Kids' theatre: London's best shows 2019

Our round up of best family theatre and musicals for summer proves that there is, in fact, such a thing as "fun for the whole family"

The Gruffalo, Lyric Theatre

Come for a walk in the deep, dark wood with everyone's favourite monster – the Gruffalo – based on Julia Donaldson's much-loved protagonist, returning to the West End at the Lyric this summer to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the hit book, illustrated by Axel Scheffler. We can't think of a better intro to theatre for your little one.



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WHEN
03 Jul 2019 – 08 Sep 2019, various
WHERE
Lyric Theatre
Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, London Palladium

The most highly anticipated musical opening this summer, starring one of our favourite faces and voices. We can't wait. Go, go, go Joseph!

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WHEN
27 Jun 2019 – 08 Aug 2019, See booking website for matinees
WHERE
London Palladium
Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TF

The Worst Witch, Vaudeville Theatre

The Worst Witch, based on the bestselling kids' series from Jill Murphy, is flying into the West End's Vaudeville Theatre this July, with a stage adaptation by Royal Television Society Award winner, Emma Reeves. It tells the story of Mildred Hubble, an ordinary girl, who just happens to end up as a student at an academy for witches.

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WHEN
24 Jul 2019 – 08 Sep 2019, various
WHERE
Vaudeville Theatre
404 Strand, London, WC2R 0NH

Adrian Mole The Musical, Ambassadors Theatre

Another fun one for the school-kid crowd, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13¾ the Musical reveals the innermost secrets of a young teen, in song form. Expect hilarity to ensue.

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WHEN
15 Jun 2019 – 12 Oct 2019, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
WHERE
Ambassadors Theatre
West Street, London, WC2H 9ND

Mr. Gum and the Dancing Bear, National Theatre

Mr. Gum is grumpy and unpleasant, sure. Which is why we're sure he'll be a brilliant character to watch come alive on stage. The National's Mr. Gum and the Dancing Bear, directed by Amy Hodge, is this summer's must-see kids' show.

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WHEN
25 Jul 2019 – 31 Aug 2019, various
WHERE
National Theatre
South Bank, London, SE1 9PX

Everybody's Talking About Jamie, Apollo Theatre

A 16-year-old living on a Sheffield council estate breaks the mould in this uproarious coming of age musical. Everybody's Talking About Jamie is about overcoming prejudice and finding yourself. Rupaul's Drag Race fans will be excited to know that Bianca Del Rio is now one of the stars.

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WHEN
01 Oct 2017 – 25 Jan 2020, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
WHERE
Apollo Theatre
31 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES

Wicked, Apollo Victoria Theatre

Defy gravity and discover the untold story behind the Wizard of Oz with Wicked. The multi award-winning musical has delighted audiences all around the world and makes for a great intro to the West End for your child with its combination of blow-your-mind songs, emotional story of friendship and betrayal and that touch of magic. Parents love it, too.

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WHEN
Booking until August 2019
WHERE
Apollo Victoria Theatre
17 Wilton Road, SW1V 1LG

A Midsummer Night's Dream, Bridge Theatre

It wouldn't be summer without a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. 2019 brings an immersive take on Shakespeare's madcap comedy and Nicholas Hytner invites audiences into an enchanted forest at the Bridge Theatre. We can't think of a more interesting way to bring that GCSE material to life - or to cultivate a life-long interest in the Bard.

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WHEN
03 Jun 2019 – 31 Aug 2019, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
WHERE
Bridge Theatre
3 Potters Fields Park, London, SE1 2SG

Six: The Musical, Arts Theatre

Divorced, beheaded, died - we all know how it goes. But the six wives of Henry VIII are fed up of being "just one word in a stupid rhyme." In Six: The Musical, they take to the stage to tell their own stories, through the medium of majestic pop, hilarious zingers and girl power. A must for any musically - or historically - inclined teen.

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WHEN
17 Jan 2019 – 05 Jan 2020, Weekend matinees at 4pm
WHERE
Arts Theatre
6-7 Great Newport Street, London, WC2H 7JB

Hamilton, Victoria Palace Theatre

The musical that changed the history of musicals happens to tell us quite a lot about actual British and American history. Everything about this show is stellar: the cast, the lyrics, the inclusiveness, the seamless merging of the past with the contemporary. One of our favourite games? Spotting the musical references, from Destiny's Child to Ja Rule to Notorious B.I.G. This is one show that will stay imprinted on your child's memory for life.

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WHEN
06 Dec 2017 – 28 Sep 2019, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
WHERE
Victoria Palace Theatre
Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5EA

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Bridge Theatre

Venture through the wardrobe the magical world of Narnia as C.S Lewis's classic is brought to life at the Bridge Theatre. Sally Cookson's devised production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe transfers to London after a successful opening in Leeds in 2017. The reviews for the Leeds production have been brilliant - and everyone loves a little Narnian magic, right?

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WHEN
09 Nov 2019 – 02 Feb 2020, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
WHERE
Bridge Theatre
3 Potters Fields Park, London, SE1 2SG

The Boy in the Dress, RSC Stratford Upon Avon

Wherever you're planning on going for Christmas 2019, make sure that Stratford-Upon-Avon is top of the list: the RSC is transforming David Walliams' hit book, The Boy in the Dress, into a large-scale musical production. Well worth the trip out.



David Walliams' hit 2008 bestseller introduces us

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WHEN
08 Nov 2019 – 08 Mar 2020, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
WHERE
RSC Stratford-Upon-Avon
Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BB

Disney's Frozen, Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Let it go? No way. Frozen hits the West End this autumn, in musical form, and we plan to sing and dance our way there, possibly while solely wearing icicles.

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WHERE
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
Catherine Street, London , WC2B 5JF
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