Christmas family theatre in London is entering prime season as the curtain goes up on a wide variety of shows for kids and adults to enjoy.
London theatre for kids in December is a vibrant feast; there are silly pantos, puppet performances and re-told and mashed up classics for all ages on stage. A soul warming family treat on a freezing day!
Here are 8 great suggestions for family shows this holiday season…
Peter Pan the Panto at Wandsworth Civic Suite
Fly away to the magical world of Neverland this December! On this epic adventure, Peter Pan will meet Tinkerbell, Captain Hook and many other characters aboard the Pirate ship the Jolly Roger. Filled with heart-warming tales of courage and friendship, our daytime shows are designed to be enjoyed by kids, parents, young families, and grandparents alike. Sensory-sensitive performances are available with adapted lighting and special effects to help reduce anxiety.
When: 16-23 December 2023
Where: Wandsworth Civic Suite, Wandsworth High Street, SW18 2PU
Age guidance: all
Cost: from £11
More info: website
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Aladdin at Hackney Empire
The much-loved tale of Aladdin flies into Hackney this festive season! Aladdin dreams of finding love and making his fortune. When he discovers an enchanted lamp and meets a mysterious genie, it looks like all of his wishes are going to come true. But are they, or will forces of evil stand in the way…?
When: Until 31 December 2023
Where: Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ
Age guidance: all
Cost: from £10
More info: website
Snow White at Greenwich Theatre
We can highly recommend this one first-hand, we saw it recently and loved it! Situated on the corner of glorious Greenwich Park this local theatre is well-known for their pantos. Here you’ll enjoy a hilarious twist on the classic Snow White tale, with puppet dwarves, pop and rock hits belted out brilliantly, a marvellously bonkers evil queen and a sky high surprise ending. (pr invite)
When: Until 7 January 2024
Where: Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, SE10 8ES
Age guidance: all
Cost: from £16.50
More info: website
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The Bolds at Unicorn Theatre
The Bolds are back! This adaptation of Julian Clary’s book was a huge hit when it was on a couple years ago here and they’ve wisely brought it back again. So who are The Bolds? They live in an ordinary house on an ordinary street, and they love to laugh. But there’s one slight difference… they are hyenas!
How long can they keep their beastly secret under their hats? Join Mr and Mrs Bold and their twins Betty and Bobby as they navigate work, school and friends whilst trying to keep up their disguise.
When: Until 31 December 2023
Where: Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, London, SE1 2HZ
Age guidance: 6+
Cost: from £10.50
More info: website
Gruffalo’s Child at Garrick Theatre
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a snowy Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler theatre production! The brilliant Tall Stories troupe is back performing their adaption of this beloved children’s story. Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission one wild and windy night when she ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood.
When: Until 7 January 2024
Where: Garrick Theatre, 2 Charing Cross Rd, WC2H 0HH
Age guidance: 3+
Cost: from £10
More info: website
ENTER TO WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO GRUFFALO’S CHILD HERE
Peter Pan Goes Wrong at Lyric Theatre
Mischief return with their riotous spin on a timeless classic, the Olivier award-nominated West End smash hit comedy, Peter Pan Goes Wrong.
The much-loved members of the Cornley Drama Society are back on stage, battling technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes as they attempt to present J.M Barrie’s classic tale. But will they ever make it to Neverland?
When: Until 14 January 2023
Where: Lyric Theatre, 29 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7ES
Age guidance: 8+
Cost: from £15
More info: website
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Snow Queen at Polka Theatre
A wintry wonderland of imagination for the whole family awaits at Polka this Christmas. The frosty world of The Snow Queen offers an unforgettable and thrilling adventure where the strength of friendship is tested to its limits, and nothing is quite what it seems…
When: Until 21 January 2024
Where: Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB
Age guidance: 6-12
Cost: from £10
More info: website
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Bluey’s Big Play at Southbank Centre
Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show! Featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life in this UK premiere. Bluey’s Big Play is a brand new theatrical adaptation of the global smash hit children’s television series, with an original story by the Bluey creator.
When: 20 December-7 January
Where: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
Age guidance: all
Cost: from £20
More info: website
