Starlight Express, Troubadour Theatre, 2024
Photo: Pamela Raith
Photo: Pamela Raith

Children’s theatre in London: the best shows for kids of all ages

From tiny tots to older kids, we've got your next family theatre trip covered with the best children’s theatre in London

Andrzej Lukowski
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It's never to early to introduce kids to the magic of theatre: there are literally shows for babies. But if your kids are a bit older than that, don’t worry: London kids theatre is bursting with shows that'll delight junior audiences of all sorts. There are gentle puppet shows for toddlers. Bright and shiny, song-stuffed adventures for young kids. Smart dramas that are sure to hold teenagers rapt. And spectacular musicals that are perfect for the whole family (or just adults looking for a great night out)

Our London kids’ theatre page normally contains information for all the main children’s shows running in London theatres this month and next month, and is broken down into three categories.

Theatre for all the family is suitable for any age, including adults without children.

Theatre for older children is specifically aimed at school-age children and teenagers.

Theatre for babies, pre-schoolers and younger children does what the title suggests, and also includes shows suitable for younger school-age children.

See also:
101 things to do in London with kids.
The best child-friendly restaurants in London.
The top 9 museums in London for kids.

Theatre for all the family

  • Musicals
  • Covent Garden
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
The Lion King
The Lion King

Nothing prepares you for the sheer impact of 'The Lion King's opening sequence…

  • Musicals
  • Seven Dials
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
Matilda the Musical
Matilda the Musical

Matthew Warchus's RSC production of Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin’s Roald Dahl adaptation remains a treat.

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  • Musicals
  • Strand
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
Six the Musical
Six the Musical

This short musical romp through the (after)lives of Henry VIII’s six wives is perfect for adults and secondary school kids alike.

  • Musicals
  • Wembley
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

Quite possibly the most aggressively ‘80s artefact in existence, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Starlight Express’ is a musical about anthropomorphic roller skating trains that often feels like being forced to watch ten consecutive episodes of some trashy Saturday morning action cartoon…

New theatre this month

Encore

See the brightest stars on stage with Time Out

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