Theatrical treats

There are some fantastic big ticket shows in the West End. From the magic of Matilda and Oliver! to the sass of Six the Musical and newcomer Hercules, it is a great time for family outings to theatreland.

If, however, you are looking for something off-West End or fancy a seasonal treat, the team at dandelion.london have some suggestions both for half term and to book now for the Christmas holidays.

Half Term

Our top pick for half term is the RSC’s production of Wendy and Peter Pan which flies into the Barbican from 21 Oct–22 Nov. Going back to the original novel rather than the more popular play, Ella Hickson’s adaptation ran at Stratford back in 2014 and places Wendy firmly centre-stage. Toby Stephens as Mr Darling/Captain Hook is an added draw. Ages 7+. Tickets from £25 adults, U18s half price.

The Royal Opera House’s Linbury Theatre hosts the Northern Ballet with a short (40 minute) dance re-telling of Little Red Riding Hood from 23–25 Oct. There is limited availability to what would be a perfect introduction to ballet for little ones. All ages. Tickets: £10–£20.

For slightly older dance lovers, why not try the Alice in Wonderland Adventure Tour, running behind the scenes at the Royal Ballet, 25–31 Oct. Peep through rehearsal windows, handle real ballet shoes and costumes and explore backstage areas. Suitable for ages 5–11, children must be accompanied. Tickets: £20 adults, £30 children (includes a packed lunch).

It is all about the written and spoken word on the Southbank with the London Literature Festival, 21 Oct–2 Nov. This year the festival is more adult-focussed but there are lovely drop-in poetry workshops with Alphabet Soup 25–30 Oct (ages 5–11, free); and for younger siblings, a magical stage version of Judith Kerr’s Mog the Forgetful Cat 29 Oct–2 Nov. Ages 3+. Tickets from £16.

Get your dose of curriculum history with Horrible Histories: Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians. From 28 Oct–2 Nov, Dick Turpin, the Duke of Wellington, Florence Nightingale and Queen Victoria will be on stage at the Rose Theatre, Kingston. Ages 5+. Tickets: £20.

For mini puppet lovers, there are still tickets available for We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (ages 3–8) and Wow! Said the Owl (ages 2–5) at Islington’s Little Angel Theatre. Both run to 8 Nov. Tickets: £15 adults, £13.50 children.

Christmas Treats to Book Now

The big opening that we simply cannot wait for is, of course, Paddington the Musical at the Savoy Theatre. Previews from 1 Nov. Opens 30 Nov. Music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher. Ages 6+ (U4s will not be admitted.) Tickets: £25–£150.

Pinocchio, a new family musical about life springing from wood, arrives within the wooden walls of Shakespeare’s Globe, 29 Nov–4 Jan. Ages 5+. Tickets: £5–£75. U16s half price.

One of our absolute favourite shows from last Christmas, Ballet Shoes, is back for a second run at the National Theatre from 17 Nov–21 Feb. Highly recommended. Ages 7+. Tickets: £25–£110.

A Christmas Carol has become a seasonal fixture at The Old Vic. It runs 12 Nov–10 Jan this year with Paul Hilton as Scrooge. We love it. Ages 8+. Tickets: £15–95.

For an irreverent take on the classic story, Christmas Carol Goes Wrong is at the Apollo from 6 Dec–29 Jan. Ages 8+. Tickets from £20.

Bluey’s Big Play returns to the Royal Festival Hall from 18 Dec-11 Jan. If your kids are fans, this will probably be top of your list. All ages. Tickets from £17.

Similarly, you may be led by your pre-schoolers to Theatre Royal, Haymarket to see the brand new, Peppa Pig Family Show, 5 Dec–4 Jan. Tickets from £10.

Children’s Theatres

The Unicorn Theatre’s Christmas show is a comic delight for all ages. How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney runs 15 Nov–3 Jan. Ages 2+. Tickets: £18.50–£29.50 adults, £14.50–£22.50 U18s.

At Wimbledon’s Polka Theatre Philip Pullman’s classic The Firework Maker’s Daughter is back from 15 Nov–18 Jan to delight children aged 6–12. Tickets from £10. Younger siblings will be equally enchanted by the adaptation of Benji Davis’ The Snowflake, 29 Nov–26 Jan. Ages 3–6. Tickets from £13.

Pantomime

Love it or loathe it, for some families Christmas just isn’t complete without a trip to the panto. These are our favourites across town:

Cinderella Hackney Empire, 22 Nov–31 Dec. The proud home of East End panto.

Sleeping Beauty Palladium, 6 Nov–11 Jan. Catherine Tate and Julian Clary ham it up in the West End’s inuendo-laden production.

Jack and the Beanstalk Lyric Hammersmith, 15 Nov–4 Jan. West London will give Hackney a good run for its money.

Ballet

The Snowman 22 Nov–4 Jan Peacock Theatre Children of 2+ require tickets (though younger kids are allowed in, and beware, they sometimes make themselves heard!). Tickets from £18.

The Nutcracker Royal Ballet, Covent Garden 22 Nov–5 Jan. Very limited availability (though there are occasional tickets) before Christmas, much better from 30 December. Tickets: £5–£219. Ages 5+.

Nutcracker English National Ballet, Coliseum 11 Dec–11 Jan Ages 5+. The matinée on 3 Jan is family-friendly. Tickets: U16s half price.

For more ideas of inspiring things to do with families in London, visit dandelion.london or follow them on Insta @dandelion.london