Theatre is a joyous experience in which storytelling comes alive in its most immersive and interactive form. There’s nothing quite as cathartic as losing yourself in the magic of theatre and sharing this experience with your nearest and dearest. For young children, especially, when their imagination is at its highest, what better way of introducing them to the thrill of live theatre than taking them to see a show that sparks that lifelong love of the theatre?
Here are some of our recommendations for the best family shows to see in London during the February half term.
The Lion King
With Disney’s Live-Action Mufasa currently delighting cinema-goers, why not treat the family to a visit to the Lyceum Theatre for Disney’s The Lion King, which has been selling out to audiences for over two decades. The Lion King is a spectacle for all the family, with over 200 puppets used and all the classic hits from Tim Rice and Elton John including ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight?’’ and ‘The Circle of Life’. This show celebrates and gives children an awareness of different cultures and ways of life and is bound to leave youngsters spellbound by the incredible spectacle.
Wicked
With its recent success as the highest-grossing musical movie ever, Wicked could be the perfect show for teenagers. Wicked tells the story of the unlikely friendship between Glinda the Good and Elphaba the Misunderstood as they navigate their differences and the challenges of the society of Oz. Exploring themes of acceptance, friendships and the complexities of good and evil, Wicked is the perfect show for spreading important life lessons to our younger theatregoers. Audiences can expect some of the best musical theatre songs from composer Stephen Schwartz and some of the finest talent on West End Stages.
Come Alive: The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular
Come Alive: The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular is a theatrical experience like no other. Loosely based on the movie The Greatest Showman, and situated in a circus big top tent, Come Alive delivers a theatrical feast that will delight the whole family. With circus performances infused with the finest aspects of musical theatre, audiences can expect a brand new story with all the greatest hits from the movie including This is Me, The Greatest Show and Rewrite the Stars.
Matilda the Musical
Roald Dahl’s novels are some of the very finest in children’s literature, so it’s no wonder that Matilda has translated so well to stage with the safe hands of Tim Minchin and the rest of the creative team. With a story of being fearless and brave, Matilda is an inspirational story for youngsters and with all the earworm songs including Revolting Children and Naughty, this is a show that has universal appeal.
Mamma Mia
ABBA’s music is timeless and Mamma Mia includes 23 of the biggest ABBA hits, including Dancing Queen and Waterloo. This is a show with high choreography and infectious energy but laced with a story with real heart. It’s easy to see why Mamma Mia is the fourth longest-running musical in West End history, with audiences getting swept away in the nostalgia of the music and the feel-good atmosphere that the show creates.
Back to the Future
Back to the Future has been a cult classic movie since its release back in 1985 and is full of pop culture and nostalgia. The musical adaptation was brought to the stage back in 2020 by the faithful hands of the team behind the movie, ensuring that the musical honours the timeless movie. Back to the Future has some of the most impressive special effects on West End stages at this current time, making it a spectacle for even those young enough to not remember the original films!
You can find all the information on the shows listed and many more to delight the family over the February half term at London Box Office, where you can also find great ticket prices and deals.
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