Now that we’ve had a brief second to mourn the passing of summer, we can start fishing our hats and scarves out of their boxes and start looking forward to frosty mornings and hot chocolates. The cold weather’s not always that picturesque though, and when it’s cold and drizzling outside luckily it’s always cosy and warm inside London’s theatres.
If you’re looking for some family fun for the holidays, there are some great new shows coming up this autumn and winter.
We’ve selected some of the best new children’s shows below. All with running times of less than an hour and aimed at children under 10, these magical shows are a great way to get the little ones in to theatre and bring the whole family together with a sprinkling of magic.
The Snail And The Whale
From 30 November – 5 January; Apollo Theatre
New to the Apollo Theatre, The Snail And The Whale is a heartwarming new production from Tall Stories, the Olivier Award-nominated company that produced The Gruffalo and Room On The Broom for stage.
Based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved picture book, the story follows a young girl and her father re-imagining the story of one intrepid but tiny snail’s tip around the world.
When a tiny sea snail hitches a ride on the tail of a huge humpback whale, the unlikely duo have quite the adventure. With a bright and beautiful set and wonderful music, The Snail And The Whale is a wonderful slice of the strange for all the family.
For children aged 4+, The Snail And The Whale has a running time of 55 minutes with no interval.
Oi Frog & Friends
From 29 November – 5 January; Lyric Theatre
‘Cats sit on mats, hares sit on chairs, mules sit on stools, gophers sit on sofas and frogs sit on logs.’
Based on Kes Gray and Jim Field’s best-selling and well-loved books, Oi Frog & Friends is leaping into the Lyric Theatre from late November.
With original songs, puppets, and rhymes coming out of your ears, Oi Frog & Friends has been adapted for the stage by Emma Earle, Zoe Squire, Luke Bateman and Richy Hughes.
For children aged 3+, Oi Frog & Friends has a running time of 55 minutes with no interval.
Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever!
From 29 November – 5 January; Duke of York’s Theatre
Peppa Pig and her family are larger-than-life at in their newest stage show: Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever! From castles to caves, dragons to dinosaurs and ice-creams to muddy puddles, this road-trip goes everywhere!
After a successful tour around the UK, Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever is settling at the Duke of York’s Theatre just in time for the school winter holidays!
Peppa Pig shows have been delighting parents and children alike for over 5 years now, and this latest production is no exception. With a brand new story and all the characters you love, expect songs. games, laughter and, well, the best day ever!
Children under the age of 18 months do not need a paid ticket. The theatre has storage space for pushchairs and will store them free of charge.
The Tiger Who Came To Tea
From 9 December – 5 January; Theatre Royal Haymarket
When Sophie and her Mummy answer the door to a big stripy tiger and invite him in for tea, they don’t bargain on quite how hungry he is. As he raids the cupboards and guzzles snacks, chaos unfolds.
Based on the classic children’s book by Judith Kerr OBE, The Tiger Who Came To Tea is a riot for children and a nostalgic trip for parents too. The Olivier Award-nominated production returns to the West End for a stint at Theatre Royal Haymarket.
The Tiger Who Came To Tea is full of sing-a-longs and interactive fun for all the family. For an extra helping of magic,t he show even contains impressive illusions and slight of hand designed by the President of the Magic Circle, Scott Penrose.
For children aged 3+, The Tiger Who Came To Tea has a running time of 55 minutes with no interval.