Taking under 10s to The Lion King: a first time family guide

Thinking of taking a young child to The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre for their first trip to the theatre? Two official rules come first. The production recommends the show for ages 6 and over, and children under 3, including babies in arms, are not permitted in the theatre. Everyone needs a valid ticket whatever their age, and anyone aged 16 or under must be with an adult and cannot sit on their own. See dates and tickets for The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre.

In this article: The Lion King, Lyceum Theatre, family theatre, children, first time at the theatre, under 10s, relaxed performances, West End musicals.

This guide is for parents and carers of children under 10 who are planning a first visit. For the full detail on age guidance, seating and access, read our complete guide to The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre, and for the wider picture, from the story to getting there, see our ultimate guide to The Lion King in London.

What age is right for a first trip to The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre?

The official guidance for The Lion King is ages 6 and over, so this is the best starting point for a first theatre trip. The production describes it as "a spectacular theatre experience for audiences of all ages", and calls it a strong choice for theatre newcomers.

Children aged 3, 4 and 5 can attend with a ticket, but they sit below the recommended age, so think about how your child copes with a long film, loud music and a dark room. Under 3s cannot come in at all, so younger siblings will need to stay at home.

How long is The Lion King for young children?

The official site says the musical "runs for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an interval." That means a long first half and a long second half, with a break in the middle, which is a lot for a child who has never been to the theatre.

Visit the toilets before the show and again in the interval, and talk through the story beforehand so your child knows roughly when the break comes.

Is a matinee or an evening performance of The Lion King better for under 10s?

Performances run Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm, with matinees at 2.30pm on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. For most young children, a weekend matinee is the easier choice. It avoids a late finish and a tired late journey, and it fits more naturally around meals and bedtime.

When should families arrive at the Lyceum Theatre for The Lion King?

The production recommends arriving "at least 60 minutes before the start of the performance to pass through security checks and find your seats." The theatre opens to guests 90 minutes before curtain up.

With young children, it is worth using all of that time. There are bag checks on the way in, and the production strongly advises against bringing large bags. The cloakroom takes coats and umbrellas but cannot accept large bags, so pack light. If you plan to buy official merchandise as a treat, note that all kiosks inside the theatre take card payments only.

Will anything in The Lion King frighten a young child?

The official site notes that the show "contains theatrical smoke and fog effects as well as strobe lighting during parts of the show." Children who are sensitive to flashing lights or sudden effects may find some moments intense, so prepare them in advance.

The story itself follows Simba, a young lion cub who, in the production's words, "must overcome loss, discover his true identity and find the courage to embrace his destiny as King." If your child already knows the Disney film, they will recognise the story, including its sad moments. If they do not, a quick chat about what happens can make the darker scenes easier to follow.

Much of the wonder for younger audiences comes from Julie Taymor's puppets and costumes. The production explains her idea of the "double event", where audiences can see both the performer and the animal character at the same time. Pointing this out can turn a nervous moment into a fun game of spotting the people inside the animals.

Does The Lion King offer calmer, relaxed performances?

The production runs relaxed performances, which are "specially adapted to be accessible to a wide range of audiences such as those with autism, those with a learning disability or anyone with a sensory predisposition." At these performances, loud noises are reduced, the house lights are dimmed rather than turned off, and flashing and strobing lights are reduced.

The official access page adds that "Audience members are welcome to move around and make noise during the show", with breakout areas in the theatre bars and sensory bags available to request on the day. A visual story and a sensory synopsis can be downloaded ahead of the visit, which are useful for any child who likes to know what to expect.

The production also offers captioned and signed performances, plus captions and audio description through the GalaPro app. Our complete guide to The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre covers access in more detail, or see the official access page for current dates.

What do children need to know about theatre manners at The Lion King?

The production asks everyone to switch phones off completely when the show begins, because "Even the light from a screen can be distracting for the performers on stage and for fellow audience members." Talking during the performance is discouraged, and cameras and sound recording are strictly prohibited.

Quick checklist for a first family visit to The Lion King

• Check ages: 6 and over is recommended, and under 3s are not allowed in.
• Book a ticket for every child, and make sure an adult sits with anyone 16 or under.
• Choose a weekend matinee if bedtime matters.
• Arrive at least an hour early and leave large bags at home.
• Talk through the story, the smoke effects and the strobe lighting beforehand.
• Consider a relaxed performance for children who may need to move or make noise.

If your family enjoys this first visit, another West End musical made with young audiences in mind is Paddington The Musical at the Savoy Theatre.

Ready to plan your family trip? See dates and tickets for The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre.