Best theatre shows for children

London is one of the most important cities of arts and culture in the entire world. Its renowned West End theatrical performances are considered to be on the same level with New York’s Broadway scene. These shows attract millions of spectators every year and you can always browse through hundreds of theatre tickets here. 

If you want to see high-quality productions like plays and musicals, there’s no place like the West End of London. Apart from the large variety of shows which target the adult audience, the many theatres in this fabulous part of the city also host plenty of performances that are designed for children. 

If you want your kids to witness a fantastic artistic spectacle inside a London theatre, look no further than here. To help you out with your search, we’ve made a list of the best theatre shows for children that will take place shortly. Read on, and you’re bound to find a suitable performance that your kids will be ecstatic about.

1. Disney Presents Aladdin

Disney Presents Aladdin is a delightful theatre show that reenacts the fantastic story told in the 1992 musical film which has charmed and fascinated children from all over the world. While attending this performance at the breathtaking Prince Edward Theatre, you’ll be delighted to listen to all of the songs that were featured on the soundtrack of the original movie. It’s better than you could possibly expect! 

The team behind this original project is one that can be described as visionary and expressive. The director and choreographer is none other than Casey Nicholaw, who became famous due to The Book of Mormon. Those responsible for the music are Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, who also worked on Beauty and the Beast, as well as Tim Rice (The Lion King) and Chad Beguelin (Elf). In the main roles, you’ll get to see Dean John-Wilson and Jade Ewen. The whole team has made tremendous efforts to put this show into motion. The sets and special effects are absolutely astonishing, and no less than 350 dazzling costumes have been used.

Address: Old Compton St, London W1D 4HS

Telephone: +44 844 482 5151

Website: http://www.aladdinthemusical.co.uk/

2. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

From October until December, you can take your kids to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London to see this great musical based on the mouthwatering story written by Roald Dahl. Distinguished with an Olivier Award, this extraordinary West End play shows the magical adventures of Charlie Bucket and the peculiar confectioner Willy Wonka, owner of the marvellous Wonka Chocolate Factory. Witness Charlie’s genuine happiness as he walks through the sugar-coated halls of the astounding factory as well as his surprise when he discovers that not everything is as he expected. 

This exhilarating theatrical performance is brought to you by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes. The songs you’ll get to listen to are the work of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The jaw-dropping sets and costumes are designed by Mark Thompson, famous for the Mamma Mia! musical. The man behind the choreography of the show is Peter Darling, who earned worldwide acclaim for the musicals Billy Elliot and Matilda.

Address: Drury Lane, Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF

Telephone: 0844 412 4648

Website: http://www.charlieandthechocolatefactory.com/london.php

3. Wicked

Advertised as one of the greatest musicals of our time, Wicked is a theatre show for children that has already been running for over ten years and never fails to bedazzle its audiences. Ever since it was first released, this stellar musical has won more than one hundred worldwide prizes. Based on “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, the original creation of L. Frank Baum, this theatrical performance presents the amazing tale of two witchcraft students, Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. 

The special effects, costumes and stages are sensational and awe-inspiring. The charming atmosphere of the show is completed by its lovely songs composed by the widely-acclaimed Stephen Schwartz, known for Pocahontas and The Prince of Egypt.

Address: 17 Wilton Rd, Pimlico, London SW1V 1LG, UK

Telephone: +44 844 871 3001

Website: http://www.wickedthemusical.co.uk/

4. Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia! is a show which has undoubtedly managed to make history. It’s so famous that it doesn’t really need any introduction. With more than 60 million fans from all over the planet, Mamma Mia! is a bright and amusing story that takes place on a heavenly Greek isle. On the day before her wedding, a girl attempts to find out who her real father is. For this purpose, three different men who knew her mother when she was young arrive in the paradisiacal isle they once picked as a holiday destination. 

Watch this magic and joyful musical at the Novello Theatre in London and your mood will be lifted in no time by the classic hits of the iconic Swedish band ABBA.

Address: Aldwych, London WC2B, UK

Telephone: 0844 482 5115

Website: http://www.mamma-mia.com/

5. Thriller Live!

Inside the grandiose Lyric Theatre in London, spectators have the exciting opportunity of attending the Thriller Live! Concert, which is a genuine tribute to the life and career of Michael Jackson. This unforgettable experience is a must for everyone who loves the music of the great pop superstar. 

The show, which has been running for eight years, has included more than 3000 worldwide performances in front of no less than 3 million viewers from 30 countries. The two-hour Thriller Live! Concert features many of the hits that made Michael Jackson famous, such as Thriller, Billie Jean, Bad, Dirty Diana, Smooth Criminal, Dangerous or Beat It.

Address: 29 Shaftesbury Ave, Soho, London W1D 7ES, UK

Telephone: +44 330 333 4812

Website: http://thrillerlive.com/

We hope that you’ve found the shows in this article intriguing. All of these spectacular performances have received numerous awards and have always managed to leave the audiences gazing in awe. This is why we advise you to take your children to at least one of these magnificent events, as they’re bound to love and appreciate them. 

At this moment, we strongly believe that this is the best that the West End of London has to offer when it comes to theatre shows for children. So whenever you want to spend some quality time with your kids, simply buy a ticket to one of these five performances, and you won’t regret it!