If you have a toddler the chances are you have a Julia Donaldson classic on your bookshelf. The Children’s Laureate’s percussive prose coupled with Axel Scheffler’s instantly recognisable characters ooze charm and provide rich fodder for theatre adaptation. If you are looking to bring your child’s favourite characters to life, London currently has quite the selection of Julia Donaldson theatre shows. Here are the best Julia Donaldson theatre shows London in 2025.
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The Singing Mermaid
In this much loved adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monk’s Story, we learn that glitter is not always gold. When the Singing Mermaid is tempted away to join a travelling circus with promises of fame and fortune, her friends smell a rat. Indeed their fears are realised when the mermaid finds herself enslaved and exploited by the no good circus master. But how will she escaped with no legs to carry her? And who will help her?
With beautiful puppets mastered by a cast of three and stand out songs and music by Barb Jungr ( The Pixie and The Pudding, We’re going on a bear hunt).
- Suitable for Ages – 3+
- Buggy Parking – Yes
- Babes in Arms? – Yes up to 18 months
A squash and a squeeze
Dates: 6th Feb – 27th April 2025
Get ready for some hilarious farmyard fun! “A Squash and a Squeeze” at Little Angel Theatre is a lively and interactive show filled with puppetry, music, and plenty of opportunities for audience participation. Join the old lady as she learns a valuable lesson about space (and maybe a bit about sharing!).
- Suitable for ages: 3-8 yrs
- Buggy Park – Yes
- Booster Seats Available – Yes
- Babes in Arms? – TBC
Room on The Broom
Dates: 12th-13th Feb 2025
Iggety Ziggety Zaggety Zoom!
Get ready for a ride of a lifetime with the hapless Witch and her friends as they dodge a fearsome dragon and prove that friendship and kindness conquers all. A truly exhilerating adventure not to be missed!
- Suitable for ages 3+
- Buggy Parking Available: Yes
- Booster Seats: Yes
The Smartest Giant in town
Where: Richmond Theatre
Tube: Richmond
Dates: 2nd-3rd April 2025
The Smartest Giant in town sees George, the woeful scruffiest Giant endeavouring to smarten himself up when a new shop with giant-sized clothes opens up in town. Feeling dapper in his new look – smart trousers, smart shirt, shiny shoes and stripy tie, George quickly realises what is really important to him when he encounters a whole host of colourful characters who need his help. The ultimate ‘Good Samaritan’ story about helping others in need is bought to life in this charming adaptation with catchy songs and clever puppetry.
- Suitable for ages – 3+
- Buggy Parking available? tbc
- Booster Seats? TBC
- Babes in arms? Yes under 12 months
The Baddies
Dates: 4th-6th April 2025
The most recent Juli Donaldson addition, ‘The Baddies ‘ (a Freckle Production original) sets off on tour this year after its debut at the Edinburgh Lyceum and summer residency at Cadogan Hall. This is one show to mark in your diaries and get booked asap.
- Suitable for ages – 3+
- Buggy Parking? – yes
- Babes in Arms? – Yes, Up to 18 months
