Kids Week Returns: The Best Family-Friendly Shows To See This July & August (& Kids Go Free!)
The summer holidays have crept up, and in an attempt to not blow the budget within the first week, we’re hunting for ways to keep this summer affordable but heaps of fun. Here to help out is Kids Theatre Week! Every July and August some of London’s best West End shows team up to offer you a helping hand by letting kids go free.
Wondering how it works? From 21st July until 31st August, children 17 and under go free when accompanied by an adult paying full price. Plus, an additional two children can attend for half price, offering you a little helping hand.
Plenty of big-name shows get involved, from Les Misérables and Wicked to The Cursed Child. These are a few of the best ones…
Kids Theatre Week Shows To Book
The Gruffalo
Perfect for those with young children, it’s been 25 years since the picture book was published, so what better way to celebrate the anniversary than going to see the musical? The story is simple; a mouse concocts a genius way to dissuade predators – a cunning fox, an eccentric owl and a terrifying snake – from eating him by inventing the myth of the Gruffalo. After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there?
Suitable for 3+
Back To The Future
A strong contender for the most ‘parents overcome by nostalgia forces their child to watch the film’ choice there is. And now you can force them to go to the live stage musical. The good news, however, is that it is physically impossible not to have a good time while watching Back To The Future, so it’s sure to delight and excite the kids (and let’s be real, the adults too).
Suitable for 8+
The Cursed Child
Harry Potter continues to be a cultural juggernaut for every generation. We’re just coming into the era where those who grew up with the books and films are starting to have children old enough to get hooked as well, which has resulted in, well, an eye-wateringly successful run for the play. For July and August, you can indulge the obsession for free.
Suitable for 10+
The Tiger Who Came To Tea
Based on the book by Judith Kerr, The Tiger Who Came To Tea returns to the stage this summer. Performances will be held at Theatre Royal Haymarket, and will follow the story of a little girl and her mummy, who were holding a little tea party together when a stripy tiger knocks at the door. Sounds unadvisable on health and safety grounds, but apparently they all get along.
Expect all of the chaos, laughter and sing-a-long songs to unfold before your eyes.
Suitable for 3+
Les Miserables
Victor Hugo’s giant, sweeping novel about poverty, rebellion, shame and corruption wasn’t the most obvious contender to become the most famous musical of all time, but that’s what it has become. Maybe one for more mature kids, but seeing as it is a common choice for schools to put on, it might be good practice for when they have to act in it themselves.
Suitable for 12+
Wicked
Unleash your inner child and bring the whole family along for an enchanting adventure that will delight audiences of all ages. Set in a mesmerizing land of emerald greens and soaring towers, Wicked takes us back to the time before Dorothy and Toto arrived in Oz.
Head to the renowned Apollo Victoria Theatre, where Wicked has cast its spell over London for years, and experience the pure magic of this award-winning production.
Suitable for 5+
Come Alive!
For another spectacular summer outing, consider “COME ALIVE!” The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular at the Empress Museum in Earls Court.
This phenomenal show, inspired by The Greatest Showman movie, features incredible West End talent and breathtaking international circus acts performing all your favourite hit songs like “This Is Me” and “A Million Dreams.”
