Best London Theatre Shows For Kids

• Location: Cadogan Hall, Sloane Terrace, 5 Sloane Terrace, London, SW1X
• Price: from £27.26 per person
• Age restrictions: 5 and up
• Why we recommend: tying up all the best bits of classical theatre with a big festive bow, this is an experience the whole family will remember for years to come

Introduce your children to the art of ballet with The New Year's Day Concert: Ballet Nights. World-class performance and live music will fill Cadogan Hall in a crescendo of dramatic arts that will dazzling audience members of all ages. 

With a dance from The Nutcracker, a global industry star and songs by Mozart and Bach, this theatrical masterpiece is not one to be missed. 

• Location: Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street, London, W1D 4HS
• Price: from £25 per person
• Age restrictions: 12 and up
• Why we recommend: we know that finding West End shows that genuinely bridge the gap between young people and adults can be a nightmare - but Beetlejuice lands right in the sweet spot for family outings with older kids and teens

Got a teenager who thinks the theatre is boring? The ghost with the most is here to change their mind. Direct from Broadway, Beetlejuice The Musical has haunted its way into London's Prince Edward Theatre for a loud, hilarious West End run.

Based on Tim Burton's iconic 1988 movie, the show follows gothic teen Lydia Deetz as she navigates grief, a bizarre new house, and a fourth-wall-breaking demon who just wants to be seen. Packed with jaw-dropping visual effects, massive stage illusions, and a cool score, it's a dark, deliciously funny production tailored for the next generation of theatregoers.

• Location: Lyceum Theatre, 22 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 7RQ
• Price: from £39 per person
• Age restrictions: six and up 
• Why we recommend: with unforgettable songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, plus an Oscar-winning score from Hans Zimmer, The Lion King London is a must-see for families and theatre lovers alike

Children's theatre? London is fortunate enough to be home to Disney's The Lion King, which has been a West End landmark since 1997. This multi-award-winning musical has redefined family shows with its breathtaking puppetry, jaw-dropping special effects and a soundtrack that has become part of the cultural fabric.

Directed by Julie Taymor, the stage adaptation transforms the beloved film into a spectacular live experience, filled with glorious colour, powerful choreography and over 232 puppets that bring the savannah to life in a way you have to see to believe.

• Location: Savoy Theatre, Strand, Covent Garden, WC2R 0ET
• Price: from £55 per person
• Age restrictions: six and up, but will welcome four and five-year-olds
• Why we recommend: the charm of the cleverly executed bear is enough to warm anyone's heart, and there's a sense of uplifting nostalgia to this fabulous tale 

When it comes to kids' theatre shows, London is home to a healthy handful, and none come cuter and fuzzier than Paddington The Musical. Get lost in the delightful world of one of Britain's most beloved characters at the Savoy Theatre, where the classic bear's adventures come to life.

Packed with toe-tapping songs, dazzling dance numbers and, of course, a generous helping of marmalade sandwiches, this new production takes Michael Bond's treasured stories - and the award-winning films - and turns them into a bright, family-friendly musical. Directed by multi-award-winning Luke Sheppard, with original music and lyrics by McFly's Tom Fletcher and a book by Olivier Award-winner Jessica Swale, it's a creative dream team that delivers a show with real sparkle.