Best Family Theatre Shows In London

If you are looking for the best family theatre shows in London, you are in the right place. London theatre offers a brilliant mix of West End musicals, comedy and visually spectacular productions that work for children, teenagers and parents alike. The best choice depends on what kind of experience your family wants — big spectacle, laughter, magical storytelling or a feel-good musical.

Paddington The Musical
A heartwarming West End musical based on the famous bear. It is set in London, full of gentle humour and easy-to-follow storytelling, making it ideal for younger children and first-time theatre trips. It is warm, charming and genuinely enjoyable for adults too.

The Lion King
One of the most spectacular family shows in London. The real magic is the stagecraft: stunning costumes, creative puppetry and famous songs that many children recognise. It is visually unforgettable and works well for a wide age range.

Hercules
A bold, high-energy musical with comedy, action and strong “blockbuster” musical moments. It has a lively pace and big characters, making it a great choice for families who want something fun, modern and entertaining from start to finish.

Matilda the Musical
A clever and funny musical with memorable songs and a strong story. It is a favourite with families because it is genuinely witty and not childish, so parents enjoy it as much as children. A great option for slightly older kids who love big characters and storytelling.

Mamma Mia!
A feel-good ABBA musical that is perfect for families with older kids and teenagers. It is light, fun and full of familiar songs, making it an easy choice if you want a happy, upbeat evening.

Wicked
A dramatic, fantasy-themed musical with powerful songs and impressive staging. It is a great option for older children and teens who want something more epic in scale and slightly more intense in storytelling.

Come Alive!
A high-impact live spectacle inspired by The Greatest Showman style of entertainment. It combines dance, big staging and circus-style moments such as acrobatics and aerial performances. It is ideal for families who want “wow” visuals rather than a quiet or story-heavy show.

My Neighbour Totoro
Based on the beloved Studio Ghibli story, Totoro is one of the most magical productions in London. It is known for beautiful stagecraft and visually stunning moments, including famous characters brought to life on stage. It is gentle, imaginative and unforgettable.

The Play That Goes Wrong
A brilliant comedy play (not a musical) and one of the best family picks for pure laughter. It is fast, silly, physical comedy where everything goes wrong constantly — great for keeping children engaged.

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
A unique show where the cast creates a full musical live, based on audience suggestions. Every performance is different, which makes it exciting and unpredictable, especially for families with older children and teenagers.

Starlight Express
A high-energy family spectacle featuring performers racing around the theatre on roller skates. It is fast, loud and exciting, with constant movement and big visual moments — perfect for kids who love action and spectacle.

Family-friendly shows are especially popular on weekends and during school holidays, so it is always worth booking early for the best seat selection and performance times.