8 of 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.

Back to the Future the Musical

Great Scott! Families can take a ride through time with Back to the Future the Musical at the Adelphi Theatre. Based on the beloved 1985 film, the show follows teenager Marty McFly and eccentric inventor Doc Brown as they fire up the DeLorean and head back to 1955. Featuring dazzling effects, flying cars, and the unforgettable “Power of Love,” this high-energy musical brings the film to life in a thrilling new way.

It’s packed with plenty of nostalgia for parents who grew up with the movies, while younger audiences will be wowed by the on-stage spectacle. Just be prepared for some fast-paced action and big sound effects, though nothing too scary for older kids. For a show that’s both a blast from the past and a leap into the future, this one’s a winner.

Starlight Express

All aboard for Starlight Express, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s roller-skating rock musical! This imaginative show tells the story of toy trains who come to life and race to be crowned the fastest engine in the world. With the entire cast performing on roller skates, children will be amazed as characters zoom, spin, and race around the theatre in a dazzling spectacle of light and speed.

The story is simple enough for younger audiences to follow, good versus bad, fast versus slow, and the catchy songs will have everyone clapping along. It’s a unique, high-energy show unlike anything else in London, making Starlight Express a magical choice for families looking for theatre that feels like pure playtime fun.

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.

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, and Wicked, or for slightly older kids; MAMMA MIA!, The Devil Wears Prada, Back to the Future and Six. 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.

Tagged as

• News
• Features