Kids' theatre: London's best shows 2019

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

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.