What’s on stage for families in London summer 2019
The Worst Witch at Vaudeville Theatre
From 24 July to 8 September, Jill Murphy’s popular The Worst Witch books will be brought to life in a West End musical. The show tells the story about a girl called Mildred who finds herself in a school for witches, and the stage adaptation by Emma Reeves, directed by Theresa Heskins, features original songs, music and magic. The running time is around 2 hours and 10 minutes, including one interval, and the musical is recommended for children aged 7+.
Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear–the Musical! at Dorfman Theatre
This year, National Theatre presents a new musical based on Andy Stanton’s popular children’s books about Mr Gum. The new show–Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear – the Musical!–promises to be a funny all-singing, all-dancing family musical, which will be playing from 25 July to 31 August and is recommended for children aged 7+.
Peter Pan at Troubadour White City
The National Theatre’s inventive version of JM Barrie’s Peter Pan will be playing at Troubadour White City from 20 July to 27 October. With a modern twist and an urban feel, the show, which is a co-production with Bristol Old Vic, tells the story of Peter Pan, the leader of the Lost Boys, who loses his shadow during a visit to London. Peter Pan is recommended for children aged 7 and over, and the running time is 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. Read my review of the show at National Theatre in 2016 HERE.
Brainiac Live at Garrick Theatre
In August, families can delve into science at West End’s Garrick Theatre, catching a stage performance of Brainiac Live. The show, recommended only for ages 6+, is based on the popular children’s science TV show, and theatre-goers can expect explosions, stunts and other surprises. Brainiac Live is running from 31 July to 1 September, and the show lasts around one hour.
The Gruffalo at Lyric Theatre
The much-loved stage adaptation of popular Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler children’s book The Gruffalo is playing at Lyric Theatre this summer and until 8 September. The show, produced by Tall Stories, tells the story about the mouse who takes a stroll through the deep dark woods, meeting a fox, an owl and a snake. The running time is 55 minutes without interval, and it is recommended for children aged 3 years and older.
Dinosaur World Live! at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
For families with dinosaur fans, the informative and interactive Dinosaur World Live! production will be back in London for the summer season. The show, which will be playing at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre from 18 July to 1 September, features life-like dinosaur puppets, which are presented by an explorer, who shares interesting facts about each of them. Dinosaur World Live! will be on at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre until 1 September. The running time is around one hour and it is recommended for ages 3 and over. Read my review of the production from 2018 HERE.
Zog at Cadogan Hall
At Cadogan Hall in Chelsea, families can catch the Freckle Productions stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s children’s book Zog. The show, adapted and directed by Mike Shepherd, tells the story about charming Zog, who goes to a school where dragons are taught how to be dragons by learning skills like roaring and flying. Zog tries hard to succeed to win a golden star, but everything is a struggle at first, and he keeps needing assistance from the kind Princess Pearl who patches him up when he’s hurt. Theatre-goers can expect catchy songs and live music in the show that lasts around an hour. Zog will be playing at Cadogan Hall from 31 July to 25 August. Read my full review of the show from Rose Theatre HERE.
Where’s Peter Rabbit? at Theatre Royal Haymarket
From 20 July, Where’s Peter Rabbit? returns to West End’s Theatre Royal Haymarket. The production is based on the original tales by Beatrix Potter, and the show promises beautiful puppetry and joyful songs in addition to voiceovers by Myleene Klass and TV and stage personality Griff Rhys Jones. The running time is around one hour, and there is no interval and a 4-year age limit.
Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain–Part Four at Apollo Theatre
At West End’s Apollo Theatre, families can catch Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain–Part Four, presented by The Birmingham Stage Company. The fourth production in the popular series, which is based on the books by Terry Deary, brings history alive with jokes and music, and this sequel covers everything from Romans to the first train ride. Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain–Part Four is recommended for ages 5 and over, and the running time is 70 minutes. It will be playing at Apollo Theatre from 1 to 31 August.
Aliens Love Underpants at Troubadour White City
The stage adaptation of the funny children’s book Aliens Love Underpants by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort will be playing at Troubadour White City from 13 August to 1 September. Theatre-goers can expect a lively performance with original music, and the show, which is directed by Adam Bampton-Smith, is recommended for ages 3 and over. The running time is 50 minutes. (Photo above by SJS Photo.)
Alice in Wonderland in Kew Gardens
For an outdoor theatre experience, families can head to Kew Gardens where Lewis Carroll’s classic story of Alice in Wonderland will be brought to life this summer. The show promises colourful costumes, interactive games and catchy songs, and it is recommended for families with children aged 5 and over. Alice in Wonderland will be playing in Kew Gardens from 20 July to 26 August.
The Scarecrows’ Wedding at Leicester Square Theatre
The classic Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler children’s book The Scarecrows’ Wedding has been brought to life by Scamp Theatre in a fun and charming production, which is returning to London for a summer run. The show will be playing at Leicester Square Theatre from 20 July to 1 September. Read my review of the production from 2017 HERE. (Photo above by Helen Maybanks.)
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾ -The Musical at Ambassadors Theatre
On 15 June, Sue Townsend‘s The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾ -The Musical opens at Ambassadors Theatre in London for a limited season until 12 October. The musical adaptation of the bestseller, which many parents will also remember reading growing up, tells the hilarious story about spotty and misunderstood teenager Adrian Mole.
Giffords Circus at Chiswick House and Gardens
Several friends have recommended Giffords Circus, a live circus performance that is back on tour in summer 2019. This year’s 70s-themed show Xanadu, which will be at Chiswick House and Gardens in London until 8 July 2019, promises audiences a family-friendly show with musicians, horses, clowns and tumblers. The running time is 90 minutes, and seating is unreserved.
Transit at Southbank Centre
Flip FabriQue, the Canadian circus troupe, has returned to London to headline Southbank’s Underbelly Festival with their show Transit. The show, which is recommended for children aged 6 and over, is running until 7 July. Audiences can expect high-flying acrobatics and aerial routines in the 60-minute long show.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at Troubadour White City
The stage show based on Eric Carle children’s classics The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show will be playing at Troubadour White City from 7 August to 1 September. The show brings four Eric Carle stories to life–The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse, The Very Lonely Firefly and The Very Hungry Caterpillar–in a 60-minute performance with 75 puppets. Read my review of the show from Ambassadors Theatre in 2016 HERE.
Little Baby Bum at Troubadour White City
Based on YouTube sensation Little Baby Bum, the Little Baby Bum Live show will play at Troubadour White City from 23 July to 3 August. The show, which is presented by Brooke Mauchline Productions and Nicoll Entertainment, invites audiences into the magical and colourful world of Little Baby Bum Live with Mia, Jacus, Twinkle and their Nursery Rhyme friends. Little Baby Bum Live is written and directed by Miranda Larson, and aimed at very young children. The running time is around one hour. (Photo above by Helen Maybanks.)
Monstersaurus at Troubadour White City
Families with young children can also head to Troubadour White City for Monstersaurus, a new show by the creators of Aliens Love Underpants. Monstersaurus tells the story about a young inventor and is recommended for ages 3 and over. The running time is around 50 minutes and the show is playing from 24 July to 11 August.
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