In celebration of World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People, we’ve put together a list of some of the great family theatre you can see in London this Easter. From very little ones to big kids, there’s something for everyone!
And to really celebrate, we’ve even got a competition to win £250 of Theatre Tokens so you can treat the whole family this Easter! Find out more and enter here.
Meet Me A Tree
7 April, Greenwich Theatre
Meet Me A Tree is an interactive first opera for 0-2 year olds and their carers on at the Greenwich Theatre. The experience features music by Schumann, Delibes and Handel as well as words and music created by the company, HurlyBurly.
This is a multisensory experience for you and your baby, which will take you on a relaxing journey through a year in the life of a tree: singing with blackbirds, marching through fallen leaves, smelling new blossom and feeling the wind on your cheeks.
The Gruffalo
6-8 April, Hackney Empire; 13-14 April, Greenwich Theatre
The magical stage adaptation of children’s favourite The Gruffalo is on at not one but two London venues this spring. 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.
Jabala And The Jinn
2-9 April, Lyric Hammersmith
We’re in Bradford. It’s been a few months since Jabala’s beloved Mum died. Dad is a brilliant father, but it’s an effort to get to school on time every day.
One morning, when she says goodbye to her house as usual, Jabala hears a voice replying to her in Arabic. But no one’s there. Could it be Mum? Has she imagined it?
With the help of a ‘Refugee Boy’ at school, a Shakespeare enthusiast called Munir, she summons… a Jinn. But this is no ordinary ‘Jinn’, as told in grandma’s stories and Jabala is in for a surprise.
With original music, this charming new play by Asif Khan is a sweet and funny tale for the whole family to enjoy.
How To Hide A Lion
11 March – 24 April, Polka Theatre
For children 3-6, this stage adaptation of Helen Stephens’ story of friendship has original music and beautiful puppetry.
When a lion is chased out of town, a young girl helps him find somewhere to hide. It’s not easy – lions are too big, too fluffy and too heavy!
Join Iris on a mission to squeeze and squash her furry new friend into a variety of sneaky spots.
A Monster Calls
24 March – 9 April, Rose Theatre
Patrick Ness’ piercing novel is brought vividly to life in this Olivier Award-winning production by visionary director Sally Cookson.
Thirteen-year-old Conor and his mum have managed just fine since his dad moved. But now his mum is sick and not getting any better. His grandmother won’t stop interfering and the kids at school won’t look him in the eye.
Then, one night, Conor is woken by something at his window. A monster has come walking. It’s come to tell Conor tales from when it walked before. And when it’s finished, Conor must tell his own story and face his deepest fears.
Great for kids 10+, this show is an insight into love, life and healing that you’ll love as much as the kids do.
Wild
11 March – 17 April, Unicorn Theatre
Originally scheduled for March 2022, Wild is opening at the Unicorn Theatre this March! Brought to the stage by inventive young company How It Ended, the adaptation of Emily Hughes’ picture book is told through sound, movement and puppets, and aimed at kids 2-6.
Wild’s home is the forest. Bears teach her how to eat, birds help her to speak, and foxes show her how to play. She is irrepressibly wild.
Then one day, some new animals arrive. They look oddly like her – and they want to take Wild away. But what if she was happy where she was?
Gulliver’s Travels
6 March – 16 April, Unicorn Theatre
Inspired by Jonathan Swift’s classic book, this new adaptation for everyone 7+ is an adventure-filled modern telling of the story.
Lemuel Gulliver sails away to a world of strange islands and even stranger creatures – from the tiny inhabitants of Lilliput, to the giants of Brobdingnag, and the mysterious Houyhnhnms – and embarks upon an epic adventure of survival, unexpected friendship and self-discovery.
Gulliver’s fantastical imaginings are vividly brought to life using video camera, intricate table-top sets and projection alongside live performance in this playful, funny and highly inventive show.