Transport Explorers Review : unexpected family Fun

Like most London Parents I’ve spent more than my fair share of days out to the London Transport Museum. While I might not rank it as my personal favourite among London’s incredible museums, it’s undeniably toddler-nirvana. With its irresistible double-decker buses, vintage train carriages, and interactive displays, it’s pure catnip for the little ones – guaranteeing a fun, if familiar, outing.

So when we were invited to a preview of ‘Transport Explorers’, a live show about the history of London Transport, I was both intrigued and a little sceptical. It doesn’t sound like the most exciting offering….but actually this is an understated gem of a show.

Firstly who knew there was a theatre at the London Transport Museum? Opened in 2024 the Cubic theatre is exactly as the name suggests – an intimate 110 seater box shaped theatre with raked seating and a small stage.

The set is a bright cut out proscenium arch with light up motifs – a spanner, a train, a bike – all clues as to what to expect. Dressed in dungarees and baseball caps and bursting with Cbeebies presenter energy are the central characters of Jesse and Kai. These two trainee engineers are on a race against time to earn their ‘planner’, ‘Fixer’ and ‘Dreamer’ badges (a clever nod to all the Hey Duggee fans!).

Over the next 60 mins Jesse and Kai take the audience on a whirlwind history of London’s transport from innovations and problem solving through to sustainability plans for the future. There’s a shaky start, an overload of facts and information but lots of poo jokes and some slapstick with a leaf blower and all is forgotten. I have rarely seen a young audience so steadfastly invested.

The show truly hits its stride with the audience interaction. Simple yet brilliant experiments, memorably illustrating concepts like conduction, thermal imaging and sound frequency, all expertly tied back to transport.

The performers are immediately likeable and strike a really authentic bond with their young audience, often going off script with hilarious ad lib quips and rallying genuine enthusiasm. My own three boys were quickly swept along with the action and could be seen visibly doubling over with laughter in places.

For a show that was so clearly for children, I found myself entertained and like my kids left with a clearer understanding of lots of the sciencey stuff. My big regret was not bringing along my husband who loves these kind of ‘how things work’ conversations with the kids. This would also make a great day out for grandparents.

Ultimately this show is a welcome addition to a day out at the museum, expertly weaving education into pure entertainment and perfect for curious minds. I found the show to be accurately pitched at my own kids aged 6,7 and 9 but there were children as young as 4 who were enjoying the show. I would even say there is lots to learn here for kids up to the early teens (if they can brave the cheesiness).

‘Transport Explorers’ is playing at the Cubic Theatre, London Transport Museum, Covent Garden WC2E on various dates throughout the School Holidays and Half terms up until Jan 2026. Tickets from £12. More Info Here

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