – but ends up learning that even lions aren’t always brave. Puppet-powered stage adaptation of Rachel Bright and Jim Field kids’ book from Sarah Punshon, who also directs. For ages three-plus.

In essence, the Travelling Circus is a very winning spin on traditional kids’ party entertainment, with  a series of old-school party tricks – audience participation! collapsing wands! (puppet) rabbits out of hats – and a succession of turns from the various puppet animals in the circus, who range from some ‘fleas’ to a farty dog (‘Smelly Dog’). 

This show for youngsters aged 18 months to four years comes from Spanish company Imaginart and is based around a series of interactive projections that change shape and colour when touched by young hands. 

The classic tale of the delicate princess who proves her nobiity by making a fuss about a pea in her mattress is turned on its head in this new kids’ show, written by Rachel Barnett-Jones. Exact details are TBA, but it would seem that Elise Zavou’s Princess is a ninja. 

Another year, another Julia Donaldson adaptation premieres at the Little Angel – and why not? Theatre and author have spend the last few decades churning out a steady supply of pure delight for the little ones, often in concert.