Best London Theatre Shows For Kids

• Location: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 5JF
• Price: from £36 per person
• Age restrictions: six and up
• Why we recommend: written by Tony winners Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah, and featuring new songs by Alan Menken and David Zippel, we think that Hercules the Musical in London is packed with humour, spectacle, and family-friendly moments

Disney's Hercules is flexing its way onto the West End stage, and this mythological musical is every bit as larger-than-life as the hero himself. After sold-out runs in the U.S. and Germany, you can catch the show in London at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. 

The show follows Hercules, the son of Zeus and Hera, who is kidnapped and turned mortal by the villainous Hades. Raised on Earth with superhuman strength, Hercules embarks on a heroic journey to reclaim his place among the gods, only to learn that true greatness isn't about power, but about friendship and love.

• 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.

• Location: Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, Piccadilly Circus, W1D 7ES
• Price: from £10 per person
• Age restrictions: three and up
• Why we recommend: perfect for children aged three and up and their grown-ups, this much-loved show has toured Britain and the world, proving time and again that a little imagination (and a lot of courage) can go a very long way

At the Lyric Theatre, you'll travel into the deep, dark wood and join Mouse on a daring adventure in Tall Stories' magical musical adaptation of The Gruffalo, the beloved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler that's been delighting families for 25 years.

As Mouse searches for hazelnuts, he encounters a cunning Fox, an eccentric Owl and a high-spirited Snake, each one hungrier than the last, and he must use all his wit to stay one step ahead. But Mouse has a secret weapon: the terrifying Gruffalo… or so he says. 

• Location: Novello Theatre, Aldwych, Covent Garden, WC2B 4LD
• Price: from £28 per person
• Age restrictions: five and up
• Why we recommend: it's hard not to fall in love with this musical as it takes the whole family from the streets of London to a glorious Greek island where mischief and ABBA hits await 

MAMMA MIA! is the ultimate feel-good musical for all. Set on a dreamy Greek island, this joyful show tells a heartwarming story of love, friendship and family, all powered by the timeless hits of ABBA. With its bright energy, big laughs and endlessly catchy songs, it's a perfect introduction to musical theatre for older kids and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for parents too.

On the eve of her wedding, Sophie sets out to uncover the identity of the father she's never met, inviting three men from her mum Donna's romantic past to the island, with hilarious and heartfelt consequences. Will she find out who he is in time before she says I do? 

• Location: Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, Piccadilly Circus, W1V 8AR
• Price: from £30 per person
• Age restrictions: seven and up
• Why we recommend: we think that this timeless Dickens story is a brilliant show for younger theatre fans, and the catchy songs will become commonplace in the household

You'll find Oliver! in the West End, bringing Lionel Bart's iconic musical, and Charles Dickens' much-loved story, to life in a production from Cameron Mackintosh. This classic tale of courage, kindness and survival follows young Oliver Twist as he navigates the streets of Victorian London, from the workhouse to the criminal underworld.

Featuring some of the most beloved songs in theatre history, including 'Food, Glorious Food', 'Consider Yourself', 'You've Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two', 'Oom Pah Pah' and the heart-wrenching 'As Long As He Needs Me', Oliver! remains as entertaining as ever. 

• Location: Adelphi Theatre, Strand, WC2R 0NS
• Price: from £24 per person 
• Age restrictions: six and up
• Why we recommend: with its fast-paced storytelling, eye-popping stage magic and time-travelling twists, it's a feel-good family show that proves some stories really are timeless. Great Scott

Back to the Future: The Musical is a high-energy West End adventure that sends families racing through time at 88 miles per hour. This spectacular stage adaptation of the iconic 1985 film brings Marty McFly's story to life with jaw-dropping effects, laugh-out-loud moments and a seriously impressive DeLorean.

When teenager Marty is accidentally transported back to 1955 by the eccentric Doc Brown, he must make sure his teenage parents fall in love - or risk erasing his own future altogether

• 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: Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, Leicester Square, W1D 5AY
• Price: from £34 per person
• Age restrictions: eight and up
• Why we recommend: told across two parts in one epic theatrical experience, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has become a must-see for families with older children, offering a thrilling introduction to live theatre while continuing a story millions already love

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child invites young witches, wizards and muggles alike back into the magical world, this time on the West End stage. Set 19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts, the story follows a grown-up Harry Potter, now a Ministry of Magic employee and father of three, and his youngest son, Albus, who is struggling under the weight of a famous family name. As past and present collide, the pair are drawn into an extraordinary adventure that proves magic, friendship and bravery don't end when school does.

Based on an original story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, this spectacular stage production is packed with spellbinding special effects, jaw-dropping illusions and theatrical wizardry that has to be seen to be believed. 

• Location: Empress Museum, Earls Court, SW6 1TT
• Price: from £59 per person
• Age restrictions: five and up 
• Why we recommend: we think that this show is perfect for families with kids who love music, movement and big visual moments

Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular is a dazzling, family experience that brings the magic of The Greatest Showman to life under the Big Top at London's Earls Court. This theatrical adventure begins an hour before curtain-up, with an immersive pre-show experience where families can explore a colourful circus world, enjoy close-up performances, meet curious characters and grab food and drinks before taking their seats. From the moment you arrive, you're part of the spectacle.

Once inside the Big Top, expect jaw-dropping circus acts from world-class performers, including stars from Cirque du Soleil and Cirque de Demain, combined with West End musical theatre talent and all the hit songs by Pasek and Paul.

• Location: Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9HU
• Price: from £25 per person 
• Age restrictions: six and up
• Why we recommend: funny, moving and endlessly inventive, Matilda The Musical is a must-see for families, and you'll be singing the songs long after you've left the theatre together

Truly some of the best children's theatre London has to offer, Mailda The Musical brings Roald Dahl's brilliantly subversive story to life, following the young girl with a razor-sharp mind, a love of books and a fierce sense of justice.

While her parents are glued to the television and her school is ruled by the terrifying Miss Trunchbull, Matilda discovers she has a secret power, and the courage to use it. Packed with wit, imagination and a healthy dose of rebellion, this is family theatre at its very best.