Hello – I'm Time Out’s theatre editor and also a parent, something that has considerable overlap in London, a city with three dedicated kids theatres and where pretty much every other theatre might play host to a child-friendly show.
Listing everything would be a slightly psychotic undertaking and probably not that illuminating, as many kids’ shows are only on for a day or two. So instead this round up forcusses on the flagship shows at London’s kids theatres – that’s the Little Angel, the Unicorn and Polka – plus other major shows aimed at or suitable for youngsters.
On the whole, pre-school and primary children are the age groups best served specifically, because secondary school aged teenagers can generally see adult theatre perfectly well (and will indeed often be made to do so!). So while the odd teen focussed show will make it in here, if you’re looking for something to do with teens why not consult our reviews page or what to book list.
Our London kids’ theatre page normally contains information for all the main children’s shows running in London theatres this month and next month, and is broken down into three categories.
Theatre for all the family is suitable for any age, including adults without children.
Theatre for older children is specifically aimed at school-age children and teenagers.
Theatre for babies, pre-schoolers and younger children does what the title suggests, and also includes shows suitable for younger school-age children.
See also:
50 things to do in London with kids.
The best child-friendly restaurants in London.
The top 9 museums in London for kids.
What is it? Dinosaur World Live isn’t afraid to give the audience what it wants – that is to say, a T-rex. In fact, there are two T-rexes, an adult and a baby, plus a brace of Triceratops and some semi-obscure additional dinos (Giraffatitan, Segnosaurus, Microraptor) that parents may or may not have heard of depending upon the extent of their children’s dino-love…
Where is it? Rose Theatre Kingston.
What is it? A low-ish budget counts in the favour of Joe Tracz and Rob Rokicki’s musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s books, which captures a goofiness that’s never really made it into the screen versions.
Where is it? The Other Palace.
What is it? Nothing prepares you for the sheer impact of The Lion King's opening sequence: the absurdly successful Disney musical may have been around for decades, but there’s a good reason why the film adapation has become the most successful musical of all time.
Where is it? Lyceum Theatre.
What is it? The Globe’s outdoor season now traditionally gets underway with a low key, truncated take on a classic Shakespeare play. These ‘Playing Shakespeare’ productions are made with secondary school children in mind but also open for the public. This year it’s Macbeth, sliced down to a lean 90 minutes.
Where is it? Shakespeare’s Globe.
What is it? Matthew Warchus's RSC production of Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin’s Roald Dahl adaptation remains a treat – the best new British West End musical of the twenty-first century.
Where is it? Cambridge Theatre.
What is it? While super-producer Cameron Mackistosh still has breath in his body we’ll never be too far from the next revival of Lionel Bart’s all-singing Dickens adaptation Oliver!. Fifteen years after the last, it’s back in new guise in a Matthew Bourne directed production that premiered at Chichester Festival Theatre back in the summer to reviews that praised it as comfortingly nostalgic rather than doing anything particularly bold.
Where is it? Gielgud Theatre.
What is it? This new show from the Little Angel is an adaptation of Joseph Coelho’s book Overheard in a Tower Block, a collection of poems about a young boy growing up in a huge urban tower block. Little Angel boss Samantha Lane directs a show for ages seven and above (also suited to adults).
Where is it? Little Angel Theatre Studios.
What is it? This short musical romp through the (after)lives of Henry VIII’s six wives is perfect for adults and secondary school kids alike.
Where is it? Vaudeville Theatre.
What is it? Quite possibly the most aggressively ‘80s artefact in existence, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Starlight Express’ is a musical about anthropomorphic roller skating trains that often feels like being forced to watch ten consecutive episodes of some trashy Saturday morning action cartoon…
Where is it? Troubadour Wembley Park.
What is it? The sky is falling in and you just know Chicken Licken is going to tell the king about it. Sarah Brigham’s new stage adaptation of the beloved if probably darker-than-you-remember-it fable about an innocent young chicken and his poultry pals who panic when an acorn falls from a tree and may or may not get eaten by a fox at the end depending on what route writer-director Brigham takes.
Where is it? Polka Theatre.
What is it? Asif Khan’s new play for tweens (ages eight to 12) is based on the story of a trio of hijab-wearing skateboarder sisters from Hull. In this fictionalised version there are just two sisters, and they’re from Bradford, and there’s a little more drama in the mix: Fatima and Salima and half-sisters, and there’s talk of their parents going their seperate ways, much to the horror of the skate-mad duo.
Where is it? Polka Theatre.
What is it? Aimed at older primary school children, The Vanishing Forest from English Touring Opera is a kids’ opera sequel to A Midsummer Night’s Dream in which Puck and his fairy crew must find Oberon and Titania and put an end to the deforestation around Athens that is robbing them of their magic. For ages seven to 12.
Where is it? Polka Theatre.
What is it? 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.
Where is it? Westfield Shopping Centre.
What is it? Children’s theatre company Tall Stories – best known for their blockbuster Julia Donaldson adaptations – will be adapting the adventures of David McKee’s much loved patchwork elephant Elmer. We’ll join a group of adventurers searching the jungle for Elmer – expect song, gentgle interactions, and an all round lovely time for ages three-plus.
Where is it? Rose Theatre Kingston.
What is it? The Unicorn’s big half-terms kids’ show is Emma Earle and Eamonn O’Dwyer’s adaptation of Rachel Bright and Jim Field’s beloved kids’ picturebook about a Kevin, a stay-at-home (well, tree) koala who only very recuctantly embraces change. Suitable for ages three-plus.
Where is it? Unicorn Theatre.
What is it? This short, gentle show from Little Angel artistic director Samatha Lane tells the story of a quintet of nocturnal animals, and how beauty and friendship can be found even in the depths of the city night. For ages two to five.
Where is it? Little Angel Theatre Studio.
What is it? Two aspiring builders are determined to get the job done. There’s only one slight problem: they’ve never built anything before. You can join in too in this interactive building adventure for ages two to five with a play and build session included.
Where is it? Polka Theatre.
What is it? 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.
Where is it? Queen Elizabeth Hall.
What is it? 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’).
Where is it? Little Angel Theatre.
What is it? 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.
Where is it? Unicorn Theatre.
What is it? A return for the Little Angel’s well-worn stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson's 'The Paper Dolls', about a little girl who cuts out a string of paper dolls and takes them on an adventure. There’s a reason it’s lasted so long: London's premiere puppet theatre bring it beautifully to life. Ages 3-7.
Where is it? Little Angel Theatre.
What is it? 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.
Where is it? Little Angel Theatre Studios.
October is arguably the peak month of the London theatre calendar, with all the big shows that’ll be running until Christmas getting underway…
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