The best musicals for kids in the UK

The award-winning musical version of Frozen brings to life a world of sumptuous beauty, humour and iconic music in a jaw-dropping production to melt hearts of all ages. When Queen Elsa's hidden powers plunge the land of Arendelle into an eternal winter, her sister Anna sets out to find her and save the kingdom before it’s too late. But as the storm rages on, both sisters must learn that only an act of true love can thaw a frozen heart. Frozen The Musical is an unforgettable journey packed with thrilling surprises, hilarious characters and soaring music, including 12 new songs written just for the show, alongside all the classics such as 'For the First Time in Forever', 'Do You Want to Build a Snowman?' and 'Let it Go'. 
When: Booking until Jun 24
Where: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5JF
Age recommendation: 6+

• Read more and book Frozen tickets here

This wonderful musical theatre phenomenon has been running for more than 15 years. Introduce your tweenagers to the amazing story of Glinda and Elphaba in the Land of Oz... they're sure to be dazzled by the remarkable costumes, powerful story, stunning songs and amazing special effects.
When: Booking until Dec 24
Where: Apollo Victoria Theatre, 17 Wilton Road, Pimlico, London, SW1V 1LG and on UK Tour from Dec 23
Age recommendation: 7+

• Read more and book Wicked tickets here
• Read our honest review of seeing Wicked with kids here

Leave your troubles Far Far Away and join the adventure as Shrek and Donkey endeavour to complete their quest of defeating the dragon and saving Princess Fiona. Featuring fabulous songs including ‘I’m A Believer’, ‘Big Bright Beautiful World’ and ’I Know It’s Today’. Shrek the Musical has cemented itself as a brilliant musical extravaganza for big kids and little kids alike.
When: Until 21 Aug 24
Where: Shrek The Musical is touring the UK
Age recommendation: 5+

• Read more and book Shrek The Musical tickets here

You've read the book: now see the musical stage show. Roald Dahl's grotesque, villainous parents and teachers really shine in this heart-warming show; you and your kids will find yourselves rooting for 'revolting children' like never before!
When: Booking until Dec 24
Where: Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9HU
Age recommendation: 6+

• Read more and book tickets to see Matilda here

Stunning costumes and wonderful music make The Lion King one of the most popular shows in London. It's perfect for kids too: check out the Disney film before you see the show to help any theatrical newbies fully enjoy the spectacle.
When: Booking until Jun 24
Where: Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington Street, London WC2E 7RQ
Age recommendation: 6+

• Read more and book Lion King tickets here

A new production of the West End smash hit Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical tours the UK in 2023. Follow the delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectionary wizard Willy Wonka at Leeds Playhouse. There's memorable songs from the iconic 1970s film as well as brilliantly witty new numbers. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical is a sensational musical is choc-full of fantastic treats to dazzle your senses.
When: Until 26 Nov 23
Where: UK tour
Age recommendation: 7+

• Read more and book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tickets here
• Love Roald Dahl? Here are some top Roald Dahl-inspired days out in the UK

Treat your kids to a performance of the classic American musical, Annie. Set in 1930s New York, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan's orphanage. Her luck when she's chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. But, Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie's search for her true family… With a Tony award-winning book and score, including the unforgettable songs (It’s The Hard-Knock Life, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow), you can bet your bottom dollar that the whole family will love it!
When: Until 25 Nov 23
Where: UK tour
Age recommendation: 5+

• Read more and book to see Annie here

The new comedy musical Mrs Doubtfire is ready to dazzle and delight London's West End this spring. Out-of-work actor Daniel will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As his new character takes on a life of its own, Mrs Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father.
When: Booking until Jan 24
Where: Shaftesbury Theatre, 210 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8DP
Age recommendation: 6+

• Read more and book tickets to Mrs Doubtfire here

Divorced, beheaded, and now live! Boost your kid's love of history with a trip to this 80-minute musical extravaganza boasting 'Tudor Queens turned Pop Princesses'. Perfect for Horrible Histories fans.
When: Booking until Apr 24
Where: Vaudeville Theatre, 404 Strand, London WC2R 0NH
Age recommendation: 10+

• Read more and book Six The Musical tickets here
• Are your kids interested in royalty, past and present? Here are our top royal days out for the whole family to enjoy

Turn on your Flux Capacitor and get ready for 1.21 gigawatts of pure theatrical entertainment. Based on the 1985 cult classic film, Back To The Future The Musical is a brilliant time-travelling mash-up of the 1950s and the 1980s, and is sure to put a smile on your kids' faces.
When: Booking until Feb 24
Where: Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London WC2R 0NS
Age recommendation: 6+

• Read more and book Back To The Future musical tickets here

One for all the ABBA-loving kids out there: Mamma Mia is a colourful, silly, high-energy romp, with oodles of feel-good vibes. Set sail for a Greek holiday adventure; come away humming all those wonderful songs.
When: Booking until Mar 24
Where: Novello Theatre, Aldwych, London WC2B 4LD
Age recommendation: 5+

• Read more and book Mamma Mia theatre tickets here

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 London's West End this summer. 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!
When: Booking until Apr 24
Where: UK Tour
Age recommendation: 3+

• Read more and book The Tiger Who Came To Tea tickets here
• Read our honest review of seeing The Tiger Who Came To Tea Live with young kids

Is a stage version of Grease 'the one that you want?' Good news! It's back in the West End this summer, and perfect for introducing your tweens and teens to your favourite musical from when you were their age! This gritty, electrifying and dazzling production of one of the world's best-loved musicals stars Louise Redknapp as Teen Angel.
When: Until 28 Oct 23
Where: Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Rd, London W1T 7AQ
Age recommendation: 7+

• Read more and book Grease The Musical tickets here

Join Peppa along with her family and friends as they go do the zoo and the beach for a special party. It’s going to be an exciting and fun-packed day, coming to theatres around the UK in 2023 and 2024. Prepare to sing and dance with colourful scarecrows, feed the penguins, build big sandcastles, and even swim in the sea! Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa’s Fun Day Out guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa fans. It's a perfect introduction to theatre for little ones.
When: 20 Oct 23-14 Apr 24
Where: on UK tour

• Read more and book Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out theatre tickets here
• Love Peppa Pig? Here's a whole heap of days out just for Peppa Pig fans

See West End theatre star Charlie Stemp in Crazy For You at the Gillian Lynne Theatre this summer. Crazy For You is the story of theatre-mad Bobby Child, who is torn between his show-business dreams and running the family bank. He reluctantly heads west to Deadrock, Nevada, to foreclose on a theatre’s mortgage, only to fall for the theatre owner’s daughter, Polly. Desperate to prove himself, Bobby decides to put on a show to save the theatre, renew the town and hopefully win Polly’s love. Crazy For You is a big, bold, traditional musical packed with great dancing, glorious Gershwin show tunes and a heart-warming plot.
When: Until 20 Jan 24
Where: Gillian Lynne Theatre, 166 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5PW
Age recommendation: 4+

• Read more and book Crazy For You tickets here

Follow the Gruffalo's Child on her adventurous mission on stage in this enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book. One wild and windy night, the Gruffalo's Child ignores her father's warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. She follows snowy tracks and encounters mysterious creatures – but the Big Bad Mouse doesn't really exist... does he? Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone aged 3 to 103.
When: Until 13 Apr 24
Where: On UK Tour
Age recommendation: 3+

• Read more and book tickets to see The Gruffalo's Child here

See the return of Mischief Theatre’s hilarious, family-friendly comedy Peter Pan Goes Wrong on UK Tour. Follow the misadventures of the well-meaning but disastrously inept theatre troupe, the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, as they attempt to stage Peter Pan. From malfunctioning props to missed cues, chaos quickly takes the reins. Will they ever get it right? Or will their comedic escapades have you in stitches all night long? This show is recommended for kids aged 8 and up.
When: Until Apr 24
Where: UK Tour

If your kids enjoy the film versions of Disney's Aladdin, they'll love this thrilling stage production filled with unforgettable magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. Aladdin is touring the UK from October 2023.
When and where: Edinburgh Playhouse, 24 Oct-18 Nov 23; Wales Millennium Centre, CF10 5AL, 7 Dec-14 Jan; Theatre Royal Plymouth, 17 Jan-11 Feb 24; Sunderland Empire, 15 Feb-10 Mar 24; Milton Keynes Theatre, 24 Apr-19 May 24
Age recommendation: 6+

• Read more and book tickets to see Disney's Aladdin here

Everything you know about witches is wrong. Forget the pointy hats and broomsticks: they’re the most dangerous creatures on earth. And now they’ve come up with their most evil plan yet. The only thing standing in their way is Luke and his Gran. But he's 10 and she's got a dodgy heart. Time is short, danger is everywhere, and they’ve got just one chance to stop the witches from squalloping every stinking little child in England. The Witches is a rip-roaring musical version of Roald Dahl’s timeless tale, filled with wit, daring and heart. With book and lyrics by Olivier Award-winner Lucy Kirkwood, music and lyrics by Tony Award-nominee Dave Malloy, and directed by Lyndsey Turner.
When: 7 Nov 23-6 Jan 24
Where: National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 9PX
Age recommendation: 8+

• Read more and book tickets to see The Witches here

Elf is the charming tale of Buddy, who mistakenly crawled into Santa's bag as a baby and was raised as an elf! Way too tall and not great at his job, Buddy is the North Pole’s biggest misfit… and knows he’ll never belong. When Santa tells him the truth, Buddy heads to New York to find his birth father (who turns out to be quite high on the Naughty List). After causing some merry mayhem in Manhattan, Buddy finally discovers the gift of family and falls in love. And when Santa's sleigh crashes in Central Park, it's Buddy who finds a way to save Christmas forever!
When: 15 Nov 23-6 Jan 24
Where: Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7AQ
Age recommendation: 4+

• Read more about Elf the Musical and book Elf tickets here
• Love seeing festive theatre shows and pantos? Here's our round-up of the best on offer this 2023

The Christmas family favourite is back for a 26th year! See this magical version of the timeless tale of a boy and a snowman who comes to life. The Snowman is a stage adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Raymond Briggs and the film directed by Dianne Jackson. The Snowman is directed by Bill Alexander and features music and lyrics by Howard Blake, including the song ‘Walking in the Air’, spectacular design, magical lighting, and amazing choreography, all of which is accompanied by a live orchestra.
When: 18 Nov-30 Dec 23
Where: Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, London WC2A 2HT
Age recommendation: 2+

• Read more and book The Snowman tickets here

See Mouse, Fox, Owl, Snake and even, glup(!) The Gruffalo himself live on stage at the Warwick Arts Centre this Christmas. Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories' magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book. This popular theatre show features songs, laughs and monstrous fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups.
When: 28 Nov-24 Dec 23
Where: Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL
Age recommendation: 3+

• Read more about The Gruffalo and book tickets here

Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of everyone's favourite children's TV series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets. This is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to 'real life!'.
When: 2 Dec 23-1 Sep 24
Where: Bluey's Big Play tours the UK
Age recommendation: 3+

• Read more and book Bluey's Big Play tickets here

Join Dorothy, Toto, and friends on an unforgettable adventure down the yellow brick road to the merry old land of Oz! Featuring the iconic original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film including Over The Rainbow, Follow The Yellow Brick Road and We're Off To See The Wizard with additional songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, this spectacular production of The Wizard of Oz will be a truly magical experience for all the family.
When: 13 Dec 23-11 Aug 24
Where: all around the UK
Age recommendation: 6+

• Read more about The Wizard of Oz on tour and book tickets here
• Read our honest review of this Wizard of Oz show at the London Palladium