London is buzzing with incredible theatre, comedy and fantastic immersive shows. We’ve done our best to round up our top picks – check them out and follow @younglondonist on Instagram to get last minute recommendations and reviews of theatre productions, workshops and festival vibes.
The Pirate, The Princess and the Platypus
Once upon a time, there was a pirate who wanted to be a princess, a princess who wanted to be a pirate and a platypus who was happy being exactly themselves! This comic fairy-tale adventure for children and their grown-ups is about choosing your destiny, discovering your identity, and finding your friends. Let us take you to a magical musical world of pirate kings, queens, frogs, tall towers and shipwrecks of French fancies and barrels of grog!
When: 18 June – 20 August 2022
Where: Polka Theatre
How much: £10 more info and bookings here.
Beauty and the Beast Musical
Gather the kids for this reimagined tale as old as time on the London stage. 28 years after its Broadway debut, the classic tunes are spellbinding. Come along and join Belle, the Beast and their friends in theis magical story.
When: ongoing until 17 September 2022
Where: London Palladium
How much: from £20 more info and bookings here.
Marvin’s Binoculars
Join Marvin as he discovers wildlife and friendship in the most unlikely places. Touching on themes of racial prejudice, Marvin’s Binoculars inspires children to explore and celebrate the outdoors in their local green spaces.
When: Until 3 July 2022
Where: Unicorn Theatre
How much: from £6 for kids and £12 for adults. More info and booking here.
Back to the Future Musical
Adapting the iconic story for the stage, Bob Gale (Back to the Future trilogy) and Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump) manage to nod our nostalgia whilst also alluding to the future of the theatrical experience. An immersive, incredible show for the whole family. The production features original music by multi-Grammy winners Alan Silvestri (Avengers: Endgame) and Glen Ballard (Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror), alongside hit songs from the movie including The Power of Love, Johnny B. Goode, Earth Angel and Back in Time. Read our full review here.
When: ongoing until February 2023
Where: Adelphi Theatre
How much: from £19.55 more info and bookings here.
I want my hat back trilogy
Following their hit digital series, lockdown sensations Ian Nicholson and Sam Wilde are back with more of their trademark cardboard designs. Jon Klassen’s beloved books, I Want My Hat Back, This is Not My Hat and We Found A Hat, will have a brand new life of their own LIVE on the Little Angel Theatre stage.
When: until 31 July 2022
Where: Little Angel Theatre, Islington
How much: Adult £13.50 and children £11.50 more info and bookings here.
A-Typical Rainbow
A-Typical Rainbow is the World Premiere debut play by autistic writer JJ Green that asks: could a kinder, more joyful world lie at the end of the rainbow? Most likely suitable for older children.
When: on now until 7 August 2022
Where: Turbine Theatre
How much: £29.50 more info and bookings here.
Gangsta Granny
It’s Friday night and Ben knows that means only one thing – staying with Granny! There will be cabbage soup, cabbage pie and cabbage cake and Ben knows one thing for sure – it’s going to be sooooooooo boring! But what Ben doesn’t know is that Granny has a secret – and Friday nights are about to get more exciting than he could ever imagine, as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his very own Gangsta Granny!
When: 7 -10 July 2022
Where: Richmond Theatre
How much: from £13 more info and bookings here.
Life of Pi
After a cargo ship sinks in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean, a sixteen year-old boy named Pi is stranded on a lifeboat with four other survivors – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger. Time is against them, nature is harsh, who will survive? Winner of 5 Olivier Awards, including ‘Best New Play’, Life of Pi is based on one of the most extraordinary and best-loved works of fiction – the smash hit adaptation of an epic journey of endurance and hope.
When: ongoing until 30 October 2022
Where: Wyndham’s Theatre
How much: from £18 more info and bookings here.
Horrible Histories: Terrible Thames
Horrible Histories proudly presents its wicked boat tour of the Terrible Thames! Tremble in terror at the Tower! Sizzle at the Savoy! Give Cleopatra the needle! Be washed away at Westminster! Lose yourself in Lambeth! Get gobsmacked by the Globe! Hold onto your head at London Bridge and escape from Execution Dock! Read our review of the experience here.
When: 2 July until 4 September daily and then weekends only.
Where: Tower Bridge Quay.
How much: £22 for adults and £14 per child with under 3s going free. More info and bookings here.
Tales from the Shed
Tales from the Shed are vibrant, inclusive theatre shows that are perfect for young children. They are informal, lively and amazingly engaging as the performers and audience share the same space. Every carefully planned show incorporates educational songs, movement and language games, which help promote brain development and early learning in young children. Having worked in partnership with early years experts over three decades, this diverse team presents educational stories featuring much loved characters – from Can-Can the beautiful bird to laid back Lion Down and The Thing That Goes Blurgh!
When: 9 -16 July 2022
Where: Chickenshed Theatre
How much: £7 for adults and £7 for children. More info and bookings here.
Mama G’s Storytime Roadshow
Join Mama G for stories and songs about how wonderful YOU are! She can’t wait to introduce you to some of her most fabulous characters! Get ready to meet Eunice, the horse that wants to be a unicorn, Michael who saves Bonfire Night with the power of his floss and look out for The Something-Saurus!
When: 9 -10 July 2022
Where: Underbelly, Earls Court
How much: from £14 more info and bookings here.
The Tiger Who Came To Tea
Based on Britain’s best-loved picture book by Judith Kerr, the Olivier Award nominated smash hit show The Tiger Who Came to Tea returns to the West End for Summer 2022. 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! Check out our full review here.
When: 11 July – 4 September 2022
Where: Theatre Royal, Haymarket
How much: From £16.50 for an adult and child during KidsWeek promotion in August. More info and bookings here.
101 Dalmatians
When infamous Cruella de Vil (Kate Fleetwood) sets her sights on a new Dalmatian fur coat, there’s trouble ahead for Pongo, Perdi and their adorable litter of puppies. Based on the classic story set in the heart of Regent’s Park, this new musical adaptation, packed with puppetry, is a perfect treat for a Summer’s day.
When: 12 July – 28 August 2022
Where: Regents Park Open Air Theatre
How much: from £11.50 for children and £23 for adults. More info and bookings here.
Southwark Music Splash Festival
Southwark schools perform a project telling Desmond Tutu’s story, with help from pianist Pete Letanka, vocalist Rebecca Baxter, and dancers Natasha Khamjani and Derya Donaldson.
When: 13 July
Where: Southbank Centre
How much: £5 more info and bookings here.
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
Step through the wardrobe into the magical kingdom of Narnia for the most mystical of adventures in a faraway land. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and say hello to a talking Faun, an unforgettable Lion and the coldest, cruelest White Witch. Voted the nation’s favourite novel, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe now comes to the stage starring Samantha Womack as the White Witch and is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages.
When: 18 July – 8 Jan 2023
Where: Gillian Lynne Theatre, London
How much: from £15 more info and bookings here.
Room on the Broom
Jump on board of the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ fun-filled adaptation of Room on the Broom, the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The witch and her cat are travelling on their broomstick when they pick up some hitch-hikers – a friendly dog, a beautiful green bird and a frantic frog. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK – it snaps in two… just as the hungry dragon appears!
When: 21 July – 4 September
Where: Lyric Theatre
How much: from £10 more info and bookings here.
Festival 14
Canary Wharf’s new four-day arts festival featuring a packed programme of music, theatre, dance, comedy and children’s activities brings over 50 free performances to the Canary Wharf estate from Thursday 21st until 24th of July. There will be dance, music, comedy and theatre as well as plenty of family friendly fun. And there are Pride celebrations and film clubs to be enjoyed at weekends during the summer holiday. Best of all – everything is free.
When: 21 – 24 July 2022
Where: Canary Wharf
How much: free
Summer in the Park: Folk Dance Remix
Folk Dance Remixed fuse fun folk dance with funky hip hop styles in their show Step Hop House. Watch as the dancers perform a mix of clogging, street dance and breaking with flavours of African and Bollywood – and then have a go at dancing around the colourful maypole yourself!
When: 22 July 2022
Where: Greenwich Park
How much: free more info here.
Pirates
A fully immersive dining experience together with an amazing acrobatic performance – sounds like our sort of adventure! You will be entertained throughout, and it will have you on the edge of your seat, not only that, but you will dine whilst the cast of swashbuckling pirates perform around and above you! Pirates is aimed at families, so children of all ages will be shore to have a great time!
When: 23 & 24 July 2022
Where: ArtsDepot, Finchley
How much: from £25 per child more info and bookings here.
The Jungle Book
Join Mowgli on her journey through the jungle as she meets the wise Bagheera, the noble Akela and the enthusiastic Baloo. Help Mowgli trick the sneaky grey apes, keep an eye open for Kaa the python, and escape the clutches of the terrible tiger Shere Khan to save the jungle home of her new friends. Based on Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale, adapted by Andrew S. Walsh, with original music by Guy Holden
When: 23 July – 21 Aug Tuesdays through to Sundays.
Where: Kew Gardens
How much: £15.90 per child and £19.90 per adult (ticket includes entry to the garden). More info and bookings here.
Chores
Chores is the story of a brother and sister playing in their messy bedroom. Suddenly, their mother’s alarming screams rattle the kids back in to acrobatic action. A generous serve of comedy and chaotic acrobatics accompanies every attempt at cleaning their room and doing their chores. This mess of chaos and comedy concludes with a last-minute cleaning spree. The parents are kept at bay and the rewards come flooding in!
When: 23 – 26 July 2022
Where: Underbelly, Cavendish Square
How much: from £14 more info and booking here.
The Adventures of Mangolina
Join Mangolina and a host of colourful characters on a magical quest to find her wings in the middle of the carnival celebrations and twirl to the ting, ping, ping of the steel pans. After the 25-minute storytelling, you can make your very own special fairy to take home! Written by Malika Booker and developed by Discover Children’s Centre in 2021.
When: 24 July
Where: Woolwich Works
How much: from £9 more info and bookings here.
Leave the light on for me
A joyous and rebellious outdoor performance that explores climate change and justice from a fresh perspective. Made from the perspective of a professional cast of artists with learning disabilities and autism, audiences will be taken on a journey of joy, laughter, shock and surprise. Featuring creative audio description, sustainable design and a sophisticated soundscape, this physical theatre performance aims to make an overwhelming issue accessible and inspire everyone to do their part.
When: 24 July 2022
Where: Giffin Square
How much: free more info here.
Matilda the Musical
Matilda The Musical is the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.
When: ongoing until May 2023
Where: Cambridge Theatre
How much: from £20 more info and bookings here.
Peppa Pig: My first concert
Peppa Pig: My First Concert is a fun, interactive introduction to a live orchestra for ages 18 months and older. Peppa and George learn all about different sounds that instruments make together, and enjoy some of their favourite music from the show played by an orchestra as well as discovering some other exciting orchestral pieces, perfect for children of all ages.
When: 24 – 31 July 2022
Where: London Colliseum
How much: from £14 more info and bookings here.
South Pacific
This powerful love story, set on a South Pacific island during World War ll, is brought to life in an epic new five-star production directed by Chichester Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director Daniel Evans (Me and My Girl and Fiddler on the Roof). A sensational cast of over thirty is led by the leads from the Chichester Festival Theatre production, including Julian Ovenden, Gina Beck, Rob Houchen, Joanna Ampil and Sera Maehara. Featuring a full orchestra, this ravishing musical is set to be the must-see theatrical event of the year.
When: 27 July – 28 August 2022
Where: Sadler’s Wells
How much: from £45 for an adult and child if booked during August with the KidsWeek promotion. More info and bookings here.
Amazing Bubble Man
Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences worldwide for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. An Edinburgh Fringe favourite, he has sold out there for the last 14 years. Louis explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerised.
When: 27 – 29 July 2022
Where: Udderbelly Cavendish Square
How much: from £14 more info and bookings here.
Midsummer Mechanicals
The famous acting troupe from A Midsummer Night’s Dream take to the stage this summer in a hilarious new play for families, presented by Shakespeare’s Globe and Splendid Productions. On a beautiful summer’s evening one year ago, a band of craftspeople-turned-actors, led by Nick Bottom, staged their first ever play. It was so bold, so brilliant and so chaotic that it went down in theatre history.
When: 28 July – 21 Aug 2022
Where: Shakespeare Globe
How much: from £25 for an adult and child during August performances with KidsWeek. More info and bookings here.
Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales
Under the sea, out on the farm and into the jungle, these terrific tales weave together a whole host of colourful characters from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-loved titles: Tiddler, Monkey Puzzle, The Smartest Giant in Town and A Squash and a Squeeze. From the team behind Zog, Zog and the Flying Doctors and Stick Man, Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales is the perfect hour-long adventure for all ages.
When: 29 July – 21 Aug 2022
Where: Cadogan Hall
How much: from £19.50 more info and bookings here.
All Aboard
Meet Rae. Rae is from Woolwich Dockyard. They are ambitious, excitable, caring and non-binary and, one day, they’re going to be the greatest captain ever to sail the seven seas! Captain Stickles laughs at Rae’s ambition – on his ship ‘there are jobs for men, and there are jobs for women…’ But what happens when a storm hits and it’s all hands-on-deck? After the 25-minute storytelling, there will be a short colouring activity. This project was developed with funding from the European Union’s Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme (2014-2020).
When: 30 July 2022
Where: Woolwich Works
How much: from £9 more info and bookings here.
Kids Week
Kids Week is a great opportunity to introduce young people to theatre without the massive price tag. A child 17 and under goes free when accompanied by an adult paying full price. Plus an additional two children can attend for half price! When booking, tickets will appear at their half price cost (the same deal as one full price adult and one free child!) so you just need to buy the same number of tickets as total attendees, children and adults. There is also a number of activities to accompany certain performances during Kids Week. Look out for blue stars on the show’s calendar page. For activities info click here.
When: throughout August.
Where: London
How much: Dependent on the show more info here.
Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudors
From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed. Survive the Spanish Armada as they launch their attack! It’s history with the nasty bits left in!
When: 1 – 21 August 2022
Where: Garrick Theatre
How much: From £21 for an adult and child through KidsWeek. More info and bookings here.
The Paper Dolls
Adapted from the acclaimed picture book created by former Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson with award-winning illustration by Rebecca Cobb, The Paper Dolls comes to life with stunning puppetry and original music in Polka Theatre’s much-loved production.
When: 3 – 7 Aug 2022
Where: Polka Theatre
How much: Adult and child ticket £14 with KidsWeek promotion. More info and booking here.
Teach Rex
Teach Rex uses life-like dinosaurs to perform their 45-minute show, teaching children about the anatomy and life of one the most mesmerizing creatures that have ever roamed our planet. The show is teamed with effects, music and gives children and their families the chance to get up close and personal with these fantastic, realistic beasts.
When: 7 August 2022
Where: The Exchange Twickenham
How much: from £10 more info and bookings here.
Dr Dolittle
Join Wild Immersive Theatre and embark on a journey into the animal kingdom. It’s always a beautiful day in Puddleby-on-the-Marsh. Felix the Cobbler has found an injured squirrel and needs your help! He knows of a Doctor who can speak to animals, but first we must find them. Can you track down the Doctor to get the little creature the help it needs? Along the way you’ll get up to all kinds of mischief, learn how to speak the language of animals, discover the world of bird mail and carry a special message to Dr Dolittle yourself.
When: 8 -18 August 2022
Where: Chelsea Physic Garden
How much: from £18 more info and bookings here.
The Queen’s Knickers
The original, award winning, book explores the Queen’s fashions with a cheeky wink to childish humour – “Everyone can see the Queen’s smart coats and dresses, but what does she wear underneath? Through the eyes of a little girl hoping for a school visit by the Queen, the range of royal underwear is revealed, in all its regal glory”
When: 8 -19 August 2022
Where: Arts Theatre
How much: From £22 for an adult and child with the KidsWeek promotion. More info and bookings here.
Twirlywoos Live
From the producers of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show and Sarah And Duck Live On Stage comes Twirlywoos Live!, a brand-new theatrical adventure featuring Toodloo, Great BigHoo, Chickedy, Chick and Peekaboo! They’re all present to welcome young fans on an exciting journey aboard their Big Red Boat. Expect mischief, music and surprises aplenty as they share in the delight of discovery over 55 minutes of joy.
When: 10 -14 August 2022
Where: Leicester Square Theatre
How much: from £17 for an adult and child with the KidsWeek promotion. More info and bookings here.
Dinosaur World Live
Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus! A special meet and greet after the show offers all brave explorers the chance to make a new dinosaur friend.
When: 10 – 11 Aug 2022
Where: G Live, Guildford
How much: £15.50 more info and bookings here.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Dive into Eric Carle’s bright and colourful world as his beloved stories are transformed from page to stage using a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets and charming music. We saw the show a couple of years back and loved it – a great way to introduce young Londoners to theatre, especially as the show is 50 minutes with no interval. Read our full review here.
When: 16 Aug – 4 September 2022
Where: Lyric Hammersmith
How much: £15 – £21 more info and booking here.
Blippi the Musical
Blippi The Musical brings the curious and fun character Blippi off the screen and onto the stage with world-class production, audience engagement and amazing music. Blippi encourages learning for children from the ages of 2 to 7 years old through doing, playing and exploring – inspiring a child’s natural curiosity about the world around them. In the live show they will continue to learn about the world around them while singing and dancing along with this one-of-a-kind show.
When: 16 Aug – 4 Sep
Where: Apollo Theatre
How much: from £16.50 more info and bookings here.
Sarah and Duck: Big Top Birthday
Join Sarah and her best friend Duck as they plan the ultimate circus soiree to help Scarf Lady celebrate her birthday. With entertainment lined up from a whole host of your favourite friends, including The Ribbon Sisters, The Shallots, Flamingo & John and Umbrella, the party is ready to go! Let’s just hope the weather holds out…
When: 18 – 21 Aug 2022
Where: Leicester Square Theatre
How much: from £17 more info and booking here.
Treasure Island
This riotously chaotic adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s beloved tale of pirates and buried treasure is full of physical comedy, daft jokes and thrilling adventure, with Jim setting sail on the high seas with Captain Birdseye, Blue Peter, Long-John Silver and the parrot Alexa. Suitable for ages 6 and above.
When: 19 Aug- 3 September 2022
Where: Greenwich Theatre
How much: £25 more info and bookings here.
The Gruffalo
Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the high-spirited Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there? Songs, laughs and monstrous fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups, in the much-loved show that’s toured Britain and the world!
When: 24 Aug – 3 September 2022
Where: Rose Theatre, Kingston
How much: from £15 more info and bookings here.
Attenborough and his animals
A blue whale swims through the depths. Racer snakes pursue an iguana across the desert. Two hapless fools recreate wonderful scenes of the natural world. Catch this award-winning, five-star show for an epic display of clowning, physical theatre and the largest range of animals you will ever see onstage.
When: 30 & 31 Aug 2022
Where: Wilton’s Theatre
How much: £17.50 for an adult and child with KidsWeek promotion. More info and booking here.
&Juliet
Romeo who?! With her bags packed and ready to escape Verona, Juliet recovers from heartbreak in the best way possible… by dancing the night away with her best friends by her side! But when the sparkle fades, the confetti falls and reality catches up, it’s clear that Juliet needs to face her past in order to find her future. Can she reclaim a story that has been written in the stars? Is there really life after Romeo… or could he be worth one more try?
When: ongoing until March 2023
Where: Shaftesbury Theatre
How much: from £22.50 more info and bookings here.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
19 years after Harry, Ron, and Hermione saved the wizarding world, they’re back on a most extraordinary new adventure – this time, joined by a brave new generation that has only just arrived at the legendary Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Prepare for spectacular spells, a mind-blowing race through time, and an epic battle to stop mysterious forces, all while the future hangs in the balance.
When: ongoing
Where: Palace Theatre
How much: from £15 more info and bookings here.
Wicked
When Dorothy famously triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West, we only ever heard one side of the story. Gregory Maguire‘s acclaimed 1995 novel, ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’, re-imagines the Land of Oz, creating a parallel universe to the familiar story written by L. Frank Baum and first published as ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ in 1900
When: Ongoing
Where: Apollo Theatre
How much: from £19 more info and booking here.
Frozen the musical
With incredible special effects, jaw-dropping scenery, and all the songs you know and love, it’s going to be an unmissable experience that will stay with you long after the curtain falls. Even the biggest FROZEN fans will be in for some surprises, as the production features brand-new music from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, writers of the unforgettable Let It Go.
When: Ongoing
Where: Theatre Royal Drury Lane
How much: from £20 more info and bookings here.
Lion King
As the sun rises and the city reawakens, watch in awe as giraffes strut, gazelles leap and birds swoop bringing the Serengeti, and the story of Simba, to life all around you… Ingenious puppetry, stunning effects and the enchanting music by Elton John, Tim Rice and Lebo M will transport you to the heart of the African Pridelands.
When: Ongoing
Where: Lyceum Theatre
How much: from £23 more info and bookings here.