Best kids' theatre shows to book in 2024
Looking to inspire a new generation of theatre goers? These kids' theatre shows are just the ticket.
We know it can somtimes be difficult to encourage your children to enter worlds that you're interested in, such as concerts, orchestras, and the theatre, as not every performance will be suitable or even interesting to them!
When planning any activity, it's important to select something your little one will appreciate, as we all know it's best not to spend money on something they won't enjoy.
If you're determined to start your children young in the theatre sphere, we've selected the best shows to take them to this school holidays, with top suggestions up and down the UK.
In our list below, we've included classic musicals with strong moral messages such as The Lion King, Wicked and Frozen, as well as new shows which feature your little ones' favourite characters, such as Peppa Pig in Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out, Blippi in Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, and Mouse in The Gruffalo.
Plus, for each show, we've included a recommended age rating, and advice on what to expect during the performance, whether that's warnings of loud noises, flashing lights, smoke effects and strobe lighting, or audience participation.
Now, let's get this show on the road!
Did you know The Greatest Showman is coming to the West End? The Greatest Showman stage show has been confirmed by Disney.
Best kids’ theatre shows at a glance:
- The Tiger Who Came to Tea, from £12
- The Smartest Giant in Town, from £13
- Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out, from £13
- The Gruffalo, from £13
- Mamma Mia!, from £14.50
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, from £15
- The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, from £15
- Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, from £15
- Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors, from £23
- Matilda The Musical, from £24
- Wicked, from £25
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, from £30
- Frozen, from £34.22
- The Lion King, from £43.75
Best kids’ theatre shows in the UK to book this year
Wicked
Suitable for: Children aged 7+
Wicked is based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire, and it imagines the backstory of L. Frank Baum's characters in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. This magical production tells the story of two friends, and how they ended up becoming Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
While best known for its performances at London's West End, Wicked is visiting Sunderland and Manchester as part of a UK tour. Wicked will be at Sunderland Empire from Tuesday 24th September to Sunday 20th October, and at Palace Theatre from Tuesday 3rd December to Sunday 12th January, with London shows booking until Sunday 1st June.
We would recommend taking children aged seven and over to see Wicked; the enchanting production has loud noises, flashing lights, smoke effects and strobe lighting, but is generally suitable for everyone.
- Buy Wicked London tickets from £25 at ATG Tickets
- Buy Wicked Sunderland tickets from £30 at ATG Tickets
- Buy Wicked Manchester tickets from £25 at ATG Tickets
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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Suitable for: Children aged 10+
With 11 Olivier Award nominations — nine of which became wins, including the Best New Play award — Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a safe bet for introducing children into the magical world of theatre.
From the moment you and your family step into the Palace Theatre in London, you'll be transported to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for Harry, Ron, and Hermione's latest adventure. 19 years after the trio saved the wizarding world, they're joined by a brave new generation of schoolers ready to take on a new challenge.
It's worth noting that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, just like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows movies, is a play split into two parts, and these tickets from TodayTix will get you access to both shows.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is suitable for children aged 10 and over, and children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Plus, the access performances for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are as follows: BSL, 21st September at 2pm and 7pm, Audio Described, 9th November at 2pm and 7pm, and Captioned, 16th November at 2pm and 7pm.
Buy Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (part one and two) tickets from £30 at TodayTix
If you're planning on taking your family to a National Trust property this month, it's worth checking out our National Trust family membership explainer.
The Lion King
Suitable for: Children aged 3+
We Just Can't Wait to experience The Lion King at London's West End! The Lion King has been delighting families at the theatre since 1997, and the impressive production features 50 actors, 232 puppets, and plenty of beloved songs from the Disney film, such as Circle of Life and Can You Feel the Love Tonight.
You already know the classic storyline; The Lion King follows Simba, the king's son, who sees his dad fall at the hands of his uncle, Scar. Simba flees to the Serengeti Plains to escape Scar's wrath and meets the singing duo Timon and Pumbaa. As Simba works up the courage to return to Pride Rock and take his rightful place as king, plenty of friendship and wisdom is needed along the way.
The Lion King theatre show is great for children aged three and over.
Buy The Lion King tickets from £43.75 at Ticketmaster
Looking for a roarsome day out? See some real-life lions at the best UK zoos.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Suitable for: Children aged 3+
If the doorbell rang as you were sitting down to tea with your family, who would you expect it to be? A delivery person with a package? A neighbour asking for a favour? We're sure you wouldn't expect it to be a big, stripy tiger! In the theatre production of The Tiger Who Came to Tea (if the name isn't already a huge giveaway), Sophie and her mum are about to sit down to tea when a friendly tiger knocks on the door.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea is celebrating over 55 years as Britain's beloved picture book, having been written by author Judith Kerr in 1968, and 15 years on stage. The Olivier Award-winning theatre show boasts plenty of sing-a-longs, clumsiness and surprise.
This magical theatre show is suitable for children aged three and over, and children under 18 months who can sit on an adult's lap won't need tickets. If you're keen to take the family to see this delightful production, you better be quick, as it completes its run on 1st September at Theatre Royal Haymarket.
Buy The Tiger Who Came to Tea tickets from £12 at LOVE Theatre
Matilda The Musical
Suitable for: Children aged 6+
What was your favourite Roald Dahl book growing up? And does your child have a favourite Dahl book? MadeForMums Digital Writer Olivia, loved Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, and MadeForMums Digital Writer Joanna has a soft spot for Matilda, which is exactly what this next theatre show is!
The multi-award-winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company follows the eponymous character Matilda Wormwood, a telekinetic girl who is neglected by her parents and teacher, Miss Trunchbull, at Crunchem Hall Elementary School. With the support of her teacher, Miss Honey, Matilda puts her powers to good use to stand up against injustice.
Matilda The Musical is recommended for children aged six and above, and children under the age of four won't be allowed into the theatre.
Buy Matilda The Musical tickets from £24 at Ticketmaster
Frozen
Suitable for: Children aged 6+
There are a few movies targeted at children that we could watch on repeat, and Frozen is one of them. The Frozen theatre show follows the story of two sisters, Elsa and Anna, as Anna sets out to save their kingdom of Arendelle when Elsa accidentally plunges it into an eternal winter. As the wintery storm rages on, both sisters soon become aware that only an act of true love can thaw a frozen heart (a wonderfully Disney trope).
It'll come as no surprise that Frozen's most popular songs, For the First Time in Forever, Do You Want to Build a Snowman?, and Let It Go, will feature in the theatre show. But hurry, the magical theatre production must end on Sunday 8th September this year.
Although all accessible performances of Frozen have finished, did you know GalaPro is available at all Frozen performances? GalaPro is an app designed to make all entertainment accessible — you can use the app to enjoy Frozen with subtitles, audio description and closed captioning, and this all happens in real time.
Buy Frozen tickets from £34.22 at LOVE Theatre
Do you wanna build a snowman? Or buy your little ones the best Frozen gifts?
Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour
Suitable for: Children aged 2+
Off the back of the 2023 Olivier Award-nominated debut show, Blippi: The Musical, comes Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour! This musical is at the Harold Pinter Theatre from now until 20th September this year, and it promises to be the ultimate curiosity adventure for your children to dance, sing and learn.
If you're not completely familiar with the orange glasses-wearing character, Blippi, alongside his best friend Meekah, creates content to help nursery school-aged children learn in a fun and interesting way. Blippi is available to watch on YouTube.
Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour is perfect for little ones aged two and over, and children under 18 months will be admitted for free if they're able to sit on your knee.
Buy Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour tickets from £15 at TodayTix
If you're looking to save money on your next family day out, be sure to check out how to get cheap Legoland tickets.
Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors
Suitable for: Children aged 5+
From when we were children until now, Horrible Histories have been a core part of a lot of people's learnings of history, and the Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors book — which this next theatre show is based on — has been published in over 30 languages and sold more than 25 million copies worldwide since it was released in June 1993.
This hilarious stage show has already toured the UK, and provides thrilling answers to questions such as 'what became of the headless wives of Henry?' And 'was there really a punch-up with the Pope?'
Although Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors promises to leave some of the nasty bits in, this theatre production is suitable for children aged five and over.
Buy Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors tickets from £23 at London Theatre Direct
Our friends at RadioTimes.com have put together the ultimate best West End shows guide, which features everything from limited-time runs to family-favourite musicals. Plus, you can check out the longest running West End shows here.
The Gruffalo
Suitable for: Children aged 3+
We're big fans of The Gruffalo here at MadeForMums. Whether we're telling you how to create your own Gruffalo mask or sharing how to dress your child as the Gruffalo for World Book Day. So it's no surprise that The Gruffalo stage production has made it to our list of the best theatre shows for kids.
The Gruffalo follows Mouse on a stroll through the deep, dark woods. In the woods, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric Owl, and the lively Snake. To avoid ending up as each animal's lunch, Mouse tells them he's dining with the Gruffalo because doesn't he know? There's no such thing as a Gruffalo! Or is there?
This beloved theatre show has toured the world, with its current home being the Lyric Theatre in London. Children aged three and over will love the story of The Gruffalo.
Buy The Gruffalo tickets from £13 at TodayTix
The Smartest Giant in Town
Suitable for: Children aged 12 months+
If you like The Gruffalo, you'll also enjoy The Smartest Giant in Town, as just like The Gruffalo, this muscial production is also based on the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Plus, as The Smartest Giant in Town doesn't land in London's West End until just before Christmas (29th November), you have plenty of time to plan ahead and secure cheap tickets.
For parents who are looking to introduce their little ones to the theatre with a production with a key learning takeaway, The Smartest Giant in Town is a brilliant tale about friendship and helping those in need.
George wishes he wasn't the scruffiest giant in town, so it's just his luck when a new shop selling giant-sized outfits opens. It's also just George's luck when his friends need his help, and his new smart clothes and new shiny shoes!
Buy The Smartest Giant in Town tickets from £13 at TodayTix
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Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Suitable for: Children aged 5+
Try saying the title without getting the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang tune stuck in your head. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a children's story written by Ian Fleming — who is probably best known for his James Bond novels — and it was adapted into a famous movie in 1968 before coming to the stage.
With seven UK tour locations to choose from, from Liverpool to Glasgow and Manchester to Bristol — you and your whole family can experience the story of the magical car and listen to world-famous songs such as Hushabye Mountain, Truly Scrumptious, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is in Glasgow from now until Sunday 8th September 2024, Oxford from Tuesday 1st October until Sunday 6th October, Liverpool from Tuesday 8th October to Sunday 20th October, Stoke from Tuesday 22nd October to Sunday 27th October, Manchester from Tuesday 11th March to Saturday 15th March 2025, Sunderland from Tuesday 22nd April to Sunday 27th April, and finally Bristol from Tuesday 29th April to Sunday 4th May.
- Buy Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Glasgow tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets
- Buy Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Oxford tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets
- Buy Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Liverpool tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets
- Buy Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Stoke tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets
- Buy Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Manchester tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets
- Buy Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Sunderland tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets
- Buy Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Bristol tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Suitable for: Children aged 6+
For another timeless tale which spans generations, look no further than C. S. Lewis' The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
When you take your little ones to see The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, they'll join siblings Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they enter the faraway and mystical land of Narnia through a wardrobe. As the siblings leave behind wartime Britain, they'll meet Aslan the lion, a talking Faun, the wicked White Witch, and you already know which character will risk it all for a bite of a Turkish Delight.
This family-friendly theatre production is touring the UK in 2025, starting in Liverpool from Tuesday 18th February to Saturday 22nd February, Brighton from Tuesday 11th March to Saturday 15th March, Woking from Tuesday 25th March to Saturday 29th March, Torquay from Tuesday 1st April to Saturday 5th April, York from Tuesday 22nd April to Saturday 26th April, Birmingham from Tuesday 27th May to Saturday 31st May, Stoke from Tuesday 3rd June to Saturday 7th June, Glasgow from Tuesday 10th June to Saturday 14th June, Milton Keynes from Tuesday 22nd July to Saturday 26th July, Bristol from Tuesday 16th September to Saturday 20th September, Aylesbury from Tuesday 7th October to Saturday 11th October, and Sunderland from Tuesday 11th November to Saturday 15th November.
- Buy The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Liverpool tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets
- Buy The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Brighton tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets
- Buy The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Woking tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets
- Buy The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Torquay tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets
- Buy The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe York tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets
- Buy The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Birmingham tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets
- Buy The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Stoke tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets
- Buy The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Glasgow tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets
- Buy The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Milton Keynes tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets
- Buy The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Bristol tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets
- Buy The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Aylesbury tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets
- Buy The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Sunderland tickets from £15 at ATG Tickets
Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out
Suitable for: Children aged 3+
Do your kids like splashing around in muddy puddles? How about going to the zoo or to the beach? Then they'd love Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out as Peppa Pig, her family and friends are set to embark on their most fun-filled day out yet.
Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out acts as a perfect introductory show to the theatre as it incorporates everything little ones love about Peppa Pig with live-action excitement. Prepare to experience Peppa Pig and friends having fun with colourful scarecrows, feeding the penguins at the zoo, building big sandcastles and swimming in the sea; there's plenty of singing, dancing and laughter to be had at Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out.
Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out will be coming to the West End's Theatre Royal Haymarket over Christmastime, and tickets are available to snap up right now.
Buy Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out tickets from £13 at London Theatre Direct
Our friends at RadioTimes.com have put together a guide on how to get cheap theatre tickets.
Mamma Mia!
Suitable for: Children aged 5+
Are you ready to dance, jive and have the time of your life at Mamma Mia! at West End London’s Novello Theatre? This family-friendly show has plenty of laughter, songs and dances for children, while also being a brilliant afternoon out for parents, too.
Since its debut in 1999, Mamma Mia! has captivated the hearts of 60 million people worldwide. The musical follows Sophie Sheridan as she hopes to unite with her father before her wedding — sounds straightforward, right? But with three possible dads, unexpected twists and turns, and plenty of ABBA songs, the road to the chapel isn't as simple as it seems.
Mamma Mia! is recommended for children aged five and above, and children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18. It's worth noting that Mamma Mia! does contain flashing lights.
Buy Mamma Mia! tickets from £14.50 at Ticketmaster
What age can children go to the theatre?
When it comes to booking a theatre show for your family, it's best to check the official age rating of the theatre show, as they will vary. However, as a general rule, the majority of theatre shows are aimed at children aged three and over, with rules in place about infants not being allowed in the theatre and under 16s having to be accompanied by an over-18. This is due to loud sounds, busyness, and longer running times which might become tedious for little ones.
In our guide, we've included a range of theatre shows which are suitable for threes and over and fives and over, as well as productions where those under 18 months can enter for free as long as they're sat on an adult's lap (so as not to take up an extra seat), such as Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour.
There are also some shows in this guide suitable for tiny tots like The Smartest Giant in Town, which has a recommended age rating of 12 months+. The low age rating is likely due to the short 55-minute run time.
What are the best theatre shows for children?
As all children are different, there is no one-size-fits-all rule as to what makes the perfect theatre show. However, particularly for infants, there are some features theatre productions employ to keep little ones entertained, such as puppetry, sing-alongs, audience participation, direct address, humour, short run time, and an easy-to-follow narrative.
In our guide, the theatre productions which do all of the above well are The Smartest Giant in Town, Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out, The Gruffalo, Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, and The Tiger Who Came to Tea. These children-focused shows have a snappy run-time and accessible narrative.
However, the most popular musicals for kids come from adaptations of major movies such as The Lion King, Frozen, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and Matilda. These theatre productions boast amazing puppetry and plenty of sing-along songs. With slightly longer run times and more complex plots, we'd recommend these shows for children aged six and over.
If you'd like to browse further theatre shows for your little ones, we'd recommend heading over to TodayTix, as the ticketing site has its own dedicated family section.
Browse family-friendly theatre shows at TodayTix
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