But choosing the right show matters. Too young for the material and they'll be bored or scared. Too old and the magic is lost. The wrong runtime leads to fidgeting, toilet emergencies, and meltdowns.

This guide breaks down the best West End shows by age group, with honest assessments of content, runtime, and suitability. We've also included practical tips for making your family theatre trip a success.

If you love theatre and want to share that love with the next generation, this is where to start.

Quick Reference: Shows by Age

Before we dive deep, here's a quick overview:

Ages 3-5: The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Peppa Pig, Room on the Broom Ages 5-7: The Lion King, Matilda, Frozen, Paddington Ages 7-10: Wicked, Back to the Future, Mamma Mia!, My Neighbour Totoro Ages 10-12: Hamilton, SIX, The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables Ages 12+: Stranger Things, Harry Potter, Hadestown, Book of Mormon (15+)

Now let's explore each age group in detail.

Shows for Ages 3-5 (First Theatre Experiences)

Young children need short shows (under 90 minutes), familiar characters, gentle content, and preferably no interval to navigate.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Runtime: 55 minutes (no interval) Best for: Ages 3-6 Why it works: Based on the beloved book, it's short, sweet, and familiar. Perfect first theatre experience.

Peppa Pig's Big Family Show!

Runtime: 60 minutes (no interval) Best for: Ages 2-5 Why it works: Characters they already know and love. Interactive, colourful, and perfectly paced for tiny attention spans.

Room on the Broom

Runtime: 55 minutes (no interval) Best for: Ages 3-6 Why it works: Julia Donaldson's story comes to life with puppetry. Not scary, perfectly timed, utterly charming.

The Snowman

Runtime: 80 minutes (one interval) Best for: Ages 4-8 Plays: Christmas season only at the Peacock Theatre Why it works: A London Christmas tradition since 1997. The flying sequence is pure magic. The interval helps with wiggly little ones.

Tips for this age group:

• Book matinees when children are freshest

• Sit on the aisle for easy exit if needed

• Bring a quiet snack for emergencies

• Skip the pre-show drink; go straight to seats

• Explain in advance that we stay quiet during shows

Shows for Ages 5-7 (Building Theatre Love)

At this age, children can handle longer shows, more complex stories, and some emotional moments. They're ready for the big musicals.

The Lion King

Venue: Lyceum Theatre Runtime: 2 hours 30 minutes (one interval) Recommended age: 6+ Why it's perfect: The Circle of Life opening is genuinely breathtaking. Children know the story, the songs, the characters. Julie Taymor's puppetry elevates it beyond the film. Mufasa's death is handled sensitively but may upset very young children.

Matilda the Musical

Venue: Cambridge Theatre Runtime: 2 hours 40 minutes (one interval) Recommended age: 6+ Why it's perfect: A child hero who stands up to bullies. Tim Minchin's songs are clever and catchy. Miss Trunchbull is scary but played for comedy. The "Revolting Children" finale is empowering.

Frozen the Musical

Venue: Theatre Royal Drury Lane Runtime: 2 hours 30 minutes (one interval) Recommended age: 5+ Why it's perfect: They already know every word to "Let It Go." The stage effects for Elsa's powers are stunning. Emotional moments around family are handled warmly.

Paddington The Musical

Venue: Savoy Theatre Runtime: TBC Recommended age: 4+ Why it's perfect: Everyone's favourite bear makes his West End debut. Expect marmalade, adventure, and that beloved duffle coat.

My Neighbour Totoro

Venue: Gillian Lynne Theatre Runtime: 2 hours (one interval) Recommended age: 5+ Why it's perfect: Six Olivier Awards including Best Entertainment. The giant Totoro puppets are extraordinary. Studio Ghibli magic brought to life.

Tips for this age group:

• Discuss the story beforehand so they can follow along

• Book premium seats for better views (children are small)

• The interval is essential; use the bathroom

• Ice cream at the interval is part of the tradition

• Arrive early to build excitement

Shows for Ages 7-10 (Growing Sophistication)

Older children can handle more complex themes, longer runtimes, and deeper emotional content. They're ready for the spectaculars.

Wicked

Venue: Apollo Victoria Theatre Runtime: 2 hours 45 minutes (one interval) Recommended age: 7+ Why it works: Friendship, identity, standing up for what's right. "Defying Gravity" will have them wide-eyed. The witch theme is handled as empowerment, not fear.

Back to the Future: The Musical

Venue: Adelphi Theatre Runtime: 2 hours 40 minutes (one interval) Recommended age: 7+ Why it works: The DeLorean actually flies. 80s nostalgia for parents, adventure for kids. Marty McFly is an engaging hero.

Mamma Mia!

Venue: Novello Theatre Runtime: 2 hours 35 minutes (one interval) Recommended age: 6+ Why it works: Pure joy. ABBA songs everyone knows. Dancing in the aisles at the finale. Some wedding/romance themes but nothing inappropriate.

Starlight Express

Venue: Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre Runtime: 2 hours 15 minutes (one interval) Recommended age: 5+ Why it works: Performers on roller skates racing around the auditorium. Spectacular, immersive, and thrilling. The new production is getting rave reviews.

The Mousetrap

Venue: St Martin's Theatre Runtime: 2 hours 10 minutes (one interval) Recommended age: 8+ Why it works: A classic murder mystery with no graphic content. Great introduction to Agatha Christie. The famous twist ending they'll remember forever.

Tips for this age group:

• They can now appreciate the story, not just spectacle

• Discuss themes afterwards; theatre is educational

• Consider post-show stage door visits

• Souvenir programmes make great keepsakes

• Matinees still work well for managing energy levels

Shows for Ages 10-12 (Pre-Teen Ready)

Pre-teens can handle most West End content. They appreciate complex characters, sophisticated humour, and deeper themes.

Hamilton

Venue: Victoria Palace Theatre Runtime: 2 hours 50 minutes (one interval) Recommended age: 10+ Why it works: History made cool through hip-hop. Complex political themes presented accessibly. Some gunfire and death but handled dramatically, not graphically. Language includes some strong words.

SIX

Venue: Vaudeville Theatre Runtime: 75 minutes (no interval) Recommended age: 10+ Why it works: Pop concert energy, empowering messages, history with attitude. Some references to divorce and execution handled with dark humour. The short runtime is perfect for this age.

The Phantom of the Opera

Venue: His Majesty's Theatre Runtime: 2 hours 30 minutes (one interval) Recommended age: 10+ Why it works: Gothic romance, spectacular chandelier crash, iconic music. Some scary moments (the Phantom's face reveal) but nothing too intense.

Les Misérables

Venue: Sondheim Theatre Runtime: 2 hours 50 minutes (one interval) Recommended age: 10+ Why it works: The greatest musical ever staged. Themes of justice, redemption, love, and revolution. Some death and violence but handled dramatically. Fantine's story may need parent discussion.

ABBA Voyage

Venue: ABBA Arena Runtime: 90 minutes (no interval) Recommended age: All ages Why it works: A concert experience rather than a show. Digital avatars of ABBA performing with a live band. Dancing encouraged. Fun for the whole family.

Tips for this age group:

• They're old enough to discuss complex themes

• Evening performances work fine now

• Consider letting them choose the show

• Theatre can spark interest in history, literature, music

• Post-show dinner discussions are valuable

Shows for Teenagers (12+)

Teenagers deserve shows that challenge and engage them. These productions offer sophisticated content appropriate for mature viewers.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Venue: Phoenix Theatre Runtime: 3 hours (one interval) Recommended age: 12+ Why it works: Olivier Award winner for Best Entertainment. The stage effects are genuinely mind-bending. Perfect for fans of the Netflix series. Some scary moments appropriate for the IP.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Venue: Palace Theatre Runtime: 3 hours 30 minutes (one interval) Recommended age: 10+ Why it works: Magic on stage. Literally. The effects feel impossible. An original story that extends the Harry Potter universe.

Hadestown

Venue: Lyric Theatre Runtime: 2 hours 30 minutes (one interval) Recommended age: 12+ Why it works: The Orpheus myth retold through jazz and folk. Complex themes of love, loss, and capitalism. Sophisticated music and staging.

The Book of Mormon

Venue: Prince of Wales Theatre Runtime: 2 hours 30 minutes (one interval) Recommended age: 15+ (strong language, adult themes) Why it works: Hilarious but very adult content. From the creators of South Park. Not for younger teens or easily offended family members.

Practical Tips for Family Theatre Trips

Before You Book

Consider the runtime carefully. A 3-hour show is a lot for a 6-year-old. Build up gradually.

Check age recommendations. Most shows list these clearly. They exist for good reason.

Book matinees for young children. Energy levels are higher, bedtimes aren't disrupted.

Choose seats wisely. Aisle seats for easy exits. Elevated sections for small children to see over adults.

Look for booster seats. Many theatres offer them; call ahead.

Day of the Show

Arrive early. Build excitement, use bathrooms, settle in without rushing.

Limit drinks. Toilet trips during performances are disruptive.

Bring quiet snacks. Check theatre policy, but a small bag of quiet treats can help.

Explain theatre etiquette. Quiet during the show, no phones, applause at the end.

Take the programme. Talking through characters beforehand helps younger children follow along.

If Things Go Wrong

Have an exit strategy. Know where the doors are. Aisle seats help.

Don't panic. Children occasionally need to leave. It happens. Staff understand.

Crying or fussing? Step out briefly, then return if possible.

Motion sickness? Some shows have intense lighting effects; sit further back.

Kids Week: The Best Time to Visit

Every August, Kids Week offers free or half-price tickets for children. The initiative runs across West End shows and is perfect for introducing children to theatre affordably.

Workshops and activities alongside performances.

Check dates and participating shows closer to the time.

Shows Currently Running: Quick Reference

Best for First Timers (Under 6)

• Peppa Pig's Big Family Show! - Theatre Royal Haymarket

• The Snowman (Christmas) - Peacock Theatre

Best for Families (6-10)

• The Lion King - Lyceum Theatre

• Matilda the Musical - Cambridge Theatre

• Wicked - Apollo Victoria Theatre

• Mamma Mia! - Novello Theatre

• My Neighbour Totoro - Gillian Lynne Theatre

Best for Older Kids (10+)

• Hamilton - Victoria Palace Theatre

• SIX - Vaudeville Theatre

• Les Misérables - Sondheim Theatre

• The Phantom of the Opera - His Majesty's Theatre

Best for Teens

• Stranger Things: The First Shadow - Phoenix Theatre

• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Palace Theatre

• Hadestown - Lyric Theatre

Book Your Family Theatre Experience

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There's nothing quite like watching a child fall in love with theatre. Choose the right show for their age, prepare them for the experience, and watch the magic happen.

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