London’s famed West End is renowned for its fabulous array of musicals and plays, offering a magical escape into the world of imagination. While some shows may cater to a more adult audience, plenty of productions are perfect for younger audiences – and we’re rounding up the very best so the kids can have a good time at the theatre too!
Whether you’re planning an evening out for the whole family or are yearning to introduce your little ones to the joys of theatre, here are the must-see West End shows that will leave the kids truly spellbound, as well as anyone who’s young at heart.
1. Matilda The Musical
When it comes to kid-friendly theatre, Matilda The Musical comes to mind for many a West End Wendy. Adapted from Roald Dahl’s beloved tale, this enchanting musical tells the story of a young girl who dares to stand up against the grain, armed with nothing but her wit, unwavering intelligence, and a bit of telekinetic power.
With a fantastic roster of catchy songs and a heartwarming storyline, it’s no wonder why this show has become a West End staple in the heart of Covent Garden. Matilda is a perfect choice for kids who love Dahl’s captivating stories and a bit of well-earned magic.
📍Matilda The Musical is at the Cambridge Theatre, 32-34 Earlham Street, WC2H 9HU. Book your tickets here.
2. The Lion King
Few shows capture your imagination quite like Disney’s The Lion King. This iconic musical brings the Pride Lands of Tanzania to life on a legendary West End stage, with stunning puppetry, vibrant costumes, and an unforgettable score by Elton John and Time Rice.
From the moment the curtain rises on the Circle of Life, kids will be captivated by the journey of Simba, a lion cub who’s destined to be king, getting help and motivation from the charming (and not-so-charming) characters he meets along the way. It’s a visually spectacular production that will leave both kids and adults in awe and singing all the way home.
📍The Lion King is at the Lyceum Theatre London, 21 Wellington Street, London, WC2E 7RQ. Book your tickets here.
3. Shrek The Musical
Equal parts hilarious and heartwarming, Shrek The Musical is a must-see show with layers. Based on the hit DreamWorks film, this toe-tapping musical follows the lovable ogre Shrek as he embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona and his sacred swamp – with plenty of laughs along the way.
The show’s colourful characters, catchy songs, and cheeky humour make it a great pick for families, all while proving that beautiful isn’t always pretty. From Donkey to Pinocchio, the Gingerbread Man, and beyond, witness your favourite characters like never before in this fabulous production.
📍Shrek: The Musical is at the Eventim Apollo, 2 Queen Caroline Street, London, W6 9QH. Book your tickets here.
4. Back to the Future: The Musical
Looking to take the kids on a time-travelling adventure? Back to the Future: The Musical is just the ticket, inspired by the smash eighties blockbuster. This unmissable stage adaptation of the classic film follows Marty McFly, as he accidentally travels back in time to the 1950s, where he must ensure his parents fall in love to save his own future.
With spectacular special effects, thrilling action scenes, and a dose of some well-needed nostalgia for the parents, this show is an exhilarating ride for all ages. The star-studded cast are also very well-versed in the West End world, bringing brilliant vocals to this incredible score full of sounds from the eighties.
📍Back to the Future: The Musical is at the Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London, WC2R 0NS. Book your tickets here.
5. Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Although it might be a little too scary for little ones of a certain age, Stranger Things: The First Shadow offers a thrilling and suspenseful experience that’s perfect for older kids, tweens, and teens. Set in the same eerie universe as the hit Netflix series. this prequel takes audiences back to Hawkins, Indiana in the 1950s, where the dark secrets of the town begin to unravel.
With a gripping storyline and unmatched special effects, this show is unlike any other on the West End. It’s a must-see for fans of the show, or anyone seeking a more unique theatre experience, blending supernatural thrills with that nostalgic charm that Netflix does so well.
📍Stranger Things: The First Shadow is at the Pheonix Theatre, Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0JP. Book your tickets here.
6. Six The Musical
Who says history has to be boring? Six The Musical turns the notorious tale of Henry VIII’s six wives into a high-energy pop concert, in which, each queen gets to reclaim her time and share her side of the story.
With its infectious tunes, empowering message, and dazzling costumes, this show has become a sensation among audiences of all ages, even making it across the pond on Broadway. It is known, however, for its passionate fandom of young girls, making it an epic pick that’s fit for the Queens of the family.
📍Six is located at Vaudeville Theatre London, 404 Strand, London, WC2R 0NH. Book your tickets here.
7. The Wizard of Oz
Transport the whole family to the magical land of Oz with this enchanting adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic story. The Wizard Of Oz follows the adventures of Dorothy, who gets swept away by a tornado to a world filled with witches, wizards, and beyond.
Featuring timeless songs like ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ and ‘Follow The Yellow Brick Road’, this musical is a colourful journey that’s guaranteed to spark the imagination of children and remind everyone that there’s no place like home.
📍Wizard of Oz is located at Gillian Lynne Theatre, 166 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5PW. Book your tickets here.
8. Wicked
While we’re on the topic of the Wizard of Oz, the musical’s just-as-iconic prequel has been a hit on the West End stage for quite some time now, and it’s no wonder why. Defying gravity and expectations alike, Wicked is the untold story of the witches of Oz, long before Dorothy landed in Munchkinland.
This spellbinding musical explores the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda the Good Witch. With its powerful themes of acceptance and courage, alongside a killer score with heart-stopping songs, Wicked is a hit with kids and adults alike.
📍Wicked is located at Apollo Victoria Theatre, 17 Wilton Rd, Pimlico, London SW1V 1LG. Book your tickets here.
9. Mrs. Doubtfire
Mrs. Doubtfire is a charming adaptation of the beloved Robin Williams film from 1993. This heartwarming and hilarious show is perfect for a night out with the kids, packed with laugh-out-loud moments, catchy songs, and touching scenes that explore the importance of family.
The story follows a father, Daniel Hillard, who disguises himself as a Scottish nanny to spend more time with his children following a messy divorce. Kids and adults will love the slapstick humour, while everyone can appreciate the show’s underlying message of love and perseverance.
📍Mrs. Doubtfire is located at London’s Shaftesbury Theatre, 210 Shaftesbury Ave, London WC2H 8DP. Book your tickets here.
10. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
For young wizards and witches, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a must-see theatrical experience in the heart of the West End. This two-part play is set nineteen years after the events of The Deathly Hallows, following Harry Potter’s son Albus, as he struggles with the weight of his family’s legacy.
With jaw-dropping special effects, spellbinding performances, and an enchanting story, this production brings the Wizarding World to life in a way that’s never been seen before. It’s perfect for kids who love the books or films, offering a fresh new chapter in the Harry Potter saga.
📍Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is located at Palace Theatre, 113 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 5AY. Book your tickets here.
11. Starlight Express
If you’re looking for some high-octane fun, Starlight Express is the show to see. This unique musical, set in a futuristic world of racing trains, is a spectacle of speed, light, and sound that’s performed entirely on rollerskates.
With its energetic score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and dazzling visuals, Starlight Express is an electrifying experience that’s sure to captivate kids and keep them on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
📍Starlight Express is at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, 3 Fulton Rd, Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 0SP. Book your tickets here.
12. Mamma Mia!
Take a chance on Mamma Mia! and you won’t be disappointed. Set on a Greek island, this feel-good musical tells the story of a young bride-to-be searching for her real father, all set to the iconic hits of Swedish pop legends ABBA.
The upbeat songs, sunny setting, and lively dance numbers make it the perfect introduction to musical theatre for kids. Plus, the show’s joyous tone is contagious-expect to be singing and dancing long after the final curtain!
📍Mamma Mia! is at the Novello Theatre, Aldwych, WC2B 4LD. Book your tickets here.
From magical adventures to pop-powered history lessons, London’s West End has something for every kid, tween, teen, and those who are young at heart. These fabulous shows promise to ignite your imagination, inspire the best kind of dreams, and most importantly, entertain the heck out of the whole family. So, grab your tickets and prepare for a theatre experience you’ll never forget.