Whether you’re visiting London with kids and looking for an awe-inspiring show to enjoy together or you’re a London parent looking to treat the family on a day out, you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice when it comes to London musicals.
As well as providing a fun and cultural experience, introducing your child to musical theatre can stimulate the imagination and help them explore music, dance, and storytelling.
So with this many musicals in London for kids, which should you choose? To help, we’ve compiled the best ones here.
Read on to discover more about the top musicals for children to immerse them in a world of catchy tunes and captivating characters.
10 most popular West End musicals for kids
Matilda the musical
Book from £20.00: Matilda the musical
Matilda, the musical, is based on the beloved children’s novel of the same name. It tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, a courageous young girl with unique abilities.
She uses her talent to deal with an unloving family and a mean headmistress to forge her own destiny.
- Ages: 4+ years (ages 6+ are recommended)
- Location: Cambridge Theatre in London’s West End
- Ticket price: From £24
- Review ratings: 4.5/5 stars based on 4,959 reviews on Tripadvisor
What we thought about Matilda the musical
We love how this story teaches children about the importance of courage and resilience.
The music and choreography also adds an extra dimension to the tale which will be interesting for those already familiar with the story.
However, young children may find some scenes a little scary. The age recommendation is 6+ years of age.
Matilda the musical reviews
Matilda has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Tripadvisor from 4,959 user reviews at the time of publishing.
The show was a huge hit with many reviewers — especially those who had read the book or seen the movie.
It was often described as a “magical” experience, especially with the added catchy tunes. Some were disappointed with the acoustics of the theatre.
Where to book tickets for Matilda
Book Matilda tickets from official ticket providers. Prices start from £20.00: Matilda the musical
Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical
Book from £29.50: Mrs Doubtfire the Musical
Mrs. Doubtfire — the musical is an adaptation of the beloved 1993 film. In this hilarious story, a father disguises himself as a nanny to spend time with his children and reconnect with his estranged wife.
- Ages: recommended for 6+ years
- Location: Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s West End
- Ticket price: From £27
- Review ratings: 84/100 based on 127 reviews on Show Score
What we thought about Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical
Mrs. Doubtfire has a rating of 84 out of 100 on Show Score from 127 user reviews at the time of publishing.
We loved how Mrs. Doubtfire is both a humorous and heartwarming story at the same time. It would be best for school-aged children as younger ones might not understand the jokes.
Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical reviews
The best part for people who watched this musical was its lighthearted, clever storyline and its accurate representation of the movie.
However, there were a few reviewers who felt the script was a little cliched.
Where to book tickets for Mrs. Doubtfire
Book Mrs Doubtfire tickets from official ticket providers. Prices start from £29.50: Mrs Doubtfire the Musical
The Lion King musical
Book from £35.00: Disney’s The Lion King
Disney’s The Lion King musical is based on the animated movie of the same name.
Follow Simba’s journey as a young lion cub who wrestles with his destiny to become king of the Pride Lands.
- Ages: recommended for 6+ years
- Location: Lyceum Theatre in London’s West End
- Ticket price: From £37.50
- Review ratings: 4.5/5 stars based on 12,295 reviews on Tripadvisor
What we thought about Disney’s The Lion King musical
The best part about the show is how the live singing brought another level of awe and wonder to iconic Lion King songs.
Together with the animal costumes and props that mimic animals of the savanna very realistically, it creates a magical atmosphere in the auditorium.
As young children (3 and up) are allowed in the theatre, the audience can get a little lively during the show.
Disney’s The Lion King musical reviews
Disney’s the Lion King has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Tripadvisor from 12,295 user reviews at the time of publishing.
Reviewers especially loved the singing, dancing, and energetic performance of cast members. One or two felt one actor lacked energy at the night shows.
Where to book tickets for Disney’s The Lion King musical
Book Lion King tickets from official ticket providers. Prices start from £35.00: Disney’s The Lion King
Wicked the musical
Book from £25.00: Wicked
Wicked is an award-winning musical that tells the surprising untold story of the wicked witch from The Wizard of Oz.
- Ages: recommended for 7+ years
- Location: Apollo Victoria Theatre in Victoria, London
- Ticket price: from £28.25
- Review ratings: 4.5/5 stars based on 7,441 reviews on Tripadvisor
What we thought about Wicked
We love the unexpected storyline of Wicked, which puts a magical twist on the Wizard of Oz movie. The catchy songs will have young ones feeling uplifted and humming along too.
However, the special effects were the biggest surprise when watching the show with some lifesize props adding to the effect.
Wicked reviews
Wicked has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Tripadvisor from 7,441 user reviews at the time of publishing.
Reviewers loved the powerful singing and performance of cast members, along with how the story ties up with The Wizard of Oz. However, some felt that the new cast was not as good as the original cast.
Where to book tickets for Wicked the musical
Book Wicked tickets from official ticket providers. Prices start from £25.00: Wicked
MAMMA MIA!
Book from £14.70: Mamma Mia
Mamma Mia! the Musical is an uplifting, feel-good tale that follows the story of a girl looking for her real father on an idyllic Greek island with music set to classic ABBA songs.
- Ages: recommended for 5+ years
- Location: Novello Theatre in London’s West End
- Ticket price: from £24
- Review ratings: 4.5/5 stars based on 3,196 reviews on Tripadvisor
What we thought about MAMMA MIA!
We love the upbeat, iconic ABBA songs along with the heartwarming story about love and family.
However, be mindful that the cast makes some revealing body gestures during the show. So it might not be suitable for younger children.
MAMMA MIA! reviews
Mamma Mia has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Tripadvisor from 3,196 user reviews at the time of publishing.
Reviewers loved the high-quality performance of the cast and how this musical would appeal to a wide age range. However, some felt that the venue was a little cramped.
Where to book tickets for MAMMA MIA
Book Mamma Mia tickets from official ticket providers. Prices start from £14.70: Mamma Mia
Back to the Future the Musical
Book from £19.55: Back to the Future
Back to the Future the Musical is an adaptation of the 1985 sci-fi classic of the same name.
Follow Marty McFly and Doc Brown as they travel through time and correct the course of history in order to save Marty’s family.
- Ages: recommended for 6+ years
- Location: Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End
- Ticket price: from £22.68
- Review ratings: 4.5/5 stars based on 320 reviews on Tripadvisor
What we thought about Back to the Future the Musical
We love the fast-paced, emotional acting that brings the audience to the edge of their seats from start to finish.
Note that younger viewers may not appreciate the humour, so it will probably appeal more to tweens and teens.
Back to the Future the Musical reviews
Back to the Future has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Tripadvisor from 320 user reviews at the time of publishing.
Reviewers loved the talented cast, which delivered an impactful performance along with the awesome visual effects of the set.
Many felt like they were watching the movie but in 3D! However, some felt that the addition of songs didn’t add much to the story.
Where to book tickets for Back to the Future
Book Back to the Future tickets from official ticket providers. Prices start from £19.55: Back to the Future
SIX
Book from £34.50: SIX
This vibrant and upbeat musical about Henry VIII’s six wives isn’t your usual period drama.
Set in the context of a pop concert, the wives come together to share their unique stories and personalities in order to secure the position of leader in their girl group.
- Ages: recommended for 10+ years (adult themes and language)
- Location: Vaudeville Theatre in London’s West End
- Ticket price: from £19.55
- Review ratings: 4.5/5 based on 142 reviews on Tripadvisor
What we thought about SIX
We love the modern and fun take on these historical characters, which appeal to both kids and adults.
Kids who like to focus on the music and acting rather than special visual effects will enjoy this production the most.
SIX reviews
SIX has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Tripadvisor from 142 user reviews at the time of publishing.
Reviewers loved the catchy music and how the creators managed to turn this historical tale into a pop concert! However, some felt that the sound and lighting were too jarring for them.
Where to book tickets for SIX
Book SIX the musical tickets from official ticket providers. Prices start from £34.50: SIX
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
Book from £20.00: Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
Showstopper the Improvised Musical is a great one for older kids. It’s an improvised musical comedy that uses cues from the audience to create a totally unique show.
The performance centres on a musical writer working to a tight deadline, who is in dire need of an imaginative audience. From your suggestions for setting, musical styles, and title, the talented performers create a hilarious story with show-stopping dance numbers.
If you and your family love musicals, Showstopper the Improvised Musical is a great chance to see numbers from your favourite shows reimagined on stage – whether that’s Les Mis, Chicago or The Wizard of Oz!
- Ages: 12 years+
- Location: The Cambridge Theatre in Tottenham Court Road
- Ticket price: From £21.96
- Review ratings: 87/100 based on 137 reviews on Show-score
What we thought about Showstopper the Improvised Musical
We loved the innovative performances given in Showstopper the Improvised Musical. The cast seamlessly integrates audience suggestions to create a hilarious and engaging production.
It’s a shame that the show is more appropriate for older kids, but if your family enjoys interactive shows, and loves musicals, then this is a great chance to contribute to the creation of a completely new piece of theatre.
Showstopper the Improvised Musical reviews
Showstopper the Improvised Musical has an 87% rating on Show-score, from 137 user reviews at the time of publishing.
Audiences really enjoyed the on-the-spot nature of the show, commenting that it was a delight to see an entire musical created before their eyes.
They also often mention just how talented the cast are, using their singing, dancing, improvisation and musical abilities to craft a unique performance.
Where to book tickets for Showstopper the Improvised Musical
Book Showstopper tickets from official ticket providers. Prices start from £20.00: Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
Which West End musical for kids to choose
London’s West End is a theatre district full of magic.
Whether your child is mesmerised by the vibrant spectacle of The Lion King, or sings along to the ABBA tunes of Mamma Mia, you’re sure to have a captivating experience at a London musical!
