Book tickets to summer West End shows suitable for children

Enjoy a family-friendly show in the West End, and introduce little ones to the magic of live theatre all summer long at shows specifically designed for children.

The school summer holidays are fast approaching, and once again London theatre has plenty of exciting options if you’re looking for kid-friendly entertainment. The West End is always a great bet for family shows, whether it's dedicated productions for young audiences or those that work for theatregoers from children up to grandparents, and everyone in between.

You’ve got plenty of choice when it comes to plays or musicals, length of show, subject matter, age suitability, and whether you’re keen to return to a family favourite or try something completely different.

It’s a great way to introduce newcomers to theatre in a way that will fire up their imaginations and smooth the transitions from their familiar books or movies to live entertainment.

Here are some of the fantastic child-friendly productions in London this summer that you can book for now.

Shrek The Musical

If you’re looking for an ogre-sized adventure with all your favourite characters from the Oscar-winning animated movie, then make a bee-line for Shrek The Musical. This lively comic show, led by Strictly Come Dancing champion Joanne Clifton, is bags of fairy tale fun.

Join Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona as they stand up to the evil Lord Farquaad, and help to save the mythical misfits like the Gingerbread Man. The production features original songs (plus film favourites like “I’m A Believer”), exciting visual effects, and lots of rude humour.

Book Shrek The Musical tickets on London Theatre.

The Enormous Crocodile

Head to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre for an exciting new adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved picture book about a crocodile searching the jungle for a delicious meal of a squidgy child – and all the other jungle creatures trying to foil his plan!

This new musical staging features tasty tunes by Ahmed Abdullahi Gallab and a mischievous book and lyrics by Suhayla El-Bushra, plus all the animals are brought to life via amazing pupets by Tobe Olié. A great adventure awaits the bravest children. Age recommendation is 4+.

Book The Enormous Crocodile tickets on London Theatre.

Mrs Doubtfire

Wonderful news, dearies – the legendary Scottish nanny is here to help! Yes, Robin Williams’s cross-dressing divorced dad/out-of-work actor, who disguises himself as Mrs Doubtfire in order to secretly see his kids, is now a stage musical sensation.

There’s hilarious slapstick comedy and big musical numbers that your kids (and everyone else) will love, but also a really heart-warming, important message about how families come in lots of different forms, and they’re all just as loving. Age recommendation is 7+.

Book Mrs Doubtfire tickets on London Theatre.

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

The lovely Olivier-nominated stage version of Judith Kerr’s classic picture book has been delighting young audiences for 15 years now, and it’s still the perfect introduction to theatre for little ones – and, at just 55 minutes, a nice quick theatre for the rest of the family too.

Sophie and her mummy are just sitting down to tea when a big, stripy tiger rings the doorbell. Watch this fluffy guest cause mayhem in a giddy production featuring sing-a-long songs, magic, jokes and plenty of theatre magic. Age recommendation is 3+.

Book The Tiger Who Came To Tea tickets on London Theatre.

Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudors

This summer, there’s brilliant entertainment for fans of the grippingly gruesome Horrible Histories books. Discover everything about the Tudors in this kid-friendly history show, which brings the stories to life with slapstick, songs and more.

From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, and Bloody Mary to the Spanish Armada, it’s a jam-packed production brimming with enjoyably nasty tales – and, of course, it’s all sneakily educational too. Just don’t tell the kids! The age recommendation is 5+.

Book Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudors tickets on London Theatre.

The Gruffalo

Mouse is searching for hazelnuts in the deep, dark wood. There he meets Fox, Owl and Snake – but will he keep danger at bay with the story of the terrifying Gruffalo, and is it really just a myth, or might the Gruffalo be real?

Julia Donald and Axel Scheffler’s monstrously fun tale is brilliantly brought to life in Tall Stories’ child-friendly production, which adds music and magic to this thrilling adventure. It’s suitable for children aged 3+ – and their parents, of course.

Book The Gruffalo tickets on London Theatre.

Starlight Express

It’s full steam ahead for this epic new version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical. This summer, the entire Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre is being transformed into the Starlight Auditorium, with trains (via actors on roller skates) whizzing around the audience in a totally immersive experience.

The story revolves around steam train Rusty, who is bullied by the modern diesel and electric trains, but proves himself in a big competition. Featuring a pop-rock soundtrack, this is a high-speed thrill ride – and a great pick for any child who is mad about trains. There’s no set age limit, but children under 3 won’t be admitted.

Book Starlight Express tickets on London Theatre.

Matilda

Roald Dahl’s literary heroine is an inspiration for both kids and adults, as she stands up to her bullying headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, outsmarts her mean family, and finds the courage to write her own story.

In fact, this long-running West End musical, which features anarchic songs from Tim Minchin, is a love letter to storytelling itself – telekinesis isn’t Matilda’s only magical power. No wonder it scored a whopping seven Olivier Awards, and is still as popular as ever. Age recommendation is 6+. Find out more about Matilda in London.

Book Matilda tickets on London Theatre.

The Lion King

There are animal adventures galore in this celebrated stage version of Disney’s animated movie. Julie Taymor’s astonishing production plunges us into the African Pride Lands via amazing puppets and special effects, while telling the familiar tale of lion cub Simba, who must learn to embrace his destiny.

The musical features catchy and heartfelt songs from Elton John and Tim Rice, including “The Circle of Life”, “Hakuna Matata” and the Oscar-winning “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”. It’s suitable for audiences aged 6+.

Book The Lion King tickets on London Theatre.

Back to the Future

Great Scott! The classic movie is now a blockbuster stage musical, powered by 1.21 gigawatts of zany storytelling and jaw-dropping special effects – including that famous flying DeLorean car. After accidentally time-travelling to the 1950s, cool Eighties teen Marty McFly must get his parents together and save his family, with the help of eccentric scientist Doc Brown.

The show features an original score plus the film’s standout songs, “The Power of Love” and “Johnny B Goode”. Kids aged 6+, plus their parents, will all love this blast from the past. Find out more about Back to the Future in London.

Book Back to the Future: The Musical tickets on London Theatre.

Photo credit: The Lion King (Photo courtesy of production)