What’s on stage for kids in London February half-term

Room on the Broom at Rose Theatre
The Olivier-nominated musical adaptation of Room on the Broom, the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, hits Kingston this half term. The show is produced by the theatre company behind Gruffalo Live, Tall Stories, and tells the story about the witch and the cat who are on a mission to defeat the dragon. Room on the Broom, recommended for children aged 3 and over, will be playing at Rose Theatre in Kingston from 18 to 23 February. Running time is around 60 minutes. Read my full review of the show from Lyric Theatre HERE. (Photo from 2018 above)

The Paper Dolls at Little Angel Theatre
The Paper Dolls, a puppetry version of the picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Rebecca Cobb, is now showing at Islington’s Little Angel Theatre. The puppet show tells the story about Rosie and her mum who creates a string of paper dolls and takes them on an adventure. The Paper Dolls will be playing at Little Angel Theatre until 18 April. Running time is 45 minutes, and the show is recommended for ages 3 to 8. (I was invited to review the show over the weekend, so look out for more on The Paper Dolls on the blog this week.)

Star in the Jar at Lyric Hammersmith
From 18 to 22 February, the new stage adaptation of Sam Hay’s picture book Star in the Jar will be playing in the Studio at Lyric Hammersmith. The show, a Pied Piper Theatre Production, tells the story about a beautiful sibling relationship, and a little brother who finds a star. After having no luck in attempting to find the star’s rightful owner, the boy keeps the star as a treasure and brings it everywhere until one day he and his older sister spot a message written on the sky. Running time is 50 minutes, and the show is recommended for ages 3 to 8.

Mimi and the Mountain Dragon at Greenwich Theatre
The stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s children’s book Mimi & The Mountain Dragon, illustrated by Helen Stephens, will be playing at Grenwich Theatre on Sunday 16 February 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 running time is 50 minutes.

Mr Men and Little Miss on Stage at artsdepot
From 15 to 18 February, the Mr Men and Little Miss stage show, produced by Selladoor Family and Rockefeller Productions, will be playing at artsdepot in North London. The colourful show brings the popular Roger Hargreaves children’s book series to life with puppets and music, and includes characters like Mr Bump, Little Miss Splendid, Mr Tickle and Little Miss Inventor. The show is recommended for children aged 1 and over.

Zog at artsdepot
At artsdepot, families can also catch the Freckle Productions stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s children’s book Zog this half term. 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 artsdepot on 22 and 23 February. Read my full review of the show from Rose Theatre HERE. Photo above by Robin-Savage.

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: artsdepot, Children's theatre, Freckle Productions, Little Angel Theatre, Mr Men, Tall Stories, What's on stage, Zog