Autumn highlights: Best Kids' Events, London 2014-15
Autumn has never been so exciting, with an array of events to amuse children big and small. Here's our guide to London's best shows, talks and activities.
Back to school has never been so exciting, with such a diverse array of events to amuse and inspire children big and small. Here's our guide to the best talks, shows and activities in London this autumn and beyond. Get booking so the whole family can have lots to look forward to.
Under 5s
Grandad, Me… and Teddy Too, Polka Theatre: October – February
This charming tale of a little girl’s excitement to see her beloved granddad will enchant the tiniest of children, as the sweet, funny story, and original score give an engaging introduction to theatre. We recommend you take along a grandparent, and maybe a teddy, too.
Dusk, Young Vic: November
Costumes have been specially sewn (including long furry ears and even longer tails) for the young audience, each of whom is invited to play an integral part in the telling of Dusk, a play about the most wondrous time of day from innovative inventors Fevered Sleep. It's created for 4-7 year olds, but older and younger siblings will still feel the magic.
5+
The Jabberwocky, Little Angel Theatre: November - February
Lewis Carroll's joyous nonsense world of the jubjub bird and the tumtum tree is a favourite of readers of all ages thanks to the seductive sounds that slip from the tongue and fizz into life. Now the vibrant poem and its fantastical and ferocious creatures are woven into a narrative in this exuberant family puppet show, which is perfect for anyone over six.
The Way Back Home , Young Vic: December
This captivating collaboration between The Young Vic and the English National Opera promises to be the perfect introduction to opera. Promising, prize-winning playwright Rory Mullarky has adapted his script from the cherished children’s book by Oliver Jeffers , an inspirational tale of a boy who makes an Icarus-like flight into the sky, before crash landing on the moon.
The Little Match Girl , Sadler’s Wells: December- Janauary
A returning triumph for choreographer of the moment Arthur Pita, The Little Match Girl transforms a heart-breaking Christmas classic into a fantastical fairytale adventure, and a quirky Christmas ballet. In case you think it’s just for girls, there’s also an incongruous astronaut…
Against Captain’s Orders, Punchdrunk at the National Maritime Museum, march - april (booking open now)
Theatre and history collide as immersive experts and history buffs transform a trip to the National Maritime museum into a dramatic high seas adventure, full of intrigue and imagination. Combining the creative expertise of the folks at Punchdrunk, who bamboozled and bewitched grown ups earlier this year with the magic of A Drowned Man, and the rich history contained in the National Maritime Museum, this special exhibit brings to life the wealth of treasures ensconced in the museum, for kids aged six to twelve.
Older kids and teens
To Kill a Mockingbird, Barbican: summer 2015
Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning tale of a racist and corrupt southern America shown through the eyes of gusty young Scout has sold over 30 million copies and introduced countless of people, young and old, to the magic of reading. The stage adaptation, starring Robert Sean Leonard, consistently sells out. Book now for summer.
Fun for all the family
Storystock, October half term
The spectacular storytelling circus returns, featuring lots of literary activities and workshops for little ones ages three to eleven. There are thee jam-packed days of activities with plenty of chances to get creative and to meet, greet and be inspired by beloved writers including Michael Morpurgo, Lauren Child and Judith Kerr. Perfect for engaging and encouraging budding bookworms.
Matilda the Musical, Cambridge Theatre: now - May 2015
If you still haven't seen Tim Minchin and playwright Dennis Kelly's musical adaption of a gusty little girl with phenomenal brainpower, believe the hype and book now. It's raked in the awards, from a few Tonys in its New York run to a place in the Guinness Book of Records for the most Olivier Award wins. It's booking until December, with more tickets until May 2015 available from September 24.
The Twits, Royal Court: April - May
There's a fresh new Roald Dahl adaptation in town too, as his gruesome twosome get a mischievous makeover from Irish playwright Enda Walsh. With such vividly imagined characters this story has the scope to become a visual and dramatic spectacle, complete with Muggle-Wumps and food-crusted beards.