What’s on stage for families in London over Easter

Chocolate Cake at Polka Theatre (until 13 May)
In Wimbledon families can head to Polka Theatre to see the new musical stage adaptation of Michael Rosen’s Chocolate Cake. Chocolate Cake tells the story of two brothers and a chocolate cake that goes missing in the night. The show, which is from the team behind the stage adaptations of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and How to Hide a Lion, is recommended for over 4s.

Andy & The Odd Socks at Bush Hall (13 April)
On Friday 13 April, CBeebies TV presenter Andy Day and his band Andy & The Odd Socks will be playing live at London’s Bush Hall. The band will be showcasing their recent debut rock & roll album for kids, and the songs carry empowering messages for primary school children. Andy & The Odd Socks played their debut live gig at Glastonbury last summer, and the upcoming London show is part of a UK tour.

Pinocchio at National Theatre (until 10 April)
The National Theatre’s production of Pinocchio, recommended for ages 8 and over, opened on 1 December and is playing until 10 April. The production by Dennis Kelly features music and songs from the Walt Disney film, including I’ve Got No Strings, Give a Little Whistle and When You Wish upon a Star in new arrangements.

My First Ballet: Swan Lake at The Peacock (29 March-7 April)
The My First Ballet series by English National Ballet and English National Ballet School is designed for children aged 3 years and over, and this year, audiences can experience a family-friendly production of Swan Lake performed by students of English National Ballet School. My First Ballet: Swan Lake will be playing at The Peacock over Easter, allowing families to experience a ballet production in a relaxed and child-friendly environment with a narrator. The ballet tells the story of magician Rothbart who has turned princess Odette into a swan, and the production is one hour and 30 minutes long, including one interval. (Photo by Ash)

George’s Marvellous Medicine at Rose Theatre Kingston (28 March-7 April)
A stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s George’s Magical Medicine is coming to Rose Theatre in Kingston this Easter. The show, recommended for ages 5 and over, is adapted by David Wood and tells the story of a boy called George who tries to create a new medicine for his grandmother to cure her of her cruelty. The running time is approximately one and a half hour including interval.

The Selfish Giant at Vaudeville Theatre (10-14 April)
At Vaudeville Theatre families can catch The Selfish Giant, an adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic children’s story, this school holiday. The new folk opera–a production from Classic Spring Theatre Company and Royal and Derngate, Northampton–has been adapted by composer, producer and song-writer Guy Chambers. The show, which is recommended for over 8s, tells the story of The Selfish Giant, who has a beautiful garden, but won’t let the children play in it.

Rumpelstiltskin at Sadlers Wells (30-31 March)
At Sadlers Wells families can catch balletLORENT’s adaptation of the fairytale Rumpelstiltskin in a magical dance-theatre show recommended for ages 7 and over. The running time is one hour and 40 minutes including a 20-minute interval. The show is part of the Sadlers Well family weekend when there will also be arts and activities including screen printing and paper jewellery making.

Tags: Andy & The Odd Socks, Ballet, CBeebies, Children's theatre, Kingston, My First Ballet, National Theatre, Pinocchio, Polka Theatre, Rose Theatre, Swan Lake, The Peacock, Vaudeville Theatre, Wimbledon