Family Friendly

Family-friendly theatre in London

Few cities do family theatre like London, and for many children a West End matinee becomes the memory of the whole trip. The trick is matching the show to the age group rather than simply picking the biggest title. This page collects every family-suitable show on sale now, and the line-up below covers the reliable favourites by age.

Best shows by age group

For young theatregoers, gentle and shorter is better: Stick Man adapts Julia Donaldson's picture book into an hour of songs and puppetry, and Paddington The Musical at the Savoy Theatre brings London's politest bear to the stage. From around age six or seven, the big spectacles land brilliantly: The Lion King at the Lyceum, Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre, Disney's Hercules and the Royal Shakespeare Company's breathtaking My Neighbour Totoro. Older children and teenagers graduate to Wicked, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and singalong favourites like Mamma Mia!, while The Play That Goes Wrong proves a play can out-laugh any film.

Practical tips for taking children to the theatre

Matinees are the family sweet spot: earlier start, easier bedtime and usually better availability than Saturday evening. Most West End theatres offer booster seats free of charge, ask an usher when you arrive. Arrive 30 minutes early to settle in, order interval drinks and snacks before the show starts, and note that theatres set minimum ages (commonly around 3 or 4) with specific guidance per show, so check the show's page before booking. For more budget headroom, see our tickets under £30 page or what's on in the school holidays.