The best children’s theatre shows: London 2019
Posted on 22 July 2019
It’s a question as old as time: what to do with the family during the school holidays? Luckily, there are plenty of London theatres catering to kids and their families this summer. You probably know about the big-name shows that have been running in the West End for a while now, The Lion King and the soon to close Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre are two top choices along with Roald Dahl’s Matilda the musical, but there is a whole new host of children’s theatre London’s West End has to offer based on television shows, favourite stories and picture books. No matter what age your kids are, there is sure to be something on our list for them (and you!)
Children’s Theatre London, West End and beyond
Shows for the youngest in the family
It’s never too early to introduce your children to the world of live theatre, and we have some theatre tickets that are perfect for the littlest ones in your family. London’s Troubadour White City Theatre is bringing you a summer line-up of shows that you can bring your babes in arms and toddlers to enjoy!
Little Baby Bum
The YouTube channel that has spent countless hours entertaining and educating your littlest ones has come to the stage of the Troubadour White City Theatre just in time for summer. This new Little Baby Bum live show features the nursery rhymes and children’s songs that you’ve come to know and love along with Mia, Jacus, Twinkle and their Nursery Rhyme friends.
🎟Purchase Little Baby Bum tickets now!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
Eric Carle’s multi-award-winning picture books are coming to life this summer. Four of his timeless classics including The Very Hungry Caterpillar are here to entrance and delight audiences with more than 70 puppets coming together to tell these incredible stories.
🎟Purchase The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show tickets today!
Great theatre for school-aged children
Even if your kids are a bit older we’ve got some fabulous shows for them to fall in love with this summer. Based on some of the most popular children’s books of recent times, here are three shows that will have your school-aged children clamouring for a story, or another visit to the theatre!
Aliens Love Underpants
Another fantastic children’s book is making its way to the London stage. Special effects, music and a parade of wacky alien creatures come together to make this a theatre experience like no other. With cast members in the audience throughout the show, your kids are sure to feel like they are a part of the action. Prepare to laugh your pants off!
🎟Book Aliens Love Underpants tickets now!
Monstersaurus
Brought to you by the creators of Aliens Love Underpants this show is guaranteed to be a monster-ously good time! When young inventor Monty finds a guide to creating a monster friend it seems like all his wishes have been granted. But once his creations come to life, what is he going to do with them?
🎟Purchase Monstersaurus tickets today!
The Snail and the Whale
From the same team that brought you The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom, this latest stage show is based on Julia Donaldson’s touching ‘tail’ of high sea adventure. Settle into London’s Apollo Theatre as an adventurous girl and her seafaring father tell the story of how the little snail with the itchy foot saves the great big grey-blue humpback whale.
🎟Book The Snail and the Whale tickets before they set sail!
Fun shows for the family
If you’re looking for family shows that are good for a range of ages, look no further. The next shows we have for you are a bit different than the ones we’ve presented so far, but we’re sure you’ll love them just as much!
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾
Based on Sue Townsend’s incredible best selling book, Adrian Mole is back in the West End. Follow the musical adventures of everyone’s favourite misunderstood genius. Sure, he’s incredibly smart, but is that going to be enough to see him through the absolutely indecipherable challenge of being a teenager?
🎟Book your tickets to The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾ today!
Brainiac Live!
Strap on your safety goggles and prepare to introduce your family to the live stage show inspired by the cult classic television show Brainiac: Science Abuse. This weird science show is filling the stage of the Garrick Theatre with bangs and booms and all sorts of things you definitely should not do at home.
🎟Purchase Brainiac Live! tickets for a dynamite time!
With our special #LTD20 discount theatre offers these shows are even more affordable than ever! Keep your eyes peeled for all the best deals on kid’s summer theatre. London Theatre Children’s Shows are for the whole family! Don’t stay trapped inside during the holidays, get out and catch one of these amazing shows that are sure to be the highlight of the summer holidays.
By Sarah Gengenbach
Sarah's love of theater was sparked by an enthusiastic drama teacher who wouldn't take no for an answer. These days she's much more comfortable in the audience than on the stage. She's an English teacher and enjoys reading and writing when she's not teaching or at the theater.