Nothing quiet beats the experience of seeing a live theatre performance or a musical in London’s West End, and with some spectacular shows on the line up this year, it’s never been a better time to pay a visit to the capital.
If you’re looking for fun things to do with children in the city, then check out the many exciting stage shows and musicals that will be on in West End theatre. There are all kinds of exceptional shows featured this year, from classic stories you’ve known and loved for years, to dramatic new features that bring a fresh new lease of life to the theatre.
Read on to find out more about what’s on in the West End theatre scene this year in London and plan your perfect family visit.
Frozen – the Musical
Frozen has undoubtedly been one of the biggest hits in the world of animation in recent years, beloved by both children and adults with its heart-warming tale of sisterhood and friendship, as well as a great sprinkle of magic and snow. This year, the epic Disney favourite will be brought to life on the stage, and judging from the huge popularity of the film, this is sure to be one of the biggest hits on the West End.
Frozen – the Musical, will be coming to the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane, and while it doesn’t open until October 2020, you can be sure that keen fans will start booking tickets as soon as they launch at the start of the year. With music produced from the award winning team behind the original film, you can expect all of your favourite songs on the stage, along with stunning costumes and incredible effects.
Don’t miss out and book ahead, by planning your perfect visit to the city, booking a stay at pay on arrival hotels London once you have your theatre tickets secured.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
The phenomenon of the magical world of Harry Potter has captured the minds of a generation, and any child who loves the books and movies about the marvellous world of wizardry will be thrilled to experience a visit back to the special universe on the stage.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child takes audiences into a world beyond the books, as the main characters that you had grown to know and love through the novels have grown up into adults, with their own families and dilemmas. With this, however, comes a new generation of wizard children, who face their own challenges, and the stage show brilliantly brings the spirit of magic to life, with exceptional special effects.
The play is split over two parts, and while it can seem like quite a long viewing experience, once you’re there, you won’t want to leave your seat. You can always treat yourself to a relaxing treatment at the Piccadilly West End hotel spa to help you recover afterwards!
As the show is so exceptionally popular, you’ll need to plan ahead well in advance, as tickets are often sold out months ahead of a performance. Check out details and dates online, to find out when you can next get a chance to see it.
The Lion King
The Lion King has been one of London’s most popular West End musicals, and has reigned the stage for over 21 years. Showing at the Lyceum Theatre, The Lion King brings the magical Disney animated classic to life in a brand new way, and is a sure fire hit with both children and adults of all ages.
While you’ll enjoy many of the songs you know and love from the movie, the stage production also brings a wonderful new appeal, through the combination of talented dancers and costumes, stunning scenery, and special effects. Combined, the result is a breath-taking journey across the savannah, where you can witness some of the most magnificent animals come to life in an unforgettable way.
The show is a hefty two and a half hours long, so this may be best suited for children who are happy to stay put for a long duration. While you can always pick up snacks inside the theatre, you might want to make reservations at nearby restaurants near Piccadilly, to enjoy a little pre-theatre meal beforehand.
Wicked
Whether or not you’re a hard-core fan of musicals, you’re sure to fall in love with Wicked. For children who love the Wizard of Oz, this funny and magical stage musical will give you a fresh new perspective on the witches of Oz, along with great costumes, memorable songs, and some fantastic dancing.
The musical takes place in the past, exploring the unlikely friendship between two student witches at sorcery university. Over the course of the show, you’ll get to see their relationship develop, as they meet challenges and obstacles, eventually helping them find out who they are.
As an award-winning show and one of the longest running musicals in the history of the West End, this is definitely worth a visit at least once.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
If you’re looking for something that will impress slightly older children who want a little more than magic and fanciful costumes, then you might want to check out this fantastic musical instead.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie brings the inspiring story of Jamie to life – a teenage boy and his quest to be able to wear what he likes to his school prom, and in the process, share what it means to be true to yourself. With a bold, modern take, it revitalises musicals for a whole new generation.
As well as a fantastic cast that bring the story to life brilliantly, the show is filled with great musical numbers, including plenty of songs you’ll all know and love, and has a truly heart warming message to take away. You’ll be sure to leave with the biggest smile on your face after watching this very special and unique musical.
