Half term. A time of intense joy for kids and extreme panic for parents. Keeping them entertained for a week is quite a chore. But, with London theatre, you’ll not just keep them occupied, you’ll provide them with life-long memories.
Here are some get shows to see during half term. There’s never a better time to introduce your youngster to the wonders of London’s West End.
Disney’s Aladdin
Disney’s Aladdin will take you and the family into a world filled with beauty, comedy and breath-taking spectacle. It tells the well-known story of a savvy street urchin who gets caught up in the nefarious plans of an evil magician, falls for a stunning princess and befriends a wonderfully funny lamp-dwelling magical being.
Age recommendation: 8+
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Jamie New is 16, on the edge of possibility, doesn’t quite fit in on a council estate in Sheffield and has big aspirations. Supported by his brilliant mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies, and steps out of the darkness into the spotlight to become a sensation.
Age recommendation: 8+
Disney’s The Lion King
Julie Taymor’s spectacular adaptation of Disney’s award-winning film uses masks and puppetry to create pure theatrical magical. When the young lion prince Simba is born, his evil uncle Scar is pushed back to second in line to the throne. Unimpressed with his future prospects, Scar plots to kill both Simba and his father, the Lion King Mufasa, becoming king in the process.
Age recommendation: 8+. Children aged 3 and below will not be admitted.
Matilda The Musical
Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, Matilda is the record-breaking musical masterpiece from the RSC. It tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, a child with an incredible talent for learning. Despite being hampered by unscrupulous, uncaring parents who care neither for their daughter or for education, she excels intellectually and even discovers a rather unique talent.
Age recommendation: 5+
Extra half-term Matinee: Thursday 31 May, 2.30pm
Peter Pan
Peter Pan returns to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in a revival of their 2015 Olivier Award-nominated production. In the final year of the First World War Centenary Commemorations, J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan returns to the outdoor stage to enchant audiences young and old alike. For the wounded soldiers, imagination is their only escape. Yet as they’re transported to the fantastical lagoons and pirate ships of Never Land, allegories of the war they’ve left behind are ever present.
Age recommendation: 8+
School Of Rock
A guitar-thrashing, drum-rolling, rip-roaring celebration of the power of rock, School Of Rock – The Musical tells the story of Dewey Finn, a down-on-his-luck wannabe rock star struggling to make ends meet. Posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school, Finn discovers his students’ musical talents, and opts to enlist his fifth-graders in a quest to conquer The Battle Of The Bands.
Age recommendation: 8+
Extra half-term matinee: Wednesday 30 May, 2.30pm
Les Misérables
Seen by more than 70 million people worldwide in 45 countries and in 22 languages, this spectacular musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s masterpiece continues to thrill audiences night after night at Queen’s Theatre. Set amidst the social and political struggles of 19th century France, West End favourite Les Misérables tells the story of former prisoner Jean Valjean, who is pursued for decades by his policeman nemesis, Javert.
Age recommendation: 8+
Wicked
A spellbinding favourite in the West End, this magical musical tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Age recommendation: 7+. No children aged 3 or below will be admitted.
Strictly Ballroom The Musical
Strictly Ballroom tells the inspiring story of Scott Hastings, a championship ballroom dancer who defies all the rules of the competition to follow his heart. Along the way, he not only finds his true calling but also his true love. The show features all the hit songs from the film including Love Is In The Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time.
Age recommendation: 8+
There are plenty of shows to treat the whole family and the list above is by no means exhaustive, so do check with box offices if another show takes your fancy.