It’s Kids Week! That exciting time where you can get your ankle biter free theatre tickets. There are a huge number of incredible shows to choose from this year. From productions that are ideal for your little one’s first theatrical experience, to something that’ll capture your teen’s imagination. And though there are plenty of tickets to go around, you must always be prepared. Well, you’re a parent, you know that.
The best way to get the most out of Kids Week is to be flexible both on dates and your chosen show. But don’t worry. We’re here to help. To help you choose the correct show for you and your family, here are some alternative shows for your consideration.
If you like Matilda, you’ll like…
Six at Arts Theatre (PG+)
Rebellious girls, telling their story from their point of view. Six is the story of Henry VIII’s wives taking the Tudor queens and making them pop princesses. The cast will be an all-female band who will perform songs like Ex-Wives, Haus of Holbein and Don’t Lose Ur Head. The 75-minute show will be a pop concert musical is widely tipped to be one of the most exciting new shows of 2018.
If you like Wicked, you’ll like…
Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein at Garrick Theatre (PG+)
A green, misunderstood “monster” who just wants to be accepted? Though the tone is fairly different, Young Frankenstein ticks a lot of the Wicked boxes. It’s based on a film based on a book. It’s a musical. It’s funny. It’s unexpected. And it has a massive, famous number you won’t be able to stop singing for weeks.
Young Frankenstein is the wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Mary Shelley classic, Frankenstein. It tells the story of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced ‘Fronk-en-steen’), the grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein. When he inherits a castle in Transylvania, he discovers he has a familial reputation to uphold, leading him to fulfil his grandfather’s legacy by bringing a corpse back to life.
If you like School Of Rock, you’ll like…
Knights Of The Rose at Arts Theatre (PG+)
Are you ready to rock? Then get ready for Knights Of The Rose. Just replace school children with knights of the realm and you’re golden. The show is packed with classic rock anthems like Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse Of The Heart, Bon Jovi’s Bed Of Roses, No Doubt’s Don’t Speak, and The Calling’s Wherever You Will Go. So it may not be the School Of Rock but it’s definitely an education in rock music.
Knights Of The Rose tells a tale of betrayal, love, bloodshed and redemption, interweaving rich literature from the likes of Marlowe, Shakespeare and Chaucer with a guitar-slamming playlist.
If you like Kinky Boots, you’ll love…
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at Apollo Theatre (PG+)
The five-time Olivier nominated show is an uplifting story about one boy who dares to be different in a Northern town which isn’t quite ready for his fabulousness. Based on true events, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is about a 16-year-old boy who wants to go to his prom in a dress. Jamie came out when he was 14 and has been bullied ever since. But not letting others hold him back, he’s going to fulfil his dreams and become the talk of the city.
Strictly Ballroom at Piccadilly Theatre (8+)
A couple of people from different worlds trying to change how business is done. Sound familiar? Kinky Boots and Strictly Ballroom share more than an underlying theme, they’re both also filled with glitzy costumes, jaw-dropping dancing and love.
Based on Baz Luhrmann’s classic film of the same name, Strictly Ballroom tells the inspiring story of Scott Hastings, a championship ballroom dancer who defies all the rules of the competition to follow his heart. Along the way, he not only finds his true calling but also his true love.
If you like Disney’s Aladdin, you’ll like…
Sounds And Sorcery Celebrating Disney’s Fantasia at The Vaults (8+)
All of the magic of Disney brought to life in an immersive setting. This extraordinary concert experience takes the beloved classical music from the animated film and creates soundscapes, sets and scenes to give you a performance like none you’ve experienced before.
Explore the space freely as each new tunnel reveals another stunning installation.
If you like Disney’s The Lion King, you’ll like…
A Monster Calls at The Old Vic (PG – recommended 10+)
A story about loss, acceptance and magic, A Monster Calls is a heartbreaking tale based on the award-winning book by Patrick Ness. A Monster Calls centres on 13-year-old Conor and his mum, who seem to have managed just fine since his dad moved to America. Until she falls sick and doesn’t seem to be getting better. One night, Conor is woken up by something outside his window – a monster who has come to tell him three tales in exchange for his.
Though it’s not a musical, the beautiful puppetry and wonder will whisk you away to another plane.
Please note that The Old Vic recommend that A Monster Calls is most suitable for children aged 10+. There is some loud music, strobe lighting effects and some movement scenes that may be scary. The show also explores themes that some audiences may find upsetting. If you’d like to find out more about themes please call The Old Vic Box Office on 0844 871 7628, or email us.
If you like Motown The Musical, you’ll like…
Dreamgirls at The Savoy Theatre (8+)
Set in the same era as Motown The Musical, Dreamgirls draws inspiration from the career stories of R&B acts including James Brown, Jackie Wilson and The Shirelles. 35 years after the groundbreaking original Broadway production, Dreamgirls follows the tumultuous journey of a young female singing trio from Chicago, Illinois, called ‘The Dreams’.
Thriller Live at Lyric Theatre (8+)
It may not be about the whole the Motown catalogue but it does have a hell of a lot of songs by Michael Jackson.
Thriller Live brings the distinctive dancing and sound of many of pop’s greatest hits to life on stage. The show includes eye-popping video footage and special effects, together with choreography by the show’s award-winning director Gary Lloyd.