The best London Musicals for Families

With dozens of West End shows across London’s theatreland, it can be difficult to decide which West End show to see. Thankfully, there are plenty of family-friendly musicals and plays in London that your little ones will enjoy. It might be because there are child actors in the show that they can look up to, like Oliver!, Les Miserables, or The Lion King. Or perhaps they’re already familiar with the story, like Matilda or Back to the Future. They may even be treading the boards themselves and starring in one of the best shows for school productions. And did you know that introducing children to the best theatre for kids in London may even boost their academic performance? Theatre is a powerful educational tool. 

So take a look at what’s on in London and check out some of the best London shows - you won’t be disappointed.

Oliver!

Consider yourself at home with Oliver! at the West End. Based on Charles Dickens’s classic novel Oliver Twist, Lionel Bart’s musical has delighted families for decades. Follow young orphan Oliver as he navigates the bustling streets of London, meeting a cast of colourful characters from the cheeky Artful Dodger to the menacing Bill Sikes. Songs like “Food, Glorious Food” and “Where is Love?” are guaranteed to stick in little ears long after the curtain falls.

With plenty of child actors on stage, Oliver! is a perfect introduction for younger theatre fans who may even be inspired to perform themselves. While there are darker moments in Oliver’s journey, the show’s heartwarming message and big ensemble numbers make it an uplifting choice for a family theatre trip.

Matilda The Musical

There are no revolting children in Matilda The Musical, just a Matilda song! Roald Dahl’s David and Goliath-inspired story of one little girl who dares to defy the odds and change her life continues to wow audiences at the Cambridge Theatre. 

The Matilda musical story follows a similar premise to the Roald Dahl book and the original Matilda film. When Matilda Wormwood starts at Crunchem Hall, she’s bullied by evil headmistress Miss Trunchbull, and never supported at home by her parents. But as Matilda finds solace in her teacher, Miss Honey, Matilda uses her imaginative, inquisitive mind to conjure up stories that can become a reality. Tim Minchin neatly adapts the Matilda story into a whimsical West End show, and it even made Olivier Awards history. Filled with heartwarming moments that children will love (can we ride on the swings?) there are a few humorous moments in there for adults too. 

The Lion King

The Disney musical continues to roar at the Lyceum Theatre where it’s done so since 1999. The Lion King musical follows the same story as the film: join little lion cub Simba as he bravely leaves the land to journey across the Serengeti and become King of the Pride Lands. Listen out for all the Disney classics too, including 'Circle of Life' and 'Hakuna Matata'. In fact there are so many songs, that we've dedicated an entire article to them.

Although The Lion King musical is an uplifting and courageous tale, you’ll want to pack your tissues for the sad moments (we’re still mourning Mufasa’s death). But you won’t need the tissues for too long. Look around the theatre in awe of all the puppets used in The Lion King. It’ll teach little audience members - perhaps it’s their first West End show? - about the animal kingdom and what it means to grow. 

Wicked

Look to the western sky and defy gravity with a visit to the Apollo Victoria Theatre for Wicked. Set as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, it’s a fun family-friendly musical that follows friends Elphaba and Glinda as they become the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the East. Stephen Schwartz’s musical is filled with all the betwixt magic you’d expect from a show about witches and wizardry: spot the flying monkeys, watch the bubbles float down, and turn your head at the mythical dragon atop the stage. 

You may want to prepare your children for slightly darker moments in Wicked, such as when characters die (we’re not giving any spoilers here, you’ll have to see Wicked for yourself!). If you want to brush up on your Wicked musical knowledge before seeing the show, take a listen to all the songs beforehand. But if you’ve got a mini Glinda running around, or a smiley, happy Boq-to-be, then they’ll love Wicked.

MAMMA MIA!

Dance, jive, and have the time of your life at MAMMA MIA!, the sunniest ABBA musical in London. Set on a Greek island where Sophie prepares for her wedding, she invites three men she’s never met to her party. The catch is they’re all her potential father! Can Sophie find out who her father is before she walks down the aisle? And can she do it without Donna spotting her? An upbeat musical filled with family love, it’s a multi-generational must for any family wanting to see a West End show.

Even the littlest audience members will know the ABBA hits: 'Waterloo', 'Super Trouper' and 'The Winner Takes It All'.  And there’s no scary moments in MAMMA MIA! either - the scariest bit is when the final curtain comes down and you have to leave the Novello Theatre for drizzly London. 

SIX

British history can be boring and stuffy, but that’s all about to change with Six at the Vaudeville Theatre. Blending historical narrative with contemporary pop and R&B music, Six transforms Henry VIII’s sextet of wives into the hottest new girl band around. Challenging traditional narratives and giving women a voice, listen to Catherine of Aragon talk about 'No Way' she’ll accept Henry VIII, or how Anna of Cleves likes to get down in Hampton Court. Sharp, witty lyrics catapult Tudor history into the present day, and we’re sure it’ll be a family-friendly musical you’re singing everywhere you go, even in the car!

As the Six musical focuses on relationships, there may be a few innuendo-led lines to listen out for. Although the musical’s all PG, you may want to listen to the cast recording before you go to make sure. A high-energy cast performs Six eight times a week, so there’s plenty of opportunities to catch these queens in action.

Hercules

Look no further than this Disney classic reimagined for the stage, in this electrifying new musical. It’s no myth that Disney is the heart of family days out, where kids of all ages can enjoy the songs they already know and love, on the big West End stage. 

Step into Ancient Greece, with gods and mortals and the in between… Hercules. The demi-god who goes from zero to hero and saves the world from Hades’ grasp. Written by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah and featuring new songs from composer Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel (the musical minds behind the animated film), go the distance to get this in your calendar. See the magic for yourself at Theatre Royal Drury Lane until 5th September. 

High School Musical

What time is it? It’s time to educate your kids on the franchise that raised a generation. Another Disney film to stage guaranteed to be a firm favourite for all the family. Starring Harry Judd (drummer for McFly) as Coach Bolton, Luke Bayer as Ryan and KayCee Stroh, the original Martha Cox, is making a high school comeback in the role of Ms Darbus. 

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Disney Channel Original Movie, and relive the unforgettable songs ‘Breaking Free,’ ‘We’re All in This Together,’ ‘Get’cha Head in the Game’ and more. And see the love story of the unlikely duo, Troy Bolton the basketball star and the academic force, Gabriella Montez, come together through their love of music. It really is the start of something new this October at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, so book in your tickets for this limited run. 

Paddington The Musical

It’s Britain's most beloved character, and his insatiable need for marmalade sandwiches, now even more loveable on stage! Based on Michael Bond’s books and the award-winning films, Paddington The Musical is a must-see for families. 

When a small bear arrives from Peru, he wanders lost in London looking for a new home. He coincidentally finds a new family, and a home in Windsor Gardens. With catchy songs written by McFly’s Tom Fletcher and dazzling dance numbers, this will be an easy win and the ultimate crowd pleaser. Book your tickets to see the bear that has stolen everyone’s hearts at the Savoy Theatre. 

What is the best musical for kids?

The best musicals for kids are shows that pack vibrant costumes, upbeat songs, and silly stories together to create a fantastical world that little ones will love. If you’re looking for the best musical, we’d recommend Oliver!, The Lion King, Matilda the Musical, Wicked,  MAMMA MIA!, Six, Hercules, High School Musical and Paddington the Musical*.* But there’s a ton of family-friendly shows out there that we think they’ll enjoy. Browse through all the family-friendly kids' shows and find out more.