Family theatre: London's best shows for all the family
In need of feel good, family shows in London? Want to know what kids' theatre and musicals are on in April 2018? Here's our pick of the best
Kika's Birthday, Little Angel Theatre
Kika's Birthday was produced by award-winning raconteur, Danya Miller, who was once described by Michael Morporgro himself as 'a storytelling phenomenon'. This interactive puppet show about the birthday party of a tiny French mouse promises a thoroughly engaging performance – be sure to book well in advance!
The Birdman plus Monkey Business, Puppet Theatre Barge
Don't miss out on this double bill aboard the atmospheric Puppet Theatre Barge. Monkey marionettes perform all kinds of dangerous stunts and hilarious tricks in Monkey . Business. Stay tuned for The Birdman, a powerful performance follows the adventures of a baby bird.
Ages 3+
Junk, Little Angel Theatre
Junk is an immersive puppetry production from the Little Angel Theatre that promises to whisk tiny audience members to a world where rambunctious egg cartons and spirited newspapers run rampant.
The Singing Mermaid, Little Angel Theatre
The classic, cautionary showbiz tale follows the misadventures of a musical mermaid, conned into joining the circus. Based on the children's book by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks, a troupe of playful puppets will help translate the The Singing Mermaid for the stage.
Read more ...Beginners, Unicorn Theatre
The Unicorn Theatre presents Beginners, a brand-new play that grapples with growing up. The show follows three families over the course of a dramatic summer, weaving their stories together for a heartwarming performance.
Read more ...Michael Rosen’s Chocolate Cake, Polka Theatre
The Polka Theatre presents a painfully relatable tale for chocoholics everywhere. Based on Michael Rosen's Chocolate Cake poem and picture book, the show chronicles the struggles of having a weakness for delicious flavour. Two sweet-toothed brothers must prove their innocence in the curious incident of the chocolate cake disappearing in the nighttime.
Read more ...The Winter’s Tale, National Theatre
Shakespeare's comedy of love, loss, and reconciliation has been re-imagined for children in a new family-friendly production. Winter's Tale will open at the Dorfman Theatre to delight London's little ones for February half-term 2018 before touring the country to different primary schools.
Not Now, Bernard, Unicorn Theatre
Join Bernard (and a monster) on an adventure that is equal parts funny and thought provoking. Based on the children's book by David McKee, this production at the Unicorn Theatre is not to be missed.
Read more ...Aladdin, Prince Edward Theatre
This mega-watt, big-budget musical theatre version of Disney’s Aladdin is pure wish fulfillment. The production is pure sumptuous spectacle, with a surfeit of sparkle, unfeasibly fit backing dancers, live fireworks and a flying carpet.
Afterwards, go check out the Genie's Cave Afternoon Tea at Cutter & Squidge.
The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, Criterion Theatre
A priceless diamond is being stored at a poorly-run bank. A pickpocket, an escaped convict, a gold digger, and an elderly intern find themselves embroiled in a hysterical heist.
Read more ...Annie, Piccadilly Theatre
Annie, the world's second most notorious orphaned redhead (after Anne of Green Gables) returns to the stage. The rags-to-riches tale features Miranda Hart, star of BBC sitcom Miranda, as smarmy orphanage supervisor Miss Hannigan. You can bet your bottom dollar that you don't want to miss her performance.
Recommended for ages 6
Matilda the Musical, Cambridge Theatre review ★★★★★
Roald Dahl’s story of a child genius with magic powers who brings first anarchy and then justice to her little world is, it turns out, perfectly suited for the stage. Matilda is a gutsy little girl whose phenomenal brainpower goes
unnoticed by her couch potato parents and is reviled by her
troll of a headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Roald Dahl's tale of pint-sized revolution is an exhilarating treat for the whole family.
Recommended for ages 5
School of Rock the Musical, New London Theatre review ★★★★★
With a little help from musical theatre maestro Andrew Lloyd Webber and writer Julian Fellowes, School of Rock has graduated from hit film to a big-budget West End show, complete with roaring riffs and a talented cast of pint-sized rockstars. It's an easy watch with a fair few laughs and plenty to amuse the kids.
Recommended for ages 5
The Play That Goes Wrong, Duchess Theatre review ★★★★★
The Play That Goes Wrong captures a cast of bungling thespians as their dramatic plans descend into disaster. Farce at its finest, this high energy physical comedy brings old-school slapstick back to the West End.
Read more ...