The 10 best family musicals in London 2024
Finding shows for the whole family in London is luckily super easy! Because as an absolute show metropolis, London really has a HUGE selection of fantastic performances – especially musicals for the entire family…
But if you want to choose one here, you are spoiled for choice: with timeless classics to the latest west end family shows 2023 enchants young and old. We will show you the best family shows in London!
Tips for an unforgettable musical visit with kids
- Book your tickets at least 2 months before your trip, this way you will get your desired seats, so you can be sure that the show is not sold out yet
- The best seats in London theaters are right in the middle and as far in the front as possible – you’ll have the best acoustics and view
- You should use public transport to get the the west end shows, there is often heavy traffic in the city center
- Because of the traffic, you should bring enough time to relax and find your seat and maybe buy some snacks before the show
- Especially with children, it is important that the musical visit is as interactive as possible: clap along, sing alongs always pleases the actors
- To get in the perfect mood, you deal with the piece beforehand – the anticipation is even greater and your children understand the story faster
- For memorable experiences, it is essential to have great souvenirs: often there are cute plushies or even shirts that are not only a moment for eternity but also a great souvenir
London as a stage for child-friendly musicals
The West End of London is the Broadway of the United Kingdom, in time and time again it provides magical performances that thrill the masses. Drop into the plush red seats of London’s theaters and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of the west end family shows.
Do you want to learn more about the musicals in London? Then here’s everything you need to know 👉 All about the musicals in London!
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01 Lion King
The Lion King is one of the best musicals ever composed. How could it be otherwise, after all, it comes from the pens of the geniuses Hans Zimmer and Sir Elton John! Not without reason the piece enjoys worldwide high reputation is an absolute crowd puller.
In London’s West End you can see one of the best productions of the Lion King worldwide. The London Disney adaptation impresses with its high-caliber cast, elaborate set and spectacular choreography. For three hours, this musical takes the whole family into the world of the little lion Simba and his fight for the throne!
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02 Frozen - The Musical
If you’re in London with kids, or you’re kids at heart, grab your tickets to the spectacular musical Frozen on the West End.
You’ll be immediately transported to the land of Arendelle and the struggles of Queen Elsa and her sister Anna as she fights to find her sister and save their kingdom. You’ll be blown away by the astonishing performances of Disney’s hit movie music _and_ the 12 new songs written especially for the show!
The magnificent Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, is a fitting location for this musical sensation. And your favorite Frozen songs, such as “Do You Want To Build a Snowman” and “Let It Go” will be brought to life in this jaw-dropping production.
The London show has won 7 impressive awards making your trip to Frozen on London’s West End an unforgettable event. You may be experiencing Frozen “For the First Time in Forever” but we’re sure it won’t be your last!
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03 Mamma Mia!
The musical Mamma Mia is a huge success. The musical has been performed in London since 2012. Not only the cheerful and partly very emotional story, but also every single song by ABBA make the musical so unique.
A special feature: When ABBA classics such as Waterloo or Dancing Queen are intoned, the audience warbles along at the top of its lungs.
Mamma Mia tells the story of young Sophie, who wants to repair her relationship with her father before her wedding. It unfolds a romantic journey between the present and the past.
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04 Wicked
Wicked tells the story of the two teenage witches Glinda and Elphaba. One is good, the other bad – both belong to the entourage of The Wizard of Oz. The show begins when the two witches leave for college.
There they spend several adventures together until life divides them. The soundtrack of Wicked is probably one of the best in the musical scene. But experience for yourself how Elphaba becomes the fearsome Witch of Oz – an exciting spectacle!
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05 Matilda - The Musical
The award-winning musical Matilda is based on the famous book by Roald Dahl, in which the girl Matilda experiences extraordinary adventures due to her telekinetic powers. She tries to take flight from her tyrannical parents and find happiness – an unforgettable musical for the whole family!
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06 Kids Week at the West End
It’s called a week, but it’s a whole month of discounted or free West End deals for young people 17 and younger, so of course it’s attractive to all families traveling in London in August.
You rarely get to enjoy best-selling plays like Mamma Mia or Frozen as cheaply as you can with Kids Week.The bill: one child 17 or younger gets in free when accompanied by a full-price adult. Up to two others then get into the show at half price.
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07 Mermaids & Pirates
Landlubbers out of the way and welcome to all little mermaids and pirate fans! In the puppet and marionette theater Little Angel Theatre the friendly pirates and mermaids welcome you to their adventure.
The musical Mermaids & Pirates tells with lots of wit and charm the exciting stories of the extraordinary friendship between the circumnavigators and mysterious sea people. An absolute recommendation even for the smallest among the audience!
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08 My Everywhere Bear
Just like the children’s musical Mermaids & Pirates, My Everywhere Bear plays at the Little Angel Theatre and charms especially the smallest of the visiting audience
The story of the bear Teddy is told, with lovingly designed puppets and songs to sing along. With the exciting adventure stories the Teddy Bear accompanies you into the magical world of puppet theater.
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09 Hairy
If you are looking for a funny musical for kids, then Hairy is definitely a good choice! It’s probably clear what it’s about: hair, and hair everywhere.
The play at Polka Theatre tells the “super-hairos” with much wit and humor why hair is such an important part of the human body.
Age recommendations for London musicals and plays
To give you the quickest overview of all the shows and not have to spend ages researching each show, we have created two tables for you showing the age recommendations for the current shows:
Sorted by show
West End Shows & Theaterstücke | Recommended for |
|---|---|
A Strange Loop | Ages 5 |
ABBA Voyage | Ages 6 |
An't Too Proud - Temptations | Ages 18 |
Aspects of Love | Ages 12 |
Back to the Future | Ages 6 |
Blippi - The Wonderful World Tour | Ages 2 |
Cabaret | Ages 15 |
Close Up: The Twiggy Musical | Ages 5 |
Crazy For you | Ages 16 |
Death Note | Ages 16 |
Elf! | Ages 0 |
Everybody's Talking About Jamie | Ages 14 |
Frozen - The Musical | Ages 6 |
Glory Ride | Ages 6 |
Grease | Ages 13 |
Groundhog Day | Ages 12 |
Guys and Dolls | Ages 9 |
Hamilton | Ages 10 |
Heathers - The Musical | Ages 14 |
Harry Potter | Ages 8 |
Jersey Boys | Ages 12 |
La Cage aux Folles | Ages 16 |
Les Misérables | Ages 10 |
Mamma Mia! | Ages 6 |
Matilda - The Musical | Ages 8 |
Moulin Rouge! | Ages 12 |
Mrs. Doubtfire | Ages 12 |
Newsies | Ages 16 |
Oklahoma! | Ages 14 |
Robin Hood The Legend. Re-Written | Ages 10 |
Showstopper! The Improvised Musicaö | Ages 12 |
Six | Ages 10 |
The Book of Mormon | Ages 16 |
The Choir of Man | Ages 5 |
The King and I - London | Ages 8 |
The Lion King | Ages 6 |
The Little Big Things | Ages 14 |
The Phantom of the Opera | Ages 10 |
The Play That Goes Wrong | Ages 8 |
The Third Man | Ages 13 |
The Wirzard of Oz | Ages 2 |
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical | Ages 14 |
We will rock you | Ages 10 |
Wicked | Ages 7 |
Zog | Ages 3 |
Sorts by age
West End Shows & Plays | Age Rating |
|---|---|
Elf! | Ages 0 |
The Wirzard of Oz | Ages 2 |
Blippi - The Wonderful World Tour | Ages 2 |
Zog | Ages 3 |
Close Up: The Twiggy Musical | Ages 5 |
The Choir of Man | Ages 5 |
Back to the Future | Ages 6 |
ABBA Voyage | Ages 6 |
Frozen - The Musical | Ages 6 |
The Lion King | Ages 6 |
Glory Ride | Ages 6 |
Mamma Mia! | Ages 6 |
Mrs. Doubtfire | Ages 6 |
Harry Potter | Ages 8 |
Matilda - The Musical | Ages 8 |
The King and I - London | Ages 8 |
The Play That Goes Wrong | Ages 8 |
Wicked | Ages 8 |
Guys and Dolls | Ages 9 |
Hamilton | Ages 10 |
Les Misérables | Ages 10 |
Robin Hood The Legend. Re-Written | Ages 10 |
Six | Ages 10 |
The Phantom of the Opera | Ages 10 |
We will rock you | Ages 10 |
Aspects of Love | Ages 12 |
Groundhog Day | Ages 12 |
Jersey Boys | Ages 12 |
Moulin Rouge! | Ages 12 |
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical | Ages 12 |
Grease | Ages 13 |
The Third Man | Ages 13 |
Everybody's Talking About Jamie | Ages 14 |
Heathers - The Musical | Ages 14 |
Oklahoma! | Ages 14 |
The Little Big Things | Ages 14 |
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical | Ages 14 |
Cabaret | Ages 15 |
Crazy For you | Ages 16 |
Death Note | Ages 16 |
La Cage aux Folles | Ages 16 |
Newsies | Ages 16 |
The Book of Mormon | Ages 16 |
An't Too Proud - Temptations | Ages 18 |
Frequently asked questions about musicals for children in London
Which musicals in London are suitable for children?
There are some musicals in London that are perfect for kids! Our highlights for the kids are definitely The Lion King, Frozen and The Wizard of Oz. These are the perfect shows for a fun and, above all, musically enriching evening that will light up children’s eyes.
What children's shows are there in London?
There are of course not only great children’s musicals in London, but also other shows aimed at younger audiences. Theaters in London that you definitely shouldn’t miss are Zog, Mermaids & Pirates and to all the older kids Harry Potter and the Enchanted Child at the Palace Theatre!
Can children go to London's theaters?
London, fortunately, has theaters for all ages of children. Mostly the children should be 5 years old or older, but there are also musicals and plays that are especially designed for the youngest. Parents should still assess for themselves which play or musical fits the family trip.
Do children need their own ticket to see a show?
Yes, there are no adult tickets in London that include a child. Even the youngest need their own ticket to enter and participate in the show to have their own seat.
Is SIX suitable as a musical for children?
The musical SIX is rather not suitable for small children. If you want to learn more about the story of Henry VIII’s Six Wives, your children should be at least over 10 years old. Youth under 16 must also be accompanied by an adult.
More info about the musicals in London
