The May half term lands at one of the loveliest times of the year, with longer days, warmer weather and a city in full bloom. It is a perfect week to bring the family into town for a show, with the summer holidays still a little way off and Theatreland packed with treats for every age. Whether you have little ones seeing their first show or teenagers in tow, here are our favourite picks for a family day out this half term.
The big West End musicals
For the full lights-and-spectacle experience, start with the giants. The Lion King at the Lyceum remains the great family spectacular, its “Circle of Life” opening and extraordinary puppetry casting a spell over audiences of every age; it is recommended for ages six and up and is as close to a guaranteed hit as the West End gets. Nearby, Matilda at the Cambridge brings Roald Dahl’s pint-sized heroine to life with Tim Minchin’s wickedly clever songs and a riot of “Revolting Children”, while Wicked at the Apollo Victoria tells the untold story of the witches of Oz and soars to its unforgettable “Defying Gravity”. All three are long-running favourites for very good reason.
Perfect for younger children
For families with smaller children, two shows stand out. Paddington The Musical at the Savoy is a warm-hearted treat, with songs by Tom Fletcher and inventive puppetry bringing everyone’s favourite marmalade-loving bear to the stage; it is recommended for ages six and up and makes an ideal first trip to the theatre. And at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, the stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro is pure wonder, a beautifully gentle, visually magical show that enchants children and grown-ups alike, also recommended for ages six and up.
Feel-good fun for all ages
If your family fancies something a bit more upbeat, there is plenty to choose from. Six the Musical at the Vaudeville reinvents the six wives of Henry VIII as a dazzling pop concert, a short, sharp, utterly joyful show that goes down a storm with tweens and teens. And Mamma Mia at the Novello remains the ultimate feel-good singalong, sending audiences of all ages out onto the Strand humming ABBA’s greatest hits. Both are brilliant crowd-pleasers for a family with a wide spread of ages.
For older children and teenagers
If your half term party includes teenagers, Stranger Things: The First Shadow at the Phoenix Theatre is the one to book. This gripping, multi-award-winning prequel takes you back to the very beginning of the hit series with some of the most jaw-dropping stagecraft in the West End. It is suitable for ages twelve and up, so it suits older children and teens rather than little ones, and it makes a brilliant alternative for families who have outgrown the puppets and princesses.
Booking tips for a family trip
A few small things make a family theatre trip run more smoothly. Matinee performances, usually in the afternoon, tend to suit younger children far better than a late evening start, so look for those when you book. Check the recommended age guidance for each show so the whole family gets the most out of it, and aim to arrive at least twenty minutes early to settle in without a rush. Many of the theatres sit close together around Covent Garden and the Strand, so it is easy to build a show into a proper day out with lunch and a wander in the spring sunshine.
Whatever the ages in your party, there is a West End show to make this half term one to remember. Browse everything that is on and book your seats on our shows page.
