Family-friendly West End shows to see this half term

Discover a range of family-friendly shows playing in London with our guide. From musical spectacles to hilarious plays, there's something for everyone this half term.

Want to find ways to entertain the kids during the half term? Look no further than an afternoon or evening at the theatre for an unforgettable day out in London. We’ve got theatre tickets to the best West End musicals, West End plays and family-friendly shows that everyone will love.

From popular Disney classics to smash-hit new shows, a trip to the theatre is the perfect way to keep the kids (and grown-ups) amused during the half term holidays. Take a look at our picks for the best West End theatre in the spring half term.

Back to the Future: The Musical

Are you looking for 1.21 gigawatts of incredible sci-fi adventure? Make a bee-line for the stage musical version of the beloved 80s movie – the West End’s new time-travelling spectacular.

Follow cool teen Marty McFly as he accidentally lands in the 1950s, and has to both save his family’s future and find a way back home. With a fun rock-pop score and jaw-dropping special effects, it’s one for both kids and their nostalgic parents.

Book Back to the Future: The Musical tickets on London Theatre.

Six

Get down with this right royal smash-hit musical, which began at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and has gone on to conquer the world – including, of course, the West End.

All you’ll wanna do is join the queendom aka the Six fans, as this empowering, pop concert-style musical is a fantastic introduction to musical theatre for younger audiences – plus it’s only 75 minutes long, and vaguely educational. You’d need a heart of stone to miss it.

Book Six tickets on London Theatre.

Wicked

Travel to the Emerald City and discover the untold story of the witches of Oz in Wicked. The thrillifying, award-winning musical tells of Elphaba and Glinda, two budding witches whose paths take wildly different turns.

With some of the most well-known modern musical theatre songs including “One Short Day” and gravity-defying special effects, a trip to Oz to see Wicked makes for a “Popular” family outing.

Book Wicked tickets on London Theatre.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Prepare for spectacular spells, a mind-blowing race through time, and an epic battle to stop mysterious forces, all while the future hangs in the balance in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the eighth story in the Harry Potter series.

This epic two-parter proves that theatrical magic is more powerful than any other storytelling force – it’s the perfect match for wizarding magic. In fact, it’ll make grown-ups, as well as kids, gasp in wonder.

Book Harry Potter and the Cursed Child tickets on London Theatre.

The Play That Goes Wrong

Family entertainment doesn’t have to be all about singing and dancing… and it certainly doesn’t always go as planned. Stumbling into another (deliberately) catastrophic year, The Play That Goes Wrong will have the whole family in stitches.

Children will love the slapstick in this incredible original show from the world-conquering Mischief company, and adults will love the many genius comedy moments. Nothing brings a family together like side-splitting laughter.

Book The Play That Goes Wrong tickets on London Theatre.

Matilda the Musical

Matilda Wormwood is a special child. Not only is she gifted with a big brain, and a big heart, she also possesses telekinetic powers. Sadly, Matilda is stuck in a boring day-to-day routine, subject to ill treatment from her parents, and a torturous headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.

There’s one person who supports Matilda though, and that’s her teacher, Miss Honey. Together, they’re unstoppable, but can they make their worlds better? See the family-friendly musical, Matilda, in the West End this half term.

Book Matilda the Musical tickets on London Theatre.

The Lion King

Visit the plains of the Serengeti without having to leave London in this sensational musical. With a mix of puppetry and award-winning costume designs, see the circle of life come together in this much-loved adaptation of the classic Disney film.

It’s the perfect introduction to theatre, for all ages, immersing you in another world.The Lion King continues to roar — just make sure your little ones don’t join in with the animal sounds!

Book The Lion King tickets on London Theatre.

Mamma Mia!

Set to the timeless music of ABBA, Mamma Mia! is a great night out for the whole family. This ultimate feel-good musical has been seen by over 60 million people around the world – and no wonder, since it’s packed with our favourite pop songs.

Family is at the heart of the story, with mum Donna and daughter Sophie’s relationship key – plus her search for her dad, all supported by their best pals. Join Theatreland’s biggest party at the Novello Theatre and unleash your inner dancing queen.

Book Mamma Mia! tickets on London Theatre.

Mrs. Doubtfire

Half term entertainment is on the way, dears! Everyone’s favourite Scottish nanny is now a West End star thanks to the incredibly entertaining stage musical adaptation of the Robin Williams-starring comedy film favourite Mrs. Doubtfire.

Follow divorced dad Daniel Hillard as he transforms himself in order to see his children – only for hijacks to ensue! Packed with inventive musical numbers, and starring the amazing, shape-shifting Gabriel Vick, it’s family-friendly fun at its best.

Book Mrs. Doubtfire tickets on London Theatre.

My Neighbour Totoro

The RSC's award-winning version of the acclaimed Studio Ghibli animated film is back at the Barbican following its smash-hit run last year – so you and your family have another chance to see this jaw-dropping show.

It tells the story of two sisters who move to the countryside while their mother is in hospital, and who discover they are surrounded by the magical spirits. Incredible stagecraft brings them to life – including the best puppets in town. This show will be the highlight of your half term fun.

Book My Neighbour Totoro tickets on London Theatre.