West End Winners: Kid Friendly Musicals(2024)

Starlight Express

• Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
• Opens 8th June (ongoing)
• Ages – TBC (No under 3s)

All Aboard! Starlight Express is rolling into town this Summer. Witness breathtaking stunts, graceful glides, and electrifying choreography as roller-skating actors bring this timeless tale of a train with dreams to life. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic tunes – think “Night at the National Gallery” and the show-stopping title track – are reimagined in the “Starlight Auditorium” with the help of choreographer Ashley Nottingham and Dramaturg Arlene Philips. This 2024 revival promises to be a high-octane spectacle for all ages, where competition, love, and self-discovery shine as brightly as the train tracks themselves. Prepare to be dazzled.

Spirited Away

• London Coliseum
• 30th April – 24th August 2024
• Ages: 7+ (no under 4s)

Based on the Oscar winning Japanese animation, Spirited away has been reimagined for the stage by Olivier and Tony award winning director John Caird (Les Miserables).

This is one show my family and I are awaiting with bated breath! Expect breathtaking puppets, dazzling visuals, haunting melodies and a transformative experience that will leave you spellbound. Book now – this will be a sell out.

Back to the future

Winner Best New Musical 2022 Olivier Awards

Take a trip down memory lane (pun intended) with this irresistlibly nostalgic production based on the 80s classic film. Join Marty Mcfly as he is transported back to 1955 by eccentric scientist Doc Brown. A race against time to save the day in the present, whilst mitigating the dangers of the past, unravels. Kids will love getting their heads around the nuances of time travel in this electrifying stage spectacular.

Harry Potter and the cursed child

‘One of the most defining pop culture events of the decade’ (Forbes)

Harry Pottter and the cursed Child is set 19yrs after Harry, Ron and Hermione set foot in the Legendary Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft. Harry is now a middle aged civil servant (Ministry of Magic) working in London. He is also a father. It is Harry’s son Albus who’s sorcerous ‘coming of age’ adventures are now the focus.

You don’t have to be potty about Potter to appreciate this magnificent production. Expect spells, big musical numbers and all the special effects you can shake your broomstick at.

Mrs Doubtfire the Musical

Fresh from Sell out audiences in the North, Mrs Doubtfire makes its West End Debut this May.

When desperate dad Daniel loses custody of his kids in a messy separation, he comes up with a creative way to stay connected to his family. Based on the 1993 movie, Mrs Doubtfire tells the story of an out of work actor posing as a Scottish Nanny to great comic effect. A hilarious and endearing show with some heartening and relatable topics at its core.

The Lion King

Currently in it’s 24th year at The Lyceum Theatre, Disney’s The Lion King is arguably the West End’s most successful musical of all time. And with good reason. A visually and musically immersive experience, it tells the colourful story of Simba, the wide eyed cub destined for greatness as head of the pride. A lesson in theatrical brilliance, children will love identifying the different animals and will be visibly moved by this emotional story of the ‘Circle of Life’. Expect extraordinary costumes and amazing puppets, hypnotic rhythms and familiar sing- a- long songs from Elton John and Tim Rice.

Frozen

Frozen tells the much loved story of Elsa and Ana, two sisters torn apart by a dangerous secret. Inspired by Hans Christen Andersen’s much darker fairy tale ‘The Snow Queen’, Frozen reimagines the story as one of self acceptance, embracing one-another’s difference and empowerment (Let it Go!).

Based on the hugely successful Disney film, the stage spectacular does not disappoint. Prepare for legendary power ballads, blinding shimmer and sparkle and incredible special effects.

Shrek the Musical

Join our unlikely hero and a host of other magical fairy- tale characters on this musical, fun filled adventure based on the Dream works movie.

“Shrek the Musical” roars with infectious humor and heart as it swaps swamps for stages, delivering a hilarious green-hued adventure that proves fairytales are never quite what they seem, and love truly blossoms in the most unexpected places.

Madagascar The Musical

• New Wimbledon Theatre
• 9th – 11th May 2024
• Ages: TBC (No Under 3s)

Hilarious antics erupt as Alex the Lion leads his zoo pals on an unexpected island adventure. This vibrant musical roars with both silliness and surprising emotional heart, reminding audiences that family can be found in the most unexpected places. A family friendly hit not to be missed.

Chitty Chitty bang Bang

• New Wimbledon Theatre
• 21st – 26th May
• Ages: TBC

Inventor Caractacus Potts and his fantastical car Chitty Chitty Bang Bang soar into Wimbledon for a limited run this May. Based on Ian Flemming’s Timeless classic, marvel as Chitty transforms from family car to flying machine, braving kidnappings, child-hating villains, and hilarious escapades along the way. This whirlwind musical celebrates family, teamwork, and the triumph of good against evil, leaving audiences grinning ear to ear and humming long after the curtain falls.