ARTICLE: FAMILY SHOWS TO SEE IN LONDON THIS SUMMER
- Neill Kovacic-Clarke
- 5 hours ago
- 9 min read
The current interchangable weather is hard to predict so a trip to the theatre can be the perfect family event. It doesn't matter if there's a heatwave or a good old British summer downpour outside, in the theatre you can escape into a whole new world.
There's a huge plethora of productions in London this summer which are family friendly and will create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned theatre goer or you're looking to introduce a loved one to the joys of watching a show, I've pulled together my top pick of productions to be enjoyed by the whole family below.
And as an added bonus it's London Theatre Week over at London Box Office which runs until Sunday 31st August. London Theatre Week is the West End's biggest promotion offering great tickets to your favourite shows from just £15, £25 or £35!
1) HERCULES
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Playing Now
Don’t miss, Hercules, the latest Disney hit film transformed into an energetic and entertaining musical on the West End stage.
Hercules is a musical that premiered in 2019 Off-Broadway at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, Manhattan, New York. In 2023, the show had a short run at Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey, and then in 2024, the show opened at Neue Flora in Hamburg, Germany. Now the family-friendly musical comes to Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
The musical is based on the 1997 film of the same name and is loosely based on the story of Zeus’ son Hercules in Greek mythology. The show, which includes hit R&B and gospel songs from the film like Go The Distance and From Zero to Hero, tells the story of young demigod, Hercules. While his parents are Zeus and Hera, he grows up on Earth after being made mortal by the villainous Hades. However, he is still left with super-human strength and doesn’t feel he belongs. When he discovers the truth about his identity, he seeks to become a hero and return to Mount Olympus.
Run time: 2 hours 10 minutes, including interval
Age Guidelines: 6+. Children under 4 (including babies in arms) will not be admitted into the theatre. All persons aged 16 or under must be accompanied by an sdult (18+) and may not sit on their own
2) THE ENORMOUS CROCODILE
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
Playing until 7th September
‘For my lunch today I would like… a nice juicy little child!’
He’s greedy, he’s grumptious, he’s beastly, he’s…BACK!
The Enormous Crocodile is weaving his way back through the jungle to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre after a hit summer season in 2024 in search of delicious little fingers and squidgy podgy knees... Only the other jungle creatures can foil his secret plans and clever tricks, but they’re going to have to find a large amount of courage to stop this greedy brute.
This mischievous musical based on Roald Dahl’s snappy book has toe-tapping tunes by Ahmed Abdullahi Gallab, a rib-tickling book and lyrics by Suhayla El-Bushra, and additional music and lyrics by Tom Brady. Developed and directed by Emily Lim, it features a menagerie of puppets by co-director and puppetry designer Toby Olié, with set and costume design by Fly Davis and puppetry co-designed and supervised by Daisy Beattie.
Snap up your tickets today for this wickedly funny musical adventure, perfect for the whole family!
The Enormous Crocodile musical was developed by Emily Lim, Ahmed Abdullahi Gallab, Suhayla ElBushra, Tom Brady and Roald Dahl Story Company.
Run time: 55 minutes, with no interval
Age Guidelines: 3+. Under 4's are permitted but everyone aged 2 and over must have their own ticket
3) OLIVER!
Gielgud Theatre
Playing Now
See Lionel Bart’s Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical, Oliver!, in the new and exciting revival reconceived by Cameron Mackintosh and director and choreographer Sir Matthew Bourne.
Oliver! in London has an exceptional cast, including Aaron Sidwell (EastEnders, Wicked) as Bill Sikes, Simon Lipkin (Guys and Dolls, The Beaker Girls) as Fagin, and Shanay Holmes (Rent, The Bridges of Madison County) as Nancy.
The masterful ensemble tells the classic story of young orphan, Oliver Twist, living on the streets of London in the 1830s. He struggles to survive and joins a gang of young pickpockets as he seeks what he desperately desires: a family and a home.
Run time: 2 hours 40 minutes, including interval
Age Guidelines: Under 16's must be accompanied by and sat next to a ticketholder who is 18+. Under 3's will not be admitted.
4) BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL
Adelphi Theatre
Playing Now
Great Scott! The iconic 80s sci-fi movie is now a spectacular West End hit musical, offering up 1.21 gigawatts of zany time-travelling adventure, jaw-dropping special effects, and an uplifting rock score. Oh and yes: there is a flying DeLorean. Discover “The Power of Love”, and book Back to the Future: The Musical.
When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past and send himself... back to the future.
Set your destination time and get ready for the West End’s “whacking great hit of spectacle, entertainment and nostalgia” (Mail on Sunday). Book your tickets yesterday!
The Back to the Future musical has all of the film's thrilling action and comedy, plus a fantastic score. It features the beloved songs used in the movie, as well as all-new toe-tappers from Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard.
Brian Conley stars as Doc Brown until 3rd November.
Run time: 2 hours 40 minutes, including interval
Age Guidelines: 3+. Babies in arms are permitted. Babies under 18 months and sitting on an adult's lap do not need a ticket.
5) THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA
Theatre Royal Haymarket
Playing until 7th September
The Olivier Award nominated The Tiger Who Came to Tea returns to the Theatre Royal Haymarket for its 11th West End Summer Season and is the purrfect treat for all the family!
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!
Produced by Nicoll Entertainment, based on the book by Judith Kerr OBE and directed by David Wood OBE.
David Wood OBE is undisputedly the country’s leading writer and director of plays and musicals for children. His many successes include The Gingerbread Man, The Witches and Babe the Sheep Pig.
Run time: 55 minutes, with no interval
Age Guidelines: 6+. Under 16's must be accompanied by an adult (18+). Under 4's will not be admitted
6) HORRIBLE HISTORIES: BARMY BRITAIN - THE BEST BITS
Apollo Theatre
Playing until 31st August
We all want to meet famous people from history. The problem is, everyone is dead!
So it's time to prepare yourself for Horrible Histories live on stage with the best of Barmy Britain!
Can you beat battling Boudica? Will King John be a martyr for the Magna Carta? What if you caught the putrid plague? Can Parliament survive gunpowder Guy? Would you stand and deliver to dastardly Dick Turpin? Escape the clutches of Burke and Hare and take a terrible trip with the Night Soil Men!
It’s the history of Britain with the nasty bits left in – to entertain the whole family this Summer!
Run time: 1 hour 10 minutes, with no interval
Age Guidelines: 5+
7) MATILDA THE MUSICAL
Cambridge Theatre
Playing Now
Matilda The Musical is the multi-award winningh musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved Roald Dahl book.
The musical tells the inspiring and often hilarious story of an extraordinary little girl with a big imagination and a fierce sense of right and wrong. Growing up in a world where adults underestimate her at every turn, Matilda learns to use her wit, courage, and determination to stand up for herself and those around her.
Packed with catchy songs and dazzling choreography, Matilda The Musical celebrates the power of knowledge, friendship, and believing in your own potential. With its mix of comedy, heart, and a dash of magic, this lovable story continues to charm audiences young and old.
Run time: 2 hours 35 minutes, with no interval
Age Guidelines: 6+. No children under the age of 4 will be admitted and every customer must have their own ticket. Under 16s must be sat next to an adult. To make sure everyone enjoys the show, little ones need to be able to sit in their own seat without any assistance.
8) THE SMEDS AND THE SMOOS
Lyric Theatre
Playing until 7th September
Tall Stories presents The Smeds and the Smoos, a joyful tale of star-crossed aliens.
Soar into space with this exciting adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, as seen in the BBC Christmas Day animation.
On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can't be friends, so when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back?
Music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for everyone aged 3 and up from the company that brought you The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom live on stage.
Run time: 1 hour, with no interval
Age Guidelines: 3+
9) 101 DALMATIANS - THE MUSICAL
Eventim Apollo
Playing until 30th August
Lock up your puppies, Cruella de Vil is in London this summer!
Get ready to go paws-itively dotty for the smash hit musical 101 Dalmatians which has scampered into the Eventim Apollo for a limited six week run.
Britain's Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas stars as the greatest villain of them all alongside JLS singer Aston Merrygold and TV host Jeff Brazier.
When fashionista Cruella de Vil plots to swipe all the Dalmatian puppies in town to create her fabulous new fur coat, there's trouble ahead for Pongo and Perdi and theor litter of adorable, tail-wagging young pups.
Dodie Smith's classic canine caper is brought to life on stage with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, hilarious songs and irresistable puppies!
This fun-loving new musical for all the family is written by Douglas Hodge (music and lyrics) and Johnny McKnight (book), from a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris.
Book your tickets now - you'd be barking mad to miss it!
Run time: 2 hours 20 minutes, including interval
Age Guidelines: 5+. Children under 3 will not be admitted. Anyone under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
10) THE LION KING
Lyceum Theatre
Playing Now
Disney's award-winning musical The Lion King explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music. At its heart is the powerful and moving story story of Simba as he journeys from wide-eyed cub to destined role as King of the Pridelands.
Now in its 26th year in London's West End, visionary director Julie Taymor's acclaimed reimagining of Disney's beloved film will redefine your expectation of theatre.
An iconic, innovative musical that will take your breath away, this global hit is the most successful stage show in history. Using vibrant puppetry this production was groundbreaking when it debuted and is unlike anything else on the West End.
Run time: 2 hours 30 minutes, including interval
Age Guidelines: 6+. Children under 3 are not permitted to enter the theatre. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and may not sit on their own. All persons entering thetheatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
Tickets for all of these shows and more are available online via the secure website from London Box Office. They have dynamic, easy to use seating plans for all West End theatres and the booking system is fast and hassle-free. You'll also recieve instant confirmation of your booking and their friendly customer service team are on hand 7 days a week if you prefer to book over the phone. Don't forget to Book during London Theatre Week to secure great ticket prices. Must end Sunday 31st August.
Please note:
All run times are approximate.
Make sure you check the start time on your tickets.
It is advised to arrive at the venue 30 minutes before the show start time.
Every venue will have their own rules on lateness. Most will admit you during a suitable break in the performance but it is possible that you will have to wait until the interval.
Please respect other theatre goers and the staff at the venue at all times.
Neill Kovacic Clarke
All details in this article are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
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