London’s West End continues to enchant families with an incredible selection of theatrical productions designed to captivate audiences of all ages. From magical adventures to beloved musical classics, the capital’s theatre district offers something special for every family seeking quality entertainment together.
This comprehensive guide explores the ten best family-friendly plays currently playing across London’s prestigious venues. Each show has been carefully selected based on its universal appeal, age-appropriate content, and ability to create lasting memories for both children and adults.
In this article, we’ll examine detailed descriptions of each production, including venue information, pricing, age recommendations, and what makes each show particularly appealing to families. These carefully curated recommendations will help you make the ideal choice for your family’s theatrical adventure.
10 Family-Friendly London Plays – In A Nutshell
Here’s a quick reference guide to London’s most captivating family shows currently taking bookings across the West End:
| Show Title | Venue | Price From |
|---|---|---|
| Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | Palace Theatre | £34 |
| Wicked | Apollo Victoria Theatre | £31 |
| MAMMA MIA! | Noel Coward Theatre | £19 |
| Back to the Future: The Musical | Adelphi Theatre | £24 |
| Matilda the Musical | Cambridge Theatre | £25 |
| My Neighbour Totoro | Gillian Lynne Theatre | £25 |
| The Play That Goes Wrong | Duchess Theatre | £31 |
| 101 Dalmatians The Musical | Eventim Apollo | £30 |
| Starlight Express | Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre | £36 |
| Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show | Theatre Royal Haymarket | £13 |
Detailed Descriptions Of Family-Friendly London Plays
Let’s know more details of these family-friendly plays in London:
1. Harry Potter And The Cursed Child
| Performance Date | 14 October 2021 – 15 February 2026 |
| Recommended Age | 8 years and above |
| Genre | Fantasy, Drama |
| Cast | Rotating ensemble of talented performers |
| Family Appeal | Ideal for fans of the wizarding world, combining thrilling effects and touching family themes. |
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child continues the magical saga 19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts, focusing on Harry as an overburdened Ministry of Magic employee and father, and his youngest son, Albus, who struggles with the weight of their family legacy.
This critically acclaimed stage play brings to life an enchanting new chapter in the Wizarding World with mind-blowing special effects, immersive storytelling, and a fresh perspective on familiar characters. Renowned for its record-breaking Olivier Awards and international acclaim, the play invites audiences of all ages to experience the magic in two thrilling parts that explore what might have happened if the past had taken a different turn.
2. Wicked
| Performance Date | 16 September 2021 – 31 May 2026 |
| Recommended Age | 7 years and above |
| Genre | Musical, Fantasy |
| Cast | Rotating leading performers in the roles of Elphaba and Glinda, supported by a talented ensemble cast |
| Family Appeal | Appeals to families through its themes of friendship, acceptance, and finding one’s true self. |
Wicked tells the untold story of the witches of Oz, revealing how Glinda the Good and Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West began as unlikely friends. Set before Dorothy’s arrival in Oz, this spellbinding musical explores themes of identity, prejudice, and the complexities of good versus evil.
Featuring powerful performances, iconic songs like “Defying Gravity,” and dazzling production design, Wicked continues to captivate audiences at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. As one of the longest-running and most celebrated shows in West End history, Wicked is both an emotional and visual spectacle for all ages.
3. MAMMA MIA!
| Performance Date | Booking until 28 March 2026 |
| Recommended Age | 5 years and above |
| Genre | Jukebox Musical / Romantic Comedy |
| Cast | Starring Mazz Murray, Izi Maxwell, and Ben Irish. |
| Family Appeal | The familiar ABBA songs create an instant connection for parents while introducing children to classic music. |
MAMMA MIA! is a heartwarming and energetic musical that brings ABBA’s iconic songs to life through a joyful tale of love, friendship, and family on a sun-soaked Greek island. Since its 1999 debut in London, this global hit has captivated millions with hits like “Dancing Queen” and “The Winner Takes It All.”
Now playing at the Novello Theatre, it remains a fan favourite and the third longest-running musical in West End history. Vibrant costumes, catchy tunes, and a feel-good storyline make MAMMA MIA! a must-see for families seeking laughter, music, and unforgettable moments.
4. Back To The Future: The Musical
| Performance Date | 20 August 2021 – 3 January 2026 |
| Recommended Age | 6 years and above |
| Genre | Sci-Fi Adventure Musical / Comedy |
| Cast | Caden Brauch stars as Marty McFly, and Cory English as Doc. |
| Family Appeal | The time-travel concept fascinates children, and the nostalgic elements create bonding opportunities for families. |
Back to the Future: The Musical brings the beloved 1985 sci-fi comedy to life on stage with dazzling effects, iconic moments, and a thrilling score. Join teenager Marty McFly as he’s accidentally sent back to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean, where he must make sure his parents fall in love or risk erasing his future.
With original songs and film classics like “The Power of Love,” this high-energy show captures the heart and humor of the movie, delivering a nostalgic and electrifying ride for all ages at the Adelphi Theatre.
5. Matilda The Musical
| Performance Date | 16 September 2021 – 24 May 2026 |
| Recommended Age | 6 years and above |
| Genre | Family Musical, Comedy, Fantasy |
| Cast | Matilda stars Anna Deikalo with a stellar adult and child cast. |
| Family Appeal | Resonates strongly with families through themes of education, literacy, and children’s empowerment |
Matilda The Musical is a clever, captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic novel, brought to life with Tim Minchin’s witty songs and Dennis Kelly’s sharp script. Set in a world where children challenge authority with brains and bravery.
It tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, a gifted girl with a love for books and a powerful imagination. With energetic choreography, humour, and heartfelt moments, it’s a theatrical triumph that delights audiences of all ages.
6. My Neighbour Totoro
| Performance Date | 8 March 2025 – 29 March 2026 |
| Recommended Age | 6 years and above |
| Genre | Family, Fantasy, Adventure |
| Cast | Victoria Chen, Ami Okumura Jones, Dai Tabuchi, Jacqueline Tate. |
| Family Appeal | Appeals to families through its gentle storytelling, stunning visual effects, and universal themes of family love and childhood wonder |
My Neighbour Totoro is a magical coming-of-age story about two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside while their mother recovers from illness. As they explore their new surroundings, Mei discovers fantastical creatures, including Totoro, the gentle guardian of the forest.
Together, the sisters embark on enchanting adventures filled with wonder, friendship, and the power of imagination. This acclaimed Royal Shakespeare Company production is celebrated for its stunning puppetry, captivating music, and heartfelt storytelling that captures the innocence of childhood and the beauty of nature.
7. The Play That Goes Wrong
| Performance Date | 18 June 2021 – 30 August 2026 |
| Recommended Age | 8 years and above |
| Genre | Comedy, Farce, Physical Comedy |
| Cast | Robert, Chris, Jonathan, Sandra, Trevor, Annie, Dennis, Max. |
| Family Appeal | Creates shared laughter through accessible physical comedy that transcends age barriers. |
The Play That Goes Wrong is a brilliantly chaotic farce about a fictional play, The Murder at Haversham Manor, where everything that can possibly go wrong does, onstage and behind the scenes. From collapsing sets to missed cues, the disaster unfolds in a hilariously entertaining way that has captivated West End audiences since 2014.
Praised as a “masterpiece of malfunction,” this award-winning comedy delivers nonstop laughs through its clever physical humor and impeccable timing, making it one of the longest-running and most beloved comedies in London theatre history.
8. 101 Dalmatians The Musical
| Performance Date | Fri 18 Jul – Sat 30 Aug 2025 |
| Recommended Age | 5 years and above |
| Genre | Family Musical, Adventure, Comedy |
| Cast | Pongo, Perdi, Cruella, puppies, Roger, Anita, Jasper, Horace. |
| Family Appeal | Appeals to Disney fans across generations while introducing live theatre to young audiences. |
101 Dalmatians is a heartwarming and thrilling musical adventure based on Dodie Smith’s beloved children’s novel. When the villainous Cruella de Vil sets her sights on a new fur coat made from Dalmatian puppies, Pongo and Perdi must leap into action to save their adorable litter from her wicked plan.
Bursting with dazzling puppetry, clever choreography, toe-tapping songs, and a huge dose of canine charm, this delightful stage adaptation celebrates bravery, family, and the triumph of good over evil. It’s a paw-fectly entertaining treat for all ages, combining whimsy, suspense, and spectacle in one unforgettable theatrical experience.
9. Starlight Express
| Performance Date | 8 June 2024 – 1 March 2026 |
| Recommended Age | Suitable for all ages. Children under 3 will not be admitted. |
| Genre | Rusty, Pearl, Greaseball, Electra, Dinah, Momma. |
| Cast | Musical, Family, Fantasy, Spectacle |
| Family Appeal | Captivates families through its unique concept and spectacular staging. |
Starlight Express is a dazzling roller-skating musical fantasy that follows Rusty, an outdated steam engine, on his journey to win a championship race and the heart of Pearl, a sleek observation car. Set in a child’s dream world where toy trains come to life, the story blends high-octane races with heartfelt themes of self-belief and perseverance.
With a vibrant score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, thrilling choreography, and jaw-dropping visual effects, Starlight Express has become a global phenomenon, enchanting over 20 million people worldwide. Its triumphant return to the Starlight Auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre promises an electrifying spectacle full of speed, sound, and magic.
10. Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show
| Performance Date | 5 December 2025 – 4 January 2026 |
| Recommended Age | Babes in arms are allowed for this production |
| Genre | Children’s Musical, Family Entertainment, Adventure |
| Cast | Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, friends. |
| Family Appeal | Ideal for families with very young children, providing a gentle introduction to live theatre. |
Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show is a joyful, interactive theatre experience perfect for young audiences and their families. In this heartwarming adventure, the Pig family is getting ready for a very special new arrival. Still, with lots of decorating and building to be done, Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, and Daddy Pig need your help!
With catchy songs, fun-filled surprises, and hands-on audience participation, this stage show brings the beloved animated world of Peppa Pig to life in a lively, oinktastic celebration. Whether it’s your first time seeing Peppa on stage or you’re a seasoned fan, this magical family event promises giggles, gasps, and unforgettable moments for kids and grown-ups alike.
Also Checkout:
- Top Family Friendly Theater Shows to Watch
- Best Kids Theatre Shows In London
- Best Musicals in London To Watch Right Now
Conclusion: Matilda The Musical – The Best Overall Choice
After exploring some of the most exciting and beloved West End musicals and plays, Matilda The Musical emerges as the best among all. Its compelling storyline, witty lyrics by Tim Minchin, and heartfelt performances create a magical experience that resonates with both children and adults. The show seamlessly blends imagination, emotion, and humor, making it a timeless favourite.
Each show offers unique charm and caters to different audiences, from Peppa Pig for young kids to Wicked and Harry Potter for older fans. Starlight Express thrills with roller-skating action, while The Play That Goes Wrong delivers nonstop comedy. London’s theatre scene truly has something for everyone.
London Theatre Direct offers the best booking experience with a wide range of family-friendly shows. It provides competitive prices, reliable service, and detailed information. This makes it the top choice for planning a perfect theatre outing.
FAQs
Matilda the Musical stands out as the best choice for children, combining Roald Dahl’s beloved storytelling with messages about education and empowerment.
Wicked is generally suitable for children aged 7 and above, though some scenes involving the Wicked Witch’s transformation and certain dramatic moments might be intense for sensitive children.
The original Wicked novel by Gregory Maguire is intended for adult readers and contains mature themes not suitable for children.
For families, MAMMA MIA! consistently ranks as one of the best choices due to its universal appeal, familiar ABBA songs, and positive themes.
The Play That Goes Wrong runs for approximately 2 hours including a 15-minute interval.
