Family theatre in London this summer is bringing drama for all ages in a variety of locations across the city. Tickets to a show can be such a welcome outing – whether you’ve been stuck inside or running all over town it’s so nice to just plonk down and enjoy a performance together.
Read on for our guide to performances that sound ideal for a theatrical escape this summer serving up big laughs, silly characters, songs, magic, classic tales and puppet artistry…
Polka Theatre: Hairy
Hairnry is a follicle who arrives at Hairy Mission Control with big dreams – to be Head Hair. His three follicle friends are on hand to put him through his paces and make sure he’s ready to be a Super-Hairo. A show with original songs, dance, puppetry and bold visual comedy.
When: Until 20 August
Where: Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB
Age guidance: 5 – 12
Cost: from £10
More details: website
Little Angel Theatre: Children’s Puppet Festival
Little Angel’s first ever Children’s Puppet Festival is a vibrant theatre programme showcasing a broad range of puppetry by the most exciting UK and international companies making theatre for young audiences.
The festival includes workshops for families, community events, fun days for children and courses for adults to try out the craft of puppetry.
When: 2 August – 3 September
Where: Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, London N1 2DN
Age guidance: varies by show
Cost: varies by show
More info: website
Shakespeare’s Globe: Midsummer Mechanicals
We’ve seen this on its previous run here and all (adults AND children) absolutely loved it. It’s a hilarious child-friendly take on Shakespearean entertainment with a superbly silly cast of characters, all set inside a gorgeous playhouse next to the Globe.
When: Until 26 August
Where: Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, London, SE1 9DT
Age guidance: 5+
Cost: from £18
More details: website
Coram Fields: Perform in the Park
A variety of children’s theatre productions are taking place in a temporary 500-seat indoor theatre that has been erected in Coram’s Fields for the summer. There are 4 shows to choose from and they are are all suited for different ages ranges, from 2 – 14 years old. You can make a day of this outing, as you’re in Coram’s Fields which has a lovely playground area and paddling pool.
When: Until 28 August
Where: Coram’s Fields, 93 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1DN
Age guidance: show dependent
Cost: from £17.50
More details: website
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Southbank Centre: The SpongeBob Musical
When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises up. The power of optimism really can save the world! The show features original songs by iconic rock and pop artists, including Aerosmith, The Flaming Lips and Cyndi Lauper.
When: Until 27 August
Where: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
Age guidance: 6+
Cost: from £15
More info: website
Lyric Theatre: The Smeds and the Smoos
An exciting adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler comes to the West End. On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back?
Music, laughs and interplanetary adventures from Tall Stories – the company that brought you The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom live on stage.
When: Until 3 September
Where: Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES
Age guidance: 3+
Cost: from £10
More info: website
Kew Gardens: Alice in Wonderland
Join Alice as she searches for a way home, meeting the disappearing Cheshire Cat, the beautifully dressed Mad Hatter, and the bad-tempered Queen of Hearts who is busy painting the roses red.
Set within beautiful Kew Gardens, this specially-commissioned, outdoor theatre performance is led by a talented cast of actor-musicians and features original music.
When: Until 28 August
Where: Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE
Age guidance: 5+
Cost: from £16
More info: website
