Read on for The Daily Mumtra’s round up of Kid Friendly Musicals 2023. Fancy treating the whole family to a magical musical in 2023 but wondering which show is suitable for a young theatre goer? The following list summarises the best musicals appearing in the London area suitable for ages 5+. Looking to delight a younger age group? Do check out ‘Must See Theatre: London Shows for Toddlers (2023)’
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New Kid Friendly Musicals
Back to the future
Adelphi Theatre
Currently Booking – until February 2024
Recommended age – 6+
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
The Palace Theatre
Currently Booking : until May 2024
Recommended age: 10+
‘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
Shaftesbury theatre
Booking from 12th May 2023
Recommended age: 6+
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.
Long Running Kid Friendly Musicals
Matilda
Cambridge Theatre
Recommended age: 6+
Booking: ongoing
If there is one thing guaranteed to enthral young theatre goers it is watching a superb cast of child actors. Matilda boasts some extraordinary talent. Watch them storm the stage in this Roald Dahl story of a child genius, reimagined by the Royal Shakespeare Company. An impressive musical, with imaginative staging and a score by comedic musician Tim Minchin. Matilda has spent over a decade delighting audiences in London’s West End.
Wicked
Apollo Victoria Theatre
Booking: Ongoing
Recommended age: 7+
With its legendary score by Stephen Schwartz, trailblazing choreography and spectacular stage effects, Wicked is a dark and thrilling musical that will have you pondering for months. Wicked tells the untold story of the witches of ‘The Wizard of Oz’. It clarifies the backstory of Elpheba, the Wicked Witch of the West (wicked or misunderstood? ) and Glinda the good witch (good or just privileged?). A story of unlikely friendship, this fun and fabulous musical delves deep into themes of what it is to be ‘wicked’ and the nature of good and bad. Compelling entertainment for children and adults alike.
The Lion King
The Lyceum Theatre
Booking :Ongoing
Recommended age: 6+ (no under 3s permitted)
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
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Currently Booking : until June 2024
Recommended age: 6+ ( no under 4s admitted)
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.
Off West End Kid Friendly Musicals
The Spongebob Musical (Now Closed)
Southbank
26th July – 27th August
Recommended age: 6+
You may never have heard of him but Spongebob Squarepants is likely one of your child’s favourites. A little yellow sponge who lives in a pineapple with his pet snail Gary on the floor of the Pacific ocean….(yes Really!) now has his own musical show.
In this tale of the power of positivity we join the all singing, all dancing cast as they, along with our hero, attempt to save Bikini Bottom from an erupting volcano. Expect dazzling choreography, exquisite costumes and lots of laughs in this deep sea adventure.
A broadway hit, now touring the uk and Ireland, this show can only be seen in London for one month. My advice – grab your tickets now!
Shrek the Musical
New Wimbledon Theatre
26th -30th September
Age Recommendation: 5+ (all ages welcome)
For only a handful of dates you can catch the Tony nominated box office hit “Shrek the musical’ at Wimbledon Theatre. 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.
Charlie and the Chocolate factory (Now Closed)
New Wimbledon Theatre
21st June – 1st July
Recommended age : 7+
A hotly anticipated UK tour brings ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ to Wimbledon this summer. In this dazzling production of the Roald Dahl Classic, we see impoverished Charlie Bucket live out his dreams of meeting the mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka when he becomes the lucky winner of a golden ticket. Children will be salivating at the weird and wonderful edible world of Wonka’s imagination and will enjoy classic songs (Pure Imagination, The Candyman) from the movie classic.
the Wizard of Oz (Now Closed)
The London Palladium
23rd June – 3rd September
Age Recommendation: TBC
If you are hoping to see a big budget spectacular this Summer, click you heels and head over to the London Palladium for a fresh take on a timeless classic.
Packed with all your favourite songs from the movie original (‘Over the Rainbow’ /’If I only had a brain’) and bonus numbers by musical royalty Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, this is one show that will have you singing in the shower for weeks to come.
A colourful and vibrant show for both kids and adults
The Witches
The National Theatre
7th November – Jan 2024
Recommended age: 8+
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It’s been a while since The National Theatre have announced a major new musical on this scale. Prepare to be terrified as a ten year old boy unearths an evil conspiracy of witches, living and breathing under our noses. Can Luke and his Gran stop their malevolent plan and protect children everywhere?
A hotly anticipated timeless Roald Dahl classic bought to life by an award winning team of lyricists and directors.
Annie
New Wimbledon Theatre
7-11th November 2023
Recommended Age : 5+
Get transported back to the time of the Great depression where orphan girl Annie escapes a life of hard knocks when her cheeky smile and signature red locks endear her to billionaire Oliver Warbucks. But happiness doesn’t come easily as spiteful orphanage mistress Miss Hannigan (Craig Revel Horwood) has other plans for Annie’s fate.
A rags to riches tale of love and loyalty, this is an unforgettable musical classic.
A note about Kids Week
London may be home to some of the best theatre but when it comes to buying theatre tickets for a family of 3+, its affordability is questionable. Every year, for the whole of August the society of London Theatre run an incentive to make West End plays and theatre accessible for families and younger audiences. During this month children aged 17 or under qualify for a free ticket when accompanied by a full paying adult. In addition up to two extra children’s tickets can be purchased at half price. More info here.
Read Next: Must See Theatre: London Shows for toddlers 2023
