Planning to go to the theatre this half term but struggling for inspiration? With so many amazing shows to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one your children will enjoy the most!
To help you decide, here’s our pick of the best shows to catch with the kids this half term.
& Juliet
Told through some of the most famous songs from the noughties, including hits from Ariana Grande, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, & Juliet is a timely yet timeless tale that picks up where Romeo And Juliet ends.
As Romeo lies poisoned, Juliet awakens, picks up the dagger and… decides to live! Follow the adventure of a young independent woman as she sets off to Paris in this hilarious comical romance all about self-discovery.
Guaranteed to have you boppin’ all the way through, this new jukebox musical playing at Shaftesbury Theatre is guaranteed to be a hit with the kids.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
This hilarious, sassy and super inspiring musical is based on the true story of a 16-year-old boy called Jamie who is very different from others on his council estate.
Packed with showstopping numbers, glitter and beautiful red heels, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie tells the tale of bravery, overcoming adversary and fabulousness.
It’ll have you clapping, singing and standing on your feet with applause, so go ahead and pop along to the Apollo Theatre for this unmissable show!
Matilda The Musical
If you enjoyed Roald Dahl’s much-loved book and movie, the globally renowned Matilda The Musical from Tim Minchin and the Royal Shakespeare Company is well worth a watch.
Head over to the Cambridge Theatre to follow the story of Matilda, a child-genius who, despite having hideous parents, excels intellectually but also with her new-found super magical talents!
Winner of over 90 international awards, including 23 for Best Musical, this hilarious and heartwarming adaption is a West End classic that is sure to be a hit with children and adults alike.
School Of Rock – The Musical
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Olivier Award-winning screen-to-stage adaptation of School Of Rock – The Musical is guaranteed to leave you and your little ones rocking out at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.
When wannabee rock star Dewey Finn finds an opportunity to pose as a substitute teacher at a prep school, he soon discovers that his students have some incredible hidden musical talents. Enrolling his fifth-graders into the competition, The Battle Of The Bands, can he carry out the task without the parents and the school’s headmistress finding out?
Featuring some of the nations finest pint-sized rock star prodigies, this drum-rolling, guitar-bashing celebration of rock will put a smile on your faces this half term. And if you need another reason to book, the show will be closing on 1 March, and you definitely wouldn’t want to miss out.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
For any Harry Potter fan, this show is the ultimate half term treat!
Playing at the Palace Theatre, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and follows the story of Harry, who is now an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic and a husband and father of three little ones. As the past and present collide, Harry and his youngest son Albus learn that sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.
As the most awarded West End play in the history of the Olivier Awards and the first Harry Potter story to be presented on stage, this magical show is an absolute hoot! Presented in two parts, the show provides you with the perfect opportunity to explore Theatreland in between the shows. Check out our plan your visit page which has lots of handy information as well as some exclusive dining and attraction deals for Official London Theatre customers.
Go ahead, wave that wand and purchase those tickets… After all, this is guaranteed to get you some brownie points!
Mary Poppins
Based on the best-loved books and original beloved Disney movie, this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious multi-award-winning musical tells a story about the world’s favourite nanny who, upon arriving in Cherry Tree Lane, changes the lives of the dysfunctional Banks family.
Seen by over 12 million people worldwide, and featuring breathtaking choreography, unforgettable songs and magical effects, Mary Poppins tell an enchanting story of family and friendship.
Playing at the Prince Edward Theatre, this iconic stage adaption is sure to sweep the whole family away. With tickets flying off the shelves everywhere the production goes, it’s worth snapping up tickets to see it this half term.
The Prince Of Egypt
If your little one is a fan of the DreamWorks animation (who isn’t?), they’ll be thrilled to see this brand new production spring to life on stage.
Step into the Dominion Theatre where you will be transported to the shifting sands of Ancient Egypt where two young men who have grown up as brothers in a kingdom of privilege. When a secret path is discovered, they find themselves divided – one must rule as Pharaoh, and the other must free his true people.
Featuring music and lyrics by the renowned Stephen Schwartz (Wicked), follow the journey of the brothers who face a destiny that will change their worlds – and history – forever.
Opening this month and set to be high in demand, be the first to check out this beautiful production of The Prince Of Egypt which we are sure will become a West End favourite.
Wicked
Take a walk along the yellow brick road and step into the Apollo Victoria Theatre where the magical untold story of the Witches of Oz is told in the West End’s hugely popular musical, Wicked.
Celebrating 13 years in the West End, Wicked tells the story of the unlikely but profound friendship between the blonde, popular Glinda, and the misunderstood, shy, green Elphaba. When they encounter the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, they find themselves fulfilling their destines as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Packed with humour, storming songs and stunning costumes, this spellbinding musical is sure to magic away any winter blues!
Be More Chill
The weird and wonderful Be More Chill is arriving at The Other Palace just in time for the half term holidays!
Complete with a nostalgic Tony Award-winning 80’s-sounding score, the musical is a love story between a girl who just wants to be noticed, a boy who is desperate to fit in, and the supercomputer inside his head who just wants to… take over the world.
Moving from Broadway to the West End in only a few years, and with a film adaption currently in development, this tale about teenage awkwardness, AI and free is a winning formula for kids!
Disney’s The Lion King
And last but definitely not least is the iconic stage adaption of Disney’s The Lion King.
This all-time favourite is now in its 20th year and transports audiences at the Lyceum Theatre to the majestic Serengeti occupied by lions, giraffes, birds, zebras, hyenas and even a stampede of wildebeest!
The famous Circle Of Life offers audiences one of the most incredible sights and atmospheres in the West End before exploring the much-loved story of Simba and his journey to becoming the King Of Pride Rock. With beloved music and lyrics combined with spectacular staging, this astounding spectacle is sure to be the talking point of the half term holiday, so go ahead and book those tickets now.