With half term approaching, it can be hard to know how to fill the week with exciting activities for the whole family.
From long-running musicals to brand new comedies, here's our top picks for family shows to see this half term.
West End shows for children under 10
There’s lots of shows for little ones in London this half term. Whether they want to see their favourite Disney characters come to life, or laugh at things going wrong on stage, here’s our top recommendations.
&Juliet
&Juliet at the Shaftesbury Theatre
Age recommendation: 6+
The greatest love story remixed, &Juliet sees Shakespeare and his wife Anne Hathaway re-write Juliet's story. You're bound to know the soundtrack already, as every song in the show is a classic Max Martin chart-topper, including Since You've Been Gone, I Want It That Way and Roar. This show is larger than life, so don't miss out.
Back to the Future The Musical
Back to the Future the Musical at Adelphi Theatre
Age recommendation: 6+
Buckle your seatbelts and prepare for trips back in time and into the future! Based on the classic 80s movie, this Olivier Award winning musical is packed full of mind-blowing special effects, catchy songs and spectacular performances. Starring Ben Joyce (The Jersey Boys) as Marty, Roger Bart as Doc Brown and Amber Davies (Bring It On The Musical) as Lorraine, you don't need a DeLorean to see this incredible show over the half term break.
Book Back to the Future tickets
Frozen the Musical
Frozen the Musical
Age recommendation: 6+
Visit Arendelle this half term and witness this Disney classic come to life at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Starring Samantha Barks (Les Mis) as Elsa, and Emily Lane (The Sound Of Music) as Anna, the show includes songs from the original movie, as well as brand-new tunes from the same song writing team.
Winner of over 30 major awards, don't let this production go, book your tickets for an enchanting experience this half term.
Book Frozen The Musical tickets
The Lion King
The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre
Age recommendation: 6+
Join Simba and his friends at the Lyceum Theatre this half term. Your kids will be dazzled as they witness over 200 puppets, 50 performers dressed as their favourite animals and spectacular special effects. The sixth-longest running musical of all time, you're bound to recognise its iconic score, including The Circle Of Life, I Just Can't Wait To Be King, and Can You Feel The Love Tonight. Book today for no worries for the rest of your half term!
Matilda The Musical
Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge Theatre
Age recommendation: 6+
Delighting families for over a decade at the Cambridge Theatre, Matilda The Musical is perfect for entertaining the rebellious kids in the family. Featuring original music by Tim Minchin, this multi award-winning production will have you wanting to go back to school yourselves! Now adapted into a successful film, see the stage show which sparked the box office sensation.
Book Matilda The Musical tickets
The Mousetrap
The Mousetrap at St Martins Theatre
Age recommendation: 7+
It's really no mystery why this is one of the longest-running shows in the West End. A tale of mystery and drama with some comedy thrown in for good measure, this classic whodunnit has been seen by over ten million people since its first performance over 60 years ago. Figure out this iconic Agatha Christie mystery for yourself at St Martins Theatre this half term.
Newsies
Newsies at Troubadour Theatre
Age recommendation: 5+
The news is out - Newsies is the perfect half-term treat for the family. Bringing the popular Disney movie to life, this exciting new musical is packed with spectacular choreography and a score by a multi-winning composers Alan Menken and Jack Feldman. Based on a true story, it follows a newsboy strike in New York, when the newsboys' fought back against raising prices which threatened their livelihoods. Seize the day and book your tickets.
The Choir of Man
The cast of The Choir of Man
Age recommendation: 6+
Returning to the Arts Theatre for a second run, The Choir of Man is one hour of indisputable joy for the whole family. A mixture of a party and a concert, expect plenty of recognisable pop tunes, folk songs, beautiful Broadway melodies and some classic rock thrown in for good measure. Join this feel-good choir for a harmonious night out.
The Play That Goes Wrong
The Play That Goes Wrong at the Duchess Theatre
Age recommendation: 8+
Bringing a dose of mischievous mayhem to the West End, The Play That Goes Wrong is full of slapstick, farce and family-friendly fun. Watch the chaos unfold as Cornley Drama Society attempt to put their latest production on, but as the title suggests, everything keeps going wrong! Booking to see this Olivier Award winning comedy at the Duchess Theatre is the right idea for half term!
Book The Play That Goes Wrong tickets
Wicked
Wicked at Apollo Victoria Theatre
Age recommendation: 7+
Follow the yellow brick road to the Apollo Victoria Theatre this half term. A retelling of the Wizard of Oz, this is an alternative story for Elphaba, or as you may know her, the Wicked Witch of the West. Starring Lucie Jones (Waitress) as Elphaba, this award-winning musical is a story of unexpected friendship, love and standing up for what you believe in. Book today for a spellbinding time with the family.
West End shows for children aged 10+
Looking for something that will keep the older kids entertained in London? From large scale musicals and 60-minute masterpieces to hilarious plays with a limited run in the West End, here's our show recommendations for kids over the age of 10.
George Takei's Allegiance
George Takei's Allegiance at Charing Cross Theatre
Age recommendation: 10+
Based on his own childhood experiences, George Takei has written and performs in this UK premiere at the Charing Cross Theatre. A new musical performed in an intimate space, the show also marks the West End debut of Telly Leung (Glee) and Aynrand Ferrer (Miss Saigon). An unmissable and powerful story, Allegiance explores the stories that bind us, the struggle of perseverance as well as the power of forgiveness and love.
Les Misérables
Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre
Age recommendation: 8+
The world's longest running musical, Les Misérables is the tale of one man's determination to survive as he runs from persecution in 19th century France. Throw in a revolution, some unrequited love and a couple of cunning pub landlords, and you've got yourself an international sensation. You're bound to already know a lot of the hit score, including On My Own, Do You Hear The People Sing and Bring Him Home. Don't wait one day more to see this iconic musical.
The Phantom of the Opera
The Phantom of the Opera
Age recommendation: 8+
One of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most successful shows, over 145 million people have witnessed the mysterious masked Phantom fall in love with Christine, a beautiful singer who's performing in the theatre he lives in. Featuring gorgeous melodies including Music of the Night, All I Ask of You and Masquerade, you'll be swept away by this heart-breaking musical.
Book The Phantom of the Opera tickets
Six The Musical
Six the Musical at the Vaudeville Theatre
Age recommendation: 10+
They're making herstory at the Vaudeville Theatre, and the whole family will lose their heads watching this celebration. The ex-wives of Henry The Eighth battle it out in this one-act pop concert, each taking the microphone for an unforgettable solo to share their side of the story. A strong, sassy, and sensational show, all you'll wanna do is book tickets to this royally spectacular show.
Sylvia
Sylvia at the Old Vic
Age recommendation: 10+
This new musical at the Old Vic tells the extraordinary story of feminist, activist and iconic rebel, Sylvia Pankhurst. A vital part of the Suffragette movement, Sylvia Pankhurst changed lives worldwide with her ambition and courage. Blending dance and original music, the cast includes:
- Beverley Knight (Sister Act) as Emmeline Pankhurst
- Sharon Rose (Hamilton) as Sylvia Pankhurst
- Jay Perry (Hamilton) as Winston Churchill / George Lansbury
- Alex Gaumond (Company) as Keir Hardie
- Ellena Vincent (Hamilton) as Christabel Pankhurst
- Kirstie Skivington (&Juliet) as Adela Pankhurst/Mrs Bird
A story of revolution and rebellion, this important musical isn't to be missed.
West End shows for teenagers
Want to make sure the teenagers aren't bored this half term? There's plenty of productions right up their street! From cult classic films turned into riotous musicals, to thrilling plays to keep them on the edge of their seats, here's our recommendations for teenagers this half term.
Hamilton
Hamilton at the Victoria Palace
Age recommendation: 10+
Don't throw away your shot to see this award-winning musical at the Victoria Palace. Created by Lin Manuel Miranda, this globally acclaimed production tells the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton through rap, hip-hop and blues. A history lesson like no other, you'll be back at this show again and again!
Heathers The Musical
Heathers The Musical at The Other Palace
Age recommendation: 14+
It's a beautiful frickin day at the Other Palace, as Heathers brings Sherwood Ohio to London. A stage adaptation of the cult 80s movie, this very popular production has a myriad of catchy songs by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe (Legally Blonde), and an electric cast who are ready to take you back to school. Book now to visit the Heathers and their Candy Store!
My Son's A Queer, (But what can you do?)
My Son's A Queer, (But What Can You Do) at the Ambassadors Theatre
Age recommendation: 12+
The joyous childhood story of TikTok sensation Rob Madge returns to the West End for a limited run at the Ambassadors Theatre. Told through a series of VHS clips, Rob showcases their childhood living room parades, their supportive parents and the highs and lows along the way. Go to this show, don't leave it too late, wait till you see the magic that Rob Madge creates!
The Unfriend
The Unfriend
Age recommendation: 14+
The first play by Doctor Who writer Steven Moffat, The Unfriend already had a sold-out run in Chichester before its West End transfer to the Criterion Theatre. When Peter and Debbie meet Elsa on holiday, they think nothing of it - until she turns up unexpectedly at their door. Soon a casual holiday friendship becomes a disaster when the couple find out about the mysterious Elsa's murky history.
This casting announcement is so wrong, it's actually right!