Looking for stage entertainment for younger audiences without venturing into the West End?
North London has a bustling theatre scene, with plays, musicals, and drama and movement workshops for children of all ages.
Read on to find out which are our top six north London theatres to visit with kids.
Chickenshed Theatre
Location: Southgate, N14
You can find and book Chickenshed shows on Loopla: Chickenshed
The Chickenshed is a favourite among families looking for original on-stage entertainment in north London. It specialises in shows ‘for everyone’, with a particular focus on diversity and inclusivity.
Younger audiences are catered for throughout the year, with everything from adaptations of classic opera to seasonal tales, plays and storytelling.
What started out as a disused chicken shed in Barnet – hence the name – the Chickenshed, is now a lively theatre complex.
It has four performance spaces: The Rayne Theatre, which seats 300, a smaller Studio Theatre and an Amphitheatre and bar/restaurant that hosts music and comedy evenings.
Sunday Shed drop-in workshops
These regular sessions are designed for children aged 5-7 with different weekly themes. They involve drama, dance, music and art. Please check for workshop times and availability: Chickenshed.
Chickenshed’s Children’s Theatre programme
For children aged 5-11 looking to explore all aspects of theatre through play, interactive performances and devising. Check here for programme dates.
Chickenshed shows, what you need to know
Age suitability: 0-6+. Check each show for age suitability.
Family-friendly facilities include a café/bar, with food and drink available Monday to Saturday, and the Brothers Grill restaurant serving lunch or evening meals from 9 am Monday to Saturday, and Sundays when there is an event.
Accessible toilet is located on the ground floor with a baby changing unit.
Getting there: See the Chickenshed website for details
What’s on at the Chickenshed
You can find and book Chickenshed shows on Loopla: Chickenshed
Alternatively, you can visit the Chickenshed website.
artsdepot
Location: North Finchley, N12
You can find artsdepot shows on Loopla: artsdepot
This award-winning art centre hosts theatre productions for young children throughout the year. It offers a range of entertainment, from performances of favourite children’s books to puppetry and seasonal pantomimes.
A number of productions are geared towards children aged 13+. There are orchestra performances, artistic circus, comedy shows and more.
The website has a useful filter feature, so you simply select ‘Family’ to find an appropriate production. You can also filter their Loopla events by age: artsdepot.
artsdepot Diddi Dance sessions
If you have a child aged 18 months to 4½ years, you might want to check out Didi Dance sessions.
Not your typical structured classes, these are about nurturing children’s natural love of movement in a relaxed way, while helping them enhance their coordination and rhythm.
Didi Dance is run by an independent group and hosted by the artsdepot intermittently throughout the year.
artsdepot shows, what you need to know
Age suitability: There are ongoing shows for babies, young children and older children. For most family performances, children under 18 months are considered ‘babes in arms’, so they don’t need a ticket.
If they become unsettled, you may be given a friendly invitation to step out of the auditorium for a while, to avoid interrupting the performance.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or over.
Family-friendly facilities include baby changing units in the toilets on three levels. There’s a nice café serving sandwiches, snacks and hot drinks. On Monday to Friday during term time you’ll find salads and hot foods.
You can also purchase picnic lunch boxes for family shows. Highchairs are available.
Just around the corner from the café is a soft play area with a book corner, chalkboard wall and room for supervising adults to relax.
Accessible toilet on the ground floor with a baby changing unit.
Getting there: See the artsdepot website for details.
What’s on at artsdepot
You can find artsdepot shows on Loopla: artsdepot
Alternatively, you can visit their website: artsdepot website.
Jacksons Lane
Location: Haringey, N6
You can find Jacksons Lane shows on Loopla: Jacksons Lane.
This small theatre on the Archway Road offers a year-round programme of circus performances, plays, and comedy and dance shows; many of which are suitable for children and families.
Productions range from classic fairy tales to interactive magic shows.
The website has a useful dropdown menu showing what’s on. You can search for events for children aged 0-10 and 11-18. It also includes content or ‘trigger’ warnings for sensitive issues or themes. You can filter their Loopla events by age: Jacksons Lane.
Family shows tend to take place during the day on Sundays, with ticket prices ranging from £10 and upwards to £15.
Some showings are ‘relaxed performances’, which might be suitable for young children who haven’t been to a theatre before. They provide an inclusive and relaxed atmosphere for anybody who might be anxious about attending an event.
Jacksons Lane classes for children
Jackson’s Lane also offers term-by-term dance, movement and acting classes for children and families.
Classes often cater for baby signing, baby massage and yoga or ballet and tap or acting classes for older children (some of these are suitable for children as young as 4).
Check the classes and courses section of the website to see what’s on.
Jacksons Lane shows, what you need to know
Age suitability: Age appropriateness is shown on each performance or class page. Many indicate suitability for children of different age groups.
Family-friendly facilities include baby changing facilities in one of the accessible toilets in the main foyer, and also in the gent’s toilet. There is a small café serving refreshments and a bar which opens for later performances.
Getting there: Directly opposite Highgate tube station. Find more details on the Jackson’s Lane website.
What’s on at Jacksons Lane
You can find Jacksons Lane shows on Loopla: Jacksons Lane.
Alternatively, you can visit their website: Jacksons Lane website.
Little Angel Theatre
Location: Islington, N1
This charming theatre located on a quaint side street in Islington specialises in storytelling with puppetry and drama.
Favourite children’s books are brought to life, along with new shows and musicals. Performances take place at two venues, so check when you book which one you’ll be attending.
While not as large as some of the other north London theatres, what stands out from audiences’ feedback is the wonder and imagination that goes into the sets and productions. The warm, accommodating welcome from theatre staff is also often noted.
The theatre makes all of its shows available online for a 48-hour period during their in-house run, for those who can’t get there in person. Tickets for online events are £7.
Little Angel Studios classes and activities
Little Angel Studios run art and puppet-making sessions for children as young as 6-18 months, plus other family-friendly activities for children aged from 1 to 9 and upwards. Check the Little Angel website for details.
Little Angel shows, what you need to know
Age suitability: Age appropriateness is shown on each performance or class page. Seating for performances is unallocated to ensure that everyone has a good view of the stage, especially the children.
Family-friendly facilities: There is a small café and soft drinks are available during intervals at some shows. There are also several restaurants within walking distance.See what’s on by visiting their website: Little Angel Theatre website.
Find more theatre shows for kids in North London: Search theatre shows
Park Theatre
Location: Finsbury Park, N4
A two-minute walk from Finsbury Park station, Park Theatre offers family-friendly entertainment as well as drama, music and comedy for adults.
You can search for family shows via the menu on the website. Do check age suitability as some productions are for children aged 6 and over.
If you’re attending in a group, maybe for a birthday outing, you get the 11th ticket free when you buy 10 tickets. Group bookings must include one adult for every three children.
Park Theatre provides a range of accessible performances each season. These include captioned, audio-describeds, relaxed and dementia-friendly performances.
Park Theatre Creative Engagement Programme
For older children aged 12 and above who are interested in acting and drama production, you might want to look into the Young Company seasonal workshops running here.
Park Theatre shows, what you need to know
Age suitability: Age appropriateness is shown on each performance page. Upcoming shows don’t state age suitability, so check with the theatre before booking.
Family-friendly facilities include two accessible toilets, one on the ground floor and one on the first floor, both with baby changing facilities. Please note, there are no cloakrooms or bag storage facilities and large bags can’t be taken into the auditorium.
Park Theatre is also home to Park Pizza, open from 5 pm (Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri) and 1 pm (Thu & Sat). Post-show pizzas are available via pre-ordered tickets.
Getting there: Walking distance from Finsbury Park tube. There is little to no parking available and restrictions apply in the local area. It’s worth checking Arsenal match days before you travel.
See what’s on by visiting their website: Park Lane Theatre website.
Millfield Theatre
Location: Edmonton, N18
Millfield Theatre offers a mix of lively theatre and music acts.
Easy to reach for audiences living in Enfield, Haringey, Barnet and Walthamstow, Millfield hosts a regular string of musicals, tribute acts, ballets and plays. The seasonal pantomimes receive regular positive reviews.
Milford Theatre Platinum Performing Arts classes
Millfield offers specialist classes to boost children and young people’s confidence through dance, drama, singing and fitness lessons. Different classes are suitable for children aged 3 right up to 18+.
Millfield Theatre shows, what you need to know
Age suitability: The website doesn’t have a filtered search function; you need to click to book to find out more about each show. The content and age suitability of productions aren’t always clear, so it’s advisable to call before booking.
Family-friendly facilities include baby changing facilities in two of the toilets and a theatre bar serving drinks and snacks.
Which north London theatres are best for families?
artsdepot is great if you’re looking for a bright, busy, modern space to hang out in before a show. Park Pizza at the Park Theatre is a popular place to visit, even if you’re not seeing a performance.
For fun and vibrant entertainment, Chickenshed won’t disappoint. If the thrills of circus performance are more your thing, the unique venue and shows at Jackson’s Lane are best.
The warm, more intimate feel of the Little Angel might be better suited to very young children. It depends on how much noise, activity (and café choices!) you and your little ones prefer.
FAQs for north London theatres
Which north London theatres have shows all year round?
Chickenshed, artsdepot and Little Angel Theatre offer the most regular and varied theatre shows for children throughout the year.
What are the best shows for preschool children in north London?
The Little Angel Theatre puts on regular puppet shows for preschool children. The cosier, more relaxed venue might also be better for young children.
