The best musicals for kids in the UK

Another theatrical adaptation from a hugely popular Disney film, Frozen The Musical is sure to be a big hit among Elsa and Ana fans, and a great way to introduce little ones to the West End.
When: Booking until Oct 23
Where: Theatre Royal Drury Lane , Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5JF
Age recommendation: 6+

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This wonderful musical theatre phenomenon has been running for more than 15 years. Introduce your tweenagers to the amazing story of Glinda and Elphaba in the Land of Oz... they're sure to be dazzled by the remarkable costumes, powerful story, stunning songs and amazing special effects.
When: Booking until Nov 23
Where: Apollo Victoria Theatre , 17 Wilton Road, Pimlico, London, SW1V 1LG
Age recommendation: 7+

Read our honest review of Wicked here

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You've read the book: now see the musical stage show. Roald Dahl's grotesque, villainous parents and teachers really shine in this heart-warming show; you and your kids will find yourselves rooting for 'revolting children' like never before!
When: Booking until Dec 23
Where: Cambridge Theatre , Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9HU
Age recommendation: 6+

Combine your trip with a Matilda-themed afternoon tea, or another top afternoon tea for kids

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Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin, Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo and Tigger are soon to be part of a beautifully crafted stage adaptation, perfect for Pooh fans of all ages. Stunning puppetry, toe-tapping songs including the Sherman Brothers’ classic Grammy Award-winning music, and heart-warming adventures feature in this brand-new family-friendly musical.
When: Until 21 May 23 (then on UK tour from May-Sep 23)
Where: Riverside Studios , 101 Queen Caroline Street, London W6 9BN
Age recommendation: Suitable for all ages

Read our honest review of Winnie the Pooh on stage

Love Winnie the Pooh? Here are our top recommendations for Winnie the Pooh-themed days out in the UK

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Stunning costumes and wonderful music make The Lion King one of the most popular shows in London. It's perfect for kids too: check out the Disney film before you see the show to help any theatrical newbies fully enjoy the spectacle.
When: Booking until Oct 23
Where: Lyceum Theatre , 21 Wellington Street, London WC2E 7RQ
On Tour: The Lion King tours Manchester, Sunderland, Bristol and Birmingham in 2023
Age recommendation: 6+

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A new production of the West End smash hit Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical tours the UK in 2023. Follow the delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectionary wizard Willy Wonka at Leeds Playhouse. There's memorable songs from the iconic 1970s film as well as brilliantly witty new numbers. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical is a sensational musical is choc-full of fantastic treats to dazzle your senses.
When: Until 26 Nov 23
Where: on UK tour
Age Recommendation: 7+

Love Roald Dahl? Here are some top Roald Dahl-inspired days out in the UK

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The new comedy musical Mrs Doubtfire is ready to dazzle and delight London's West End this spring. Out-of-work actor Daniel will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As his new character takes on a life of its own, Mrs Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father.
When: From 12 May 23
Where: Shaftesbury Theatre , 210 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8DP
Age recommendation: 6+

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Introduce your kids to one of the most iconic musicals of all time as The Wizard of Oz comes to the London Palladium this summer. A sensational cast joins Dorothy and Toto for an unforgettable adventure down the yellow brick road! Starring award-winning comedian and musical theatre star Jason Manford as The Cowardly Lion and Diversity star Ashley Banjo as The Tin Man in his West End musical debut. It's sure to be a real treat.
When: 23 Jun-3 Sep 23
Where: London Palladium , 8 Argyll Street, London W1F 7TF
Age recommendation: 6+

Squirrels, are you ready? Hey Duggee Live is touring for the first time ever, and here’s your chance to join in! This vibrant, interactive theatre show is bursting with music, puppets and barrels of laughs. Hey Duggee The Live Theatre Show features Duggee, the Squirrels and many more of your favourite characters... Betty wants to make costumes, Happy wants to sing, Tag wants to make music, Norrie wants to dance, Roly wants jelly and they all want YOU to join them at the Clubhouse! There is so much to do, but luckily Duggee has his Theatre Badge. A-Woof!
When: Until 27 Aug 23
Where: UK tour
Age recommendation: Suitable for all ages

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Divorced, beheaded, and now live! Boost your kid's love of history with a trip to this 80-minute musical extravaganza boasting 'Tudor Queens turned Pop Princesses'. Perfect for Horrible Histories fans.
When: Booking until Oct 2023
Where: Vaudeville Theatre , 404 Strand, London WC2R 0NH
Age recommendation: 10+

Are your kids interested in royalty, past and present? Here are our top royal days out for the whole family to enjoy

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A modern take on the Cinderella story, Pretty Woman The Musical was created by the same team as the hit 1990s romcom. One for the older kids, Pretty Woman The Musical comes with a 12+ age recommendation.
When: Booking until Jun 23
Where: Savoy Theatre , Savoy Court, London WC2R 0ET
Age recommendation: 12+

Check out our other recommendations for top things to do in London with teenagers

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Turn on your Flux Capacitor and get ready for 1.21 gigawatts of pure theatrical entertainment. Based on the 1985 cult classic film, Back To The Future The Musical is a brilliant time-travelling mash-up of the 1950s and the 1980s, and is sure to put a smile on your kids' faces.
When: Booking until Oct 23
Where: Adelphi Theatre , Strand, London WC2R 0NS
Age recommendation: 6+

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One for all the ABBA-loving kids out there: Mamma Mia is a colourful, silly, high-energy romp, with oodles of feel-good vibes. Set sail for a Greek holiday adventure; come away humming all those wonderful songs.
When: Booking until Sep 23
Where: Novello Theatre , Aldwych, London WC2B 4LD
On Tour: Mamma Mia will tour the UK in 2022
Age recommendation: 5+

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Based on Britain’s best-loved picture book by Judith Kerr, the Olivier Award nominated smash hit show The Tiger Who Came to Tea returns to London's West End this summer. The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem... expect to be surprised!
When and where: on UK Tour until Aug 23
Age recommendation: 3+

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The nation's favourite TV show becomes a brand-new Great British Musical in London this spring. Follow the trials and tribulations of wannabe winning bakers as they enter the hallowed tent, including a policeman, a carer, a sixth form student, a retired dinner lady, an environmentalist vegan, an Italian fashionista, and more. Expect a scrumptious signature slice of humour, heart, and abundant joy, with 16 wonderful new, memorable songs.
When: Until 13 May 23
Where: Noel Coward Theatre , 85-88 St Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4AP
Age recommendation: 7+

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Is a stage version of Grease 'the one that you want?' Good news! It's back in the West End this summer, and perfect for introducing your tweens and teens to your favourite musical from when you were their age! This gritty, electrifying and dazzling production of one of the world's best-loved musicals stars Louise Redknapp as Teen Angel.
When: 2 Jun-28 Oct 23
Where: Dominion Theatre , 268-269 Tottenham Court Rd, London W1T 7AQ
Age recommendation: 7+

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If your kids enjoy the film versions of Disney's Aladdin, they'll love this thrilling stage production filled with unforgettable magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. Aladdin is touring the UK from October 2023.
When and where: Edinburgh Playhouse, 24 Oct-18 Nov 23; Wales Millennium Centre, CF10 5AL, 7 Dec-14 Jan; Theatre Royal Plymouth , 17 Jan-11 Feb 24; Sunderland Empire, 15 Feb-10 Mar 24; Milton Keynes Theatre, 24 Apr-19 May 24
Age recommendation: 6+

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See West End theatre star Charlie Stemp in Crazy For You at the Gillian Lynne Theatre this summer. Crazy For You is the story of theatre-mad Bobby Child, who is torn between his show-business dreams and running the family bank. He reluctantly heads west to Deadrock, Nevada, to foreclose on a theatre’s mortgage, only to fall for the theatre owner’s daughter, Polly. Desperate to prove himself, Bobby decides to put on a show to save the theatre, renew the town and hopefully win Polly’s love. Crazy For You is a big, bold, traditional musical packed with great dancing, glorious Gershwin show tunes and a heart-warming plot.
When: 24 Jun 23-20 Jan 24
Where: Gillian Lynne Theatre , 166 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5PW
Age recommendation: 4+

Mog is a very forgetful cat. She forgets that she has a cat flap, she forgets that she’s already eaten her supper, and she forgets that cats don’t have eggs for breakfast every day. Bother that cat! But Mog’s forgetfulness can come in handy... The Wardrobe Ensemble adapt Judith Kerr’s beloved and iconic stories for the stage, in a lively and enchanting production with songs, live music and a menagerie of creatures little and large.
When: 11 Jul–29 Jul 2023
Where: The Old Vic , 103 The Cut, London SE1 8NB
Age Recommendation: 3+

Lift off into space this summer with a trip to see the amazing Smeds and The Smoos at the Lyric Theatre in London. On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young red Smed and blue Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back? Expect music, laughs and interplanetary adventures suitable for everyone aged 3 and up, from Tall Stories – the company that brought you The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom live on stage.
When: 20 Jul-3 Sep 23
Where: The Lyric Theatre , 29 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7ES