Best London Musicals for Children
Despite a plethora of amazing musicals and plays available in London’s West End, it can often be difficult to find productions that will appeal to both you and your youngsters! To complicate matters, children may not even be admitted into some West End venues, with many shows carrying a general age restriction of 5+.
School holidays such as half term, Christmas, Summer and Easter are a great opportunity for a day out in London. To help you find the right outing for your family, we’ve selected a few of our favourite major musicals that will entertain both adults and children.
Handy tip: Booking well in advance can often guarantee the best seats for the best prices!
Age Restrictions
Whilst some shows such as The Snowman are designed specifically for young children, including babes-in-arms, some theatres operate strict age restrictions that do not permit under 5s into the auditorium. In all cases, every person, regardless of age, must have their own ticket.
Age restrictions mean that anyone under the age of the specified number will not be admitted into the venue.
Age Recommendations
There are certain productions that provide age recommendations, rather than restrictions. Recommendations are guidelines that can help you decide whether a show is appropriate for your child. Examples of shows with age recommendations include Wicked (7+), Mamma Mia! (5+) and The Lion King (6+).
Top Shows to See with Children
Below is our list of London’s top musicals that guarantee to entertain the whole family.
4. Wicked
Playing in the West End for over 10 years, Wicked continues to entertain audiences with its spell-binding score and heart-warming story of witches Elphaba and Glinda.
Loosely based on the backstory of The Wizard of Oz, Wicked sees how the two women transform from bitter enemies to best friends, on a journey that changes them both forever. As they discover the dark secrets of Oz, Elphaba and Glinda are forced to confront their deepest fears and embrace who they truly are.
With songs that have no doubt been heard in your car, house and all over town, Wicked features the show-stopping “Defying Gravity”, “The Wizard and I”, “No Good Deed”, “For Good”, and much more.
Where: Apollo Victoria Theatre
Recommended for: Ages 7+. Children under the age of 3 will not be admitted into the venue.
3. The Lion King
Playing at the Lyceum Theatre since 1999, Disney’s The Lion King remains one of London’s top musicals. An electrifying combination of eye-catching costumes, enchanting puppetry and a well-known musical score, this stage adaptation of the classic tale brings to life the beloved characters of Simba, Nala, Timon and Pumbaa.
Following the same story as the film, the show includes the famous Disney songs “Circle of Life”, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Hakuna Matata”, as well as many, many more!
Guaranteed to have the whole family dancing in their seats, a wide range of matinee performances makes The Lion King the perfect choice for those looking for a trip to the big city.
Where: Lyceum Theatre
Recommended for: Ages 6+. Children under the age of 3 will not be admitted into the venue.
2. Back to the Future the Musical
The endearing family comedy classic has been adapted into the most spectacular, special-effects laden production on the West End! Back to the Future the Musical is a warp-speed, sensory overload from start to finish, with the kind of big laughs and zany characters that will keep Primary and Secondary School aged children amused the whole time.
The stage effects really cannot be understated in this show. Young and old alike will be in awe at the highly skilled blend of practical set-pieces and projections used to create the spectacle…not to mention the stuff that they manage to do with that car!
Parents who grew up with Marty and Doc Brown should not hesitate to take their kids to see Back to the Future the Musical. It is a high-octane thrill ride that shouldn’t be missed.
Where: Adelphi Theatre
Recommended for: Ages 6+. Children under the age of 3 will not be admitted into the venue.
Buy tickets for Back to the Future
1. Matilda the Musical
Continuing to play to packed-out audiences, Matilda the Musical is Roald Dahl’s beloved story of a very little girl with very large powers. Adapted for the stage by Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin, the musical includes an astoundingly memorable score, featuring hit songs such as “When I Grow Up”, “Naughty” and “Revolting Children”.
Following little Matilda, who adores to read and tell stories, the musical sees her attend school with the terrifying Miss Trunchbull and the sweet, delicate Miss Honey. Anyone who loved the 1996 film will be thrilled by this Olivier Award-winning show, which features hugely talented youngsters. Your little ones are guaranteed to clamour to join their nearest amateur theatre group!
Where: Cambridge Theatre
Recommended for: Ages 6+. Children under the age of 5 will not be admitted into the venue.
If you need some handy tips on taking young children to the theatre, make sure you check out our helpful guide, which is sure to answer your questions – from booster seats, age recommendations to the perfect place to sit.
Have you been to any musicals with children and want to recommend a fabulous show? Do you agree with our family-friendly choices? Let us know!
What do you think?
6 thoughts on “Best London Musicals for Children”
Comments are closed.
August 15, 2011 at 9:57 pm
I’m visiting London with my young daughter in October & had hoped to bring her to see ‘Shrek’, as she loves the movie 🙂
Do you think, if I asked for seats near the rear of the stalls, she would be granted access? She’s almost 4 … &, what’s in a year?! 😉
She’s quite advanced & knows when she should & shouldn’t be talking (or shouting, as the case may sometimes be!!) so I have full confidence in her ability to sit through the show & enjoy it.
I understand that there must be age restrictions, but surely the rules can be bent when a Mother is taking full responsibility for her child (not letting him/ her run down the aisles like I’ve often seen, in children much older than 5!!!)
August 16, 2011 at 8:52 am
Hi Claire – for Shrek the Musical it appears that children under the age of 5 are not allowed into the theatre, so if your daughter is 4 it will probably be a problem! I would call the box office before booking!!
October 30, 2012 at 10:11 am
“Although there is no particularly strong language or violence in any of
these shows, it is left to your discretion as to whether you would be
comfortable taking young children along.”
I have to disagree with the above statement with regard to Jersey Boys, there is indeed a lot of strong language.
October 30, 2012 at 10:36 am
I don’t think anyone was recommending Jersey Boys as a children’s show at all. I agree that Matilda is a great show for kids.
February 4, 2013 at 12:18 pm
Oh! Great thanks! Coming to London with my 12 year old daughter in half term in a few weeks. It sounds like she will love it!
July 2, 2013 at 4:51 pm
it sounds great thanks i will take my 43 bro to these