What’s on stage for London families summer 2018

Little Baby Bum at Rose Theatre
The premiere of Little Baby Bum Live, based on YouTube sensation Little Baby Bum, will play at Rose Theatre in Kingston on Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 July. 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.

Madagascar–The Musical at New Wimbledon Theatre
From 21 to 28 July, Madagascar–The Musical will be playing at New Wimbledon Theatre, starring 2016’s X Factor winner Matt Terry as Alex the Lion. The brand new show is based on the DreamWorks animated motion picture, Madagascar, and follows the animal friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. (Matt Terry will not be performing on 28 July 2018)

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at Lyric Theatre
Michael Rosen’s award-winning children’s classic We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is being brought alive on stage in Sally Cookson’s production, which is returning to London this summer. The show tells the story of the family and their musical dog who go on a quest to find a bear, and theatre-goers can expect catchy songs and puppetry. From 4 July to 2 September We’re Going on a Bear Hunt will be playing at West End’s Lyric Theatre.

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 21 July to 2 September. Read my review of the production from last year HERE.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea at Piccadilly Theatre
The stage adaptation of classic Judith Kerr children’s book The Tiger Who Came to Tea is returning to West End for a summer season with catchy songs and dancing. The show, directed by David Wood, tells the charming story of a girl and her mum who have their tea interrupted by a tiger, and it is recommended for children aged 3 and over.

Aliens Love Underpants at Underbelly Festival
The stage adaptation of the funny children’s book Aliens Love Underpants by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort will be back at Underbelly Festival from 14 August to 30 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.

Gangsta Granny at Harold Pinter Theatre
The stage show based on David Walliams’ popular book Gangsta Granny is returning to London this summer, playing at Harold Pinter Theatre from 14 August to 26 August. The show, nominated for a UK Theatre Award for Best Show for Children and Young People, tells the story of Ben, who is expecting a boring Friday night when staying with his Granny, but embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his very own Gangsta Granny.

Teletubbies Live at Richmond Theatre and Hackney Empire
In Teletubbies Live, little ones can join Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po as they explore the colourful Teletubbyland. This is the first Teletubbies live theatre show, and the show is currently touring. It is recommended for preschoolers, and the running time is 1 hour and 10 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. Look out for Teletubbies Live at Richmond Theatre on 11 and 12 July and Hackney Empire on 18 and 19 August.

Not Now, Bernard at Unicorn Theatre
Until 1 July Not Now, Bernard is playing at Unicorn Theatre in London. The show, a new version directed by Sarah Argent, is based on the picture book by David McKee, which tells the story about Bernard, who is bored and tries to get the attention from his dad. Not Now, Bernard is aimed at children aged 3 to 6 and the running time is around 50 minutes.

In the Night Garden in Richmond Old Deer Park
For toddlers, CBeebies hit show In the Night Garden is brought to life in the entertaining In the Night Garden Live. The show is playing in a family-friendly purpose-built showdome, which is easy to access with a buggy, and little ones can enjoy a bright and colourful set, charming costumed characters, puppets and magical projections. In the Night Garden Live is playing in Richmond Old Deer Park from 16 June to 1 July.

The Star Seekers at National Theatre
At National Theatre, young children can learn about space in The Star Seekers, a new and lively production by the Wardrobe Ensemble. Star Seekers Alph, Betty and Gammo are trying to save their space station by collecting three orbs in space, and they need the help of all the star seekers in the audience to complete the task. The fun and interactive family show will be playing in the Dorfman Theatre at National Theatre from 8 August to 1 September, and it is recommended for ages 3 to 8 years. The running time is around 50 minutes. (Look out for my review as I’ve attended the press preview.)

Double Act at Polka Theatre
The stage adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson’s Double Act has returned to Polka Theatre in Wimbledon until 5 August, and the show adapted and directed by Vicky Ireland is recommended for ages 8 and over. It tells the story about identical twins Ruby and Garnet, who are about to have their lives changed after the father buys a bookshop in the country. The running time is one hour and 50 minutes, including interval. In connection with Double Act playing at Polka, there is also a children’s Double Act theatre workshop on 1 August for ages 6 to 9.

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain (Part four) at Apollo Theatre
At Apollo Theatre, families can catch Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain (Part four), a fun show that brings history alive. The new production in the popular series covers everything from Romans to the first train ride, and its West End summer season will run from 2 August to 1 September. Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain (Part four) is recommended for ages 6 and over, and the running time is 70 minutes.

PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure at SSE Arena Wembley
On 25 and 26 August, fans of Nickelodeon-show PAW Patrol can see the charming pups live on stage at SSE Arena Wembley. In the new musical family show, Mayor Goodway plans a Pirate Day celebration when the team of pirate pups have to come to the rescue and find a missing Cap’n Turbot. PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure is touring the UK this summer.

Tags: Children's theatre, David Walliams, Gangsta Granny, In the Night Garden Live, Kingston, Leicester Square Theatre, Lyric Theatre, Rose Theatre, Teletubbies Live, Unicorn Theatre