You’re never too young for a bit of culture!
This list of 12 top West End shows for kids, shows that London’s theatre scene isn’t just for adults. London is brimming with kid-friendly plays and musicals in the West End and beyond.
If you’re planning a long weekend or are looking to round out a week-long holiday, a trip to the theatre can be a great experience for the entire family.
But unlike films, it’s not very clear at a glance how suitable a theatre show will be for your little ones.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best West End shows for kids in London – from adaptations of children’s storybooks to award-winning classics.
Which West End shows for kids are on right now?
Read on to discover our favourite West End shows for kids playing in London at the moment. If you’re looking for musicals you can also see our list of 10 Magical Musicals for Kids in London.
The Lion King
Lyceum Theatre, The West End
Tickets from £44.10: The Lion King
This adaptation of the 1994 classic has been entertaining audiences for over 20 years.
Ages: 3 years+
Reviews: 4.5/5 from 12,374 reviews on Tripadvisor
About The Lion King musical
The familiar story of Simba comes alive with a stunning mix of vibrant stagecraft, impressive puppetry and timeless songs.
Some scenes are shorter and a few removed, but aside from these changes, the musical is almost a 1:1 recreation of the animated film.
What we love about The Lion King
The first thing it seems everybody talks about with The Lion King is the stage magic, and for a good reason. All the wildlife of the African savannah is brought to life with truly stunning costume design and puppetry.
From giraffes played by actors on stilts to the grand entrance of a life-sized elephant (Played by no fewer than four puppeteers!), the musical number ‘Just Can’t Wait to Be King’ is one of the stand-out moments for the costumes alone.
The stage itself is full of surprises and transforms from scene to scene, taking you from Pride Rock to the elephant graveyard to the gorge in an instant.
How to get to the Lyceum Theatre
The Lyceum is only a short walk from Covent Garden station on the Piccadilly Line.
Just head south from the station on James Street, take a left onto Floral Street and turn right onto Bow Street. The theatre will be on your left.
Unfortunately, the Lyceum Theatre doesn’t have a car park. If you’re driving, then we recommend parking at the Q-Park Covent Garden, which is only a 10-minute walk away.
The Lion King reviews
The Lion King has a rating of 4.5/5 based on 12,374 total reviews at the time of writing.
Reviewers had nothing but praise for the effects and stagecraft, but a few noted that the two-and-a-half-hour runtime might be too long for younger children or those with short attention spans.
Book The Lion King tickets
Ticket prices for The Lion King start at £44.10 on LoveTheatre – buy yours today from official ticket sellers here: The Lion King.
Mrs. Doubtfire
The Shaftesbury Theatre, The West End
Tickets from £28.80: Mrs. Doubtfire
Adapted from the 1993 Robin Williams film in 2021, Mrs. Doubtfire is one of the newer plays in our list.
Ages: 3 years+ (recommended for 6 years+)
Reviews: 5/5 from 118 reviews on Tripadvisor
About Mrs. Doubtfire the musical
This musical follows an actor who disguises himself as an elderly nanny so he can stay close to his kids following a divorce.
Packed with both humour and heart, Mrs. Doubtfire strikes a balance between emotional depth and laughter.
What we love about Mrs. Doubtfire
The main character perfectly mimics Robin Williams’ iconic performance in the 1993 film.
Each of the 20+ original musical numbers is catchy and comes to life with clever stagecraft and costume designs.
The combination of laugh-out-loud moments and genuine emotional depth means that everybody has something to enjoy.
How to get to the Shaftesbury Theatre
The Shaftesbury Theatre is easy to reach by Tube, with Tottenham Court Road, Holborn and Covent Garden being a 5-minute walk away.
Parking is available round the corner at APCOA Covent Garden car park.
Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical reviews
Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical has a rating of 5/5 based on 118 total Tripadvisor reviews at the time of writing.
Most reviewers enjoyed the energy of the lead actor and the musical numbers. However, a few noted that younger audiences probably won’t understand most of the jokes.
Book Mrs. Doubtfire the musical tickets
Tickets for Mrs. Doubtfire start from just £28.80 – Mrs. Doubtfire.
Wicked
The Apollo Theatre, The West End
Tickets from £27.00: Wicked the musical
The multi-award-winning musical puts a twist on things by having an ‘evil’ witch as the main character.
Ages: 5 years+ (recommended for 7 years+)
Reviews: 4.5/5 from 7,486 reviews on Tripadvisor
About Wicked
Wicked challenges fairy-tale ideas of good and evil by exploring the friendship between Elphaba, a misunderstood girl with green skin, and Glinda, a popular blonde.
This all comes together in a fantasy adventure filled with catchy songs, dazzling costumes and even flying monkeys!
What we love about Wicked
It’s not hard to see why Wicked has won award after award.
Everything from the special effects to the costume design to the musical numbers is top-notch and leaves an impression long after you leave The Apollo.
The fact this all comes with a meaningful story that explores stereotypes, friendship and acceptance is the icing on the cake.
How to get to The Apollo Theatre
The Apollo Theatre is a 5-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly Lines).
If you’re looking to drive to the theatre, parking is available at Q-Park in nearby Chinatown.
Wicked the musical reviews
Wicked is rated 4.5/5 based on 7,486 reviews on Tripadvisor at the time of writing.
Reviewers loved the catchy songs, quality acting and clever stagecraft. Some noted that some scary scenes and the complex themes make this less appropriate for very young kids.
Book Wicked the musical tickets
Tickets for Wicked start from just £27.00 at ATG Tickets – Wicked the musical.
MAMMA MIA!
Novello Theatre, The West End
Tickets from £15.00: MAMMA MIA!
MAMMA MIA! is a smash hit musical uniquely built around classic ABBA tracks.
Ages: 3 years+ (recommended for 5 years+)
Reviews: 4.5/5 from 3,233 reviews on Tripadvisor
About MAMMA MIA!
Set on a beautiful Greek Island, MAMMA MIA! sees bride-to-be Sophie invite three of her mother’s old flames to the wedding – hoping that one of them will be the father she never knew.
The result is a fun-filled mystery set to ABBA’s iconic songs.
What we loved about MAMMA MIA!
While the entire production is well-acted, ABBA’s music is the real star of the show. Their classic hits are woven throughout the story to create incredible dance numbers and sing-alongs.
Combined with the generally light-hearted tone, the result is an incredibly fun two-and-a-half-hour romp that audiences of all ages will appreciate. You don’t need to be a lifelong ABBA fan to have a good time with MAMMA MIA!
How to get to the Novello Theatre
Novello Theatre is within walking distance of Temple, Covent Garden and Leicester Square Underground stations, plus Charing Cross.
The nearest car park is the Q-Park Chinatown.
MAMMA MIA! reviews
MAMMA MIA! has a rating of 4.5/5 based on 3,233 total Tripadvisor reviews at the time of writing.
Most praised the musical as a feel-good, light-hearted escape but noted that the runtime may be pushing it for younger audiences.
Book MAMMA MIA! tickets
Tickets to MAMMA MIA! Start from just £15.00: MAMMA MIA.
My Neighbour Totoro
Gillian Lynne Theatre, The West End
Tickets from £25.00: My Neighbour Totoro
Lovingly adapted from the hit 1988 Studio Ghibli film, My Neighbour Totoro first hit the West End in 2022 and left quite an impression.
Ages: 4 years+ (recommended for 6 years+)
Reviews: 4.9/5 from 700 reviews on London Theatre Direct
About My Neighbour Totoro
My Neighbour Totoro is about two sisters and their journey through a hidden world of forest spirits and magic.
It’s a classic coming-of-age story filled with wonder and exploration.
What we loved about My Neighbour Totoro
All the whimsy that makes the film so fun translates beautifully on stage. Everything from the set design to the lighting to the puppetry that brings the titular Totoro to life is of the highest quality.
While not original to the play, the film’s soundtrack is used to great effect and inspires feelings of wonder during the many magical moments.
All this makes the show appropriate for audiences of all ages, whether they’ve seen the original film or not.
How to get to the Gillian Lynne Theatre
The Gillian Lynne Theatre is within easy reach of the Holborn and Covent Garden Underground stations.
There is an Intelli-Park car park directly under the Theatre, but this is likely to be filled up during more popular showings. If it is, London Bloomsbury Square is less than a 10-minute walk away.
My Neighbour Totoro reviews
My Neighbour Totoro is rated 4.9 stars out of 5 on London Theatre Direct based on 700 reviews at the time of writing.
Reviews praised the atmosphere and effects of the show, with many parents saying they’d happily see it again with their kids.
However, a few scary moments and sudden loud sounds might make the show less suitable for younger children.
Book My Neighbour Totoro tickets
You can find tickets for My Neighbour Totoro starting from just £25.00: My Neighbour Totoro.
The Phantom of the Opera
His Majesty’s Theatre, The West End
Tickets from £25.00: The Phantom of the Opera
The Lloyd Webber masterpiece is one of the longest-running musicals in history, and for good reason.
Ages: 4 years+ (recommended for 8 years+)
Reviews: 4.5/5 from 7,080 reviews on Tripadvisor
About The Phantom of the Opera
A timeless tale of love and obsession, the play follows the Phantom’s relationship with young singer Christine as her star rises thanks to his coaching.
What we loved about The Phantom of the Opera
Like MAMMA MIA!, the music is the centrepiece of the show. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s soundtrack is as emotional as it is gripping.
The set design, costuming and special effects are simply spectacular. A special mention goes out to a particular scene featuring a chandelier.
The gothic tone and suspenseful story make this a great choice for parents of slightly older children who want to experience a more ‘grown-up’ show.
How to get to His Majesty’s Theatre
His Majesty’s Theatre is 5 minutes away from both Charing Cross and Piccadilly Circus.
Parking is available at the nearby Q-Park Trafalgar (5 minutes away) and JustPark on St Martin’s Street (4 minutes away).
The Phantom of the Opera reviews
The Phantom of the Opera is rated 4.5/5 based on 7,080 reviews on Tripadvisor at the time of writing.
Many reviewers describe it as a wonderful cultural experience for slightly older children, thanks to the amazing music and visuals.
Some reviewers mentioned that the 3-hour runtime can be daunting for adult theatregoers, let alone children, which is worth keeping in mind.
Book The Phantom of the Opera tickets
Tickets to The Phantom of the Opera start from just £25.00 – browse and book today – The Phantom of the Opera.
Starlight Express
Starlight Auditorium, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, Wembley
Tickets from £29.50: Starlight Express
Starlight Express is a dazzling musical that brings the thrilling world of train racing to life.
Ages: 3 years+ (recommended for 5 years+)
Reviews: 4.4/5 from 116 reviews on SeatPlan
About the Starlight Express
The Starlight Express combines rock music, roller-skating and special effects in a high-energy story set in a child’s dream.
What we love about the Starlight Express
Starlight Express is the definition of easy watching. There’s no complicated story, complex themes or anything children might find upsetting at all – sit back, relax and have fun!
The cast cleverly weaves their way through the audience, immersing you in the action and allowing for some very fun moments.
Between the catchy soundtrack, engaging set layout and some wonderful special effects, theatregoers of all ages are in for a fun ride.
How to get to the Starlight Auditorium
The Starlight Auditorium at the Wembley Troubadour Park Theatre is just 5 minutes away from Wembley Park.
While there are loads of parking spaces at the nearby Wembley Park’s Red and Pink car parks, you might struggle to find a place to park anywhere else.
The Starlight Express reviews
The Starlight Express is rated 4.4/5 from 116 reviews on Seatplan at the time of writing.
Reviewers loved the choreography and special effects, with many mentioning the immersive design of the play.
While many mentioned that the story is rather weak, you and your children are coming more for the spectacle than anything else.
Book Starlight Express tickets
You can pick up tickets to the Starlight Express from just £29.50 from official ticket provider: Starlight Express.
Back to the Future the Musical
Adelphi Theatre, The West End
Tickets from £19.85: Back to the Future the Musical
Back to the Future the Musical is an adaptation of the 1985 classic movie following Marty McFly and Doc Brown as they ride the DeLorean back in time to save Marty’s family.
Ages: 4 years+ (recommended for 6 years+)
Reviews: 4.8/5 from 4266 reviews on SeatPlan
About the Back to the Future the Musical
Back to the Future the Musical was the 2022 winner of Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards 2022 adapting the 1985 classic blockbuster for the stage.
In the musical, Marty McFly travels back in time in Doc Brown’s time-machine DeLorean car. Having accidentally changed the course of history, Marty and Doc Brown race against time to repair the damage and get back to the future.
With rock-inspired music and hit songs from the movie combined with brilliant special effects, you’re all set for a thrilling musical experience.
What we love about the Back to the Future the Musical
We loved how full of energy the performances were, being fast-paced and emotional. It’s a show that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Younger viewers might not appreciate the humour of the show which is more suited to tweens and teens.
We were also blown away by the special effects with the DeLorean car, including the mind-blowing final scene.
How to get to the Adelphi Theatre
The Adelphi Theatre is just 4 minutes walk from Charing Cross Station. It is also only 7 minutes from Embankment station. There are numerous bus routes passing outside the Adelphi Theatre along the Strand.
Back to the Future the Musical reviews
Back to the Future the Musical is rated 4.8/5 from 4266 reviews on Seatplan at the time of writing.
Many of the reviews praised the set and production of this musical with amazing special effects. They also said that the acting was phenomenal.
The audience found it to be a fun, well-paced show with lots of action and humour.
It was particularly loved by fans of the film claiming that the show is full of nostalgia. That did mean that others who didn’t love the original movie didn’t enjoy the show quite so much.
Book Back to the Future the Musical tickets
You can pick up tickets to the Back to the Future the Musical from just £19.85 from official ticket provider: Back to the Future the Musical
SIX the musical
Vaudeville Theatre, The West End
Tickets from £39.68: SIX the musical
SIX The Musical is the exciting musical retelling of the true history of Henry VIII’s six wives. Inspired by pop music, this show sees characters including Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour tell their stories through contemporary style song and dance.
Ages: 3 years+ (recommended for 8 years+)
Reviews: 4.8/5 from 1530 reviews on SeatPlan
About SIX the musical
SIX The Musical sees Aragon, Boleyn, Seymour, Cleves, Howard and Parr retell history through their eyes with songs inspired by modern pop icons such as Beyoncé, Avril Lavigne and Ariana Grande.
It’s a musical with a pop concert feel exploring history in a fun, creative and engaging way.
What we love about SIX the musical
We love the way that this modern and fun depiction of historical figures appeals to both kids and adults.
It’s a show perfect for kids who like to focus on the music and acting more than special effects and action as it brings a pop concert feel.
How to get to the Vaudeville Theatre
The Vaudeville Theatre is a 4 minute walk from Charing Cross station and 5 minutes from Covent Garden station.
SIX The Musical reviews
SIX The Musical is rated 4.8/5 from 1530 reviews on Seatplan at the time of writing.
The reviews for SIX the musical celebrated the quality of the singing and the talent of the cast. They found the songs fantastic and catchy making for good storytelling. Some noted that the show doesn’t have a strong plot being of a more concert style.
Some reviewers would have liked it to have lasted a bit longer as the run time is below the average for a musical.
Book SIX The Musical tickets
You can pick up tickets to the SIX The Musical from just £39.68 from official ticket provider: SIX the musical.
Mean Girls the musical
Savoy Theatre, The West End
Tickets from £25.70: Mean Girls the musical
Mean Girls the musical is an exciting musical adaption of the 2004 hit film telling the story of teenager Cady’s plot to upset the high school pecking order.
Ages: 12 years+
Reviews: 4.4/5 from 792 reviews on SeatPlan
About the Mean Girls the musical
Mean Girls the musical brings this hit tale of American high school drama to London’s West End in this production from writer Tina Fey and original songs from Jeff Richmond and Nell Benjamin
Homeschooled Cady Heron starts at a high school and is quickly taken into the world of high school politics. She plots out to end the popular Regina’s reign of the school social scene, only to learn that it may be a lot harder than she thought. It’s a humorous and relatable tale into teen life that is sure to be popular with fans of the original film.
How to get to the Savoy Theatre
To get to the Savoy Theatre walk 7 minutes from Charing Cross station or 5 minutes from Covent Garden station.
Mean Girls the musical reviews
Mean Girls the musical is rated 4.4/5 from 792 reviews on Seatplan at the time of writing.
The audience reviews said that the musical was well-produced with some real stand out performances and incredible vocals from the cast. Reviewers said that the casting was spot on.
They found it to be a fun show with lots of comedy value. Some observed some lyric changes from the Broadway show which helped cater the jokes to a British audience. The use of the digital screen had mixed reviews. Some found it very clever while others would have preferred a more traditional set design.
Fans of the film loved the show but it was still enjoyed by those who hadn’t seen the film.
Book Mean Girls the musical tickets
You can pick up tickets to the Mean Girls the musical from just £25.70 from official ticket providers.
The Mousetrap
St Martin’s Theatre, The West End
Tickets from £30.00: The Mousetrap
The Mousetrap is the longest running show in the world as this Agatha Christie murder mystery continues to ask audiences, whodunit?
Ages: 5 years+ (recommended for 12 years+)
Reviews: 4.5/5 from 1598 reviews on SeatPlan
About The Mousetrap
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has been continuously performed in the West End since 1952. Now the longest running show in the world, The Mousetrap is a classic whodunit murder mystery set at Monkswell Manor where everyone is a suspect. Follow the twists and turns and see if you can predict the surprise ending and solve the mystery.
How to get to St Martin’s Theatre
St Martin’s Theatre is a 4 minute walk from Covent Garden station or a 3 minute walk from Leicester Square station.
The Mousetrap reviews
The Mousetrap has 4.5/5 from 1598 reviews on SeatPlan at the time of writing.
- Must-see if you like murder mysteries
- Lively, funny actors
- Enjoyable experience
- Entertaining
- Not everyone was thrilled by the plot
- Amazing set
- Continuing to delight those who have seen it before
Book The Mousetrap tickets
You can pick up tickets to the Mousetrap from just £25.00 from official ticket providers.
What are the best London theatre shows for kids?
The answer depends on how old your kids are, and how much they enjoy the theatre.
The Lion King, My Neighbour Totoro and Starlight Express are great for children between ages 4 and 9.
Otherwise Mrs. Doubtfire, Wicked, MAMMA MIA!, My Neighbour Totoro and The Phantom of the Opera all offer an enriching theatre experience for kids between ages 9 and 14.
If you feel inspired for a trip to the theatre, parents can get free children’s tickets to a number of West End shows during Kids Theatre Week.
What is Kids Theatre Week?
Kids Theatre Week aims to get more young people into the performing arts by offering a free children’s ticket with a full-priced adult ticket.
If you’re planning on bringing more than one child, parents can get 50% off up to two more children’s tickets with each adult in the booking.
In other words, a family of five could get three kids to the theatre for the cost of both parents and one child.
Some Kids Theatre Week showings even come with free workshops.
This special promotion runs between Wednesday 24 July and Friday 6 September.
How to get free kids theatre tickets
To get your free kids theatre tickets, check in with the Official London Theatre website for more information.