What’s on stage for families in London January 2020

The Cat in the Hat at The Turbine Theatre
Until 11 January, families can catch the stage adaptation of popular Dr Seuss children’s book The Cat in the Hat at Battersea’s new The Turbine Theatre. The production, adapted by Katie Mitchell and directed by Lillie Collier, promises a lively and engaging show for young theatre-goers. The Cat in the Hat play was originally produced by National Theatre and tells the story about the hilarious cat who visits Sally and her brother, creating chaos in their house. The show is recommended for ages 3 and over and the running time is 50 minutes. Read my review HERE. (Photo above by Garry Lake)

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat is coming to New Wimbledon Theatre (Photo by Pamela Raith)

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at New Wimbledon Theatre
From 21 to 25 January, Bill Kenwright’s production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat will be playing at New Wimbledon Theatre. The show tells the story about Jacob’s son Joseph, who is sold into slavery, and ends up in jail in Egypt where he discovers his ability to interpret dreams. He soon becomes the Pharaoh’s right-hand man and is later reunited with his family. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat has had multiple runs on West End in the past, and the musical is currently on a UK tour.

Mimi and the Mountain Dragon at Lyric Hammersmith and ArtsDepot
The stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s children’s book Mimi & The Mountain Dragon, illustrated by Helen Stephens, will be playing in the Studio at Lyric Hammersmith on 25 January and at ArtsDepot on 26 January. With puppetry and music, the Skewbald Theatre production tells the story about Mimi who discovers a baby dragon in her woodshed. The show is recommended for ages 3 and over, and the running time is 50 minutes.

Arthur’s Dream Boat at Lyric Hammersmith
On 18 January, the stage adaptation of Polly Dunbar’s picture book Arthur’s Dream Boat will be playing in the studio at Lyric Hammersmith. The show, produced by Long Nose Puppets, tells the story about a little boy who dreams about a magical boat and promises music and unique puppetry. The show is recommended for ages 2 to 8, and the running time is around 50 minutes.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Bridge Theatre
At the Bridge Theatre, families can journey into the magical world of CS Lewis with the Leeds Playhouse production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, presented by The London Theatre Company by special arrangement with Elliot & Harper Productions and Catherine Schreiber. The show, which is recommended for ages 6 and over, tells the story about children Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter who step through their wardrobe, escaping wartime Britain to go on adventure to the mystical land of Narnia. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is playing at Bridge Theatre until 2 February, and the running time is 2 hours and 40 minutes, including interval

The Tiger Who Came to Tea at Theatre Royal Haymarket
The stage adaptation of Judith Kerr’s classic children’s book The Tiger Who Came to Tea is playing at Theatre Royal Haymarket until 19 January. The show, directed by David Wood, tells the charming story of a girl and her mum who have their tea interrupted by a tiger. With catchy songs, audiences can expect to get up on their feet to dance and sing along with the charming cast. The running time is 55 minutes and it is recommended for children aged 3 and over. Read my review from 2015 HERE.

Stick Man at Leicester Square Theatre
Popular children’s picture book Stick Man by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is brought to life in the Scamp Theatre and Freckle Productions’ stage adaptation Stick Man Live. The show, recommended for children aged 3 and over, is playing at Leicester Square Theatre until 26 January. The running time is 55 minutes. Read my review from 2017 HERE.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears at The London Palladium
For a pantomime on West End, families can still head to The London Palladium, which this year presents a festive and comical twist on Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The circus-themed pantomime about an evil circus threatening Goldilocks’ circus features a star-studded cast, including comedians Paul O’Grady and Julian Clary and ventriloquist Paul Zerdin. There are also special acts this year, such as illusionist Phil Hitchcock and a high-speed skating act. The show is playing at The London Palladium until 12 January.

Cinderella at Lyric Hammersmith
Until 15 January, audiences can catch the Cinderella pantomime at Lyric Hammersmith. The theatre’s production, which has been written by Jude Christian and directed by Tinuke Craig, promises a twist on the traditional fairy tale. The pantomime is recommended for ages 6 and over, and the running time is two hours and 20 minutes, including one interval.

A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic
At London’s The Old Vic, Jack Thorne’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol is playing until 18 January. Based on the classic by Charles Dickens, the show tells the story about four ghosts visiting the miserable Ebenezer Scrooge, who is played by The Beach actor Paterson Joseph. The production, directed by Matthew Warchus, is recommended for ages 8 and over, and the running time is 2 hours and 5 minutes.

There are also a number of family-friendly musicals playing on West End, including Disney’s The Lion King at Lyceum Theatre, Disney’s Mary Poppins at Prince Edward Theatre and Matilda The Musical at Cambridge Theatre.

Tags: Bridge Theatre, London Palladium, Long Nose Puppets, Lyric Hammersmith, Pantomime, Theatre Royal Haymarket, What's on stage