The Easter Holidays are right around the corner and with the weather hotting up, it looks like March and April will be the perfect time to take a trip to London to see a show. With street performers in Covent Garden, the Scenes in the Square statue trail in Leicester Square and free entry into museums, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained this school holiday – followed, of course, by a great show.
With so many shows for families out there, we thought we’d break down everything that’s on during the 2026 Easter holidays for you to enjoy.
Alice In Wonderland
Lewis Carroll’s timeless children’s classic may be 160 years old, but it’s just as fresh as ever. This vibrantly colourful production, that features enchanting puppetry and an original score, will take your kids on an adventure to meet the Cheshire Cat, the White Rabbit and the Queen of Hearts.
Plus while you’re at the Riverside Studio, you might bump into a real life Dalek and see where iconic BBC shows have been filmed over the years.
1h, no interval. Suitable for ages 5+
Book now and Kids Go Free – a child 17 and under goes free when accompanied with a full paying adult, plus another two children can attend for half price each.
Back To The Future The Musical – final weeks
It’s your final chance to see the Olivier Award-winning 2022 Best New Musical. Based on the hit film, with the hits from the film plus original music, Marty McFly accidentally ends up back in 1955 and interrupts his parents falling in love. Can he get them back together before he returns to his own time?
You’ll believe a car can fly while watching the special effects spectacular that is Back To The Future The Musical. Must end 12 April.
2h40, inc. interval. Suitable for ages 6+
The Boy At The Back Of The Class
A tender and heartfelt play for younger audiences, told from a child’s perspective. Based on the popular book, the play centres around a classmates of Ahmet, who have a great idea to reunite Ahmet with his family after he was forced to flee his own war-torn country.
Running 7-12 April, with midday and early evening performances and up to 26% off evening performances 7-10 April.
2h10, inc. interval. Suitable for ages 7+
Disney’s Hercules
The musical, inspired by the animated film, based on the ancient myth. Caught between being a god and a mortal, Hercules struggles to find his place in the world and save it from Hades.
Who put the glad in Gladiator? Find out, in the thrilling adventure of self-discovery and love.
2h10, inc. interval. Suitable for ages 6+
Disney’s The Lion King
One of the West End’s most popular and enduring musicals beautifully mixes musical theatre with dance, puppetry and epic adventure. Travel to the Serengeti Plains and follow Simba’s journey to wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands. There’s a reason Disney’s The Lion King has wowed audiences for 27 years.
2h30, inc. interval. Suitable for ages 6+
The Enormous Crocodile
Roald Dahl’s wickedly funny book becomes a musical adventure that’s a perfect introduction to theatre for young audiences. With music and puppetry, your little ones will love this story of the greedy crocodile on the hunt for delicious little fingers and squidgy, podgy knees – but can the other jungle creatures foil his clever tricks? Find out at Kingston-upon-Thames’ Rose Theatre.
55m, no interval. Suitable for ages 3+
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
The eighth chapter in the Harry Potter saga picks up where the books left off, following the adventures of Harry’s son Albus, struggling with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. The West End is the only place in the world to see the full, two part version of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child until 20 September, when it will evolve into the reimagined one-part version of the play.
Experience full on stage magic, time-bending storytelling and a return to the world of Hogwarts.
2h40, incl. interval and 2h35, incl. interval. Suitable for ages 8+
The Hunger Games: On Stage
Staged in the custom built, state-of-the-art Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, The Hunger Games: On Stage brings to life the world of Panem, as created in Suzanne Collins’ globally succesful book series. The play follows the story of Katniss Everdeen – the girl on fire – as she volunteers for a deadly bloodsport in order to protect her little sister.
Expect stunts and live combat as you pick your district and enter The Hunger Games. May the odds be ever in your favour.
2h30, inc. interval. Suitable for ages 12+
Matilda The Musical
Celebrating 15 years on the stage this year, Matilda is a joyfully creative musical that celebrates an extraordinary girl who stands up to bullies, big and small, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind. Roald Dahl’s book comes to life on stage, complete with stunts, comedy and catchy original songs by comedian Tim Minchin.
2h35, incl. interval. Suitable for ages 6+
Midnight In The Toyshop
A magical toyshop where toys spring to life is under threat. When an ambitious tech plans to replace the toyshop with a high-tech AI experience centre, the toys must prove that real children still want real toys. Packed with catchy songs, dazzling dances and warm, joyful storytelling.
Running with morning and early afternoon performances from 7-12 April.
1h, no interval. Suitable for ages 3+
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The Unicorn Theatre specialises in creating theatre only for children. This co-production with the Royal Shakespeare Company delivers a fresh retelling of Shakespeare’s classic comedy, with creative captioning in every performance, fully integrated into the set design. Four young lovers flee the city into the moonlit woods where they fall under the spell of a mischievous fairy and confuse illusion with reality.
1h30, no interval. Suitable for ages 7+
My Neighbour Totoro
A comforting, wholesome stage adaptation that perfectly captures the playful mood of the 1988 animated film. Brought to life with puppets created in partnership with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, Totoro and the Catbus have to be seen to be believed!
Sisters Satsuki and Mei move into a curious new home, while their father takes care of their ill mother. While there they discover a world of spirits, sprites and magical creatures.
2h30, inc. interval. Suitable for ages 6+
Oliver!
Arguably the most famous British musical in the world, Oliver! follows the story of a poor boy who is driven out of his orphanage and sets on an unpredictable adventure.
The show is bursting with familiar hits you’ll know even if you’ve never seen it before – Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, Pick-a-Pocket or Two and many more. The musical will transport you back to Victorian London with sumptuous costuming and set designs, plus superstar choreographer Matthew Bourne directs a 20 strong cast of performers for a show that will leave you begging for more.
Watch Simon Lipkin’s performance as Fagin at last year’s Olivier Awards.
2h40, inc. interval. Suitable for ages 7+ with challenging themes. Read more in our Important Info section.
The Play That Goes Wrong
With over 10 years in the West End, and a number of spin offs including two BBC TV series, The Play That Goes Wrong is the show that started a comedy legacy. It’s a classic whodunnit story brought to you by an amateur dramatics company who can’t get anything right.
Featuring jaw-dropping stunts and side-splitting gags, your kids will love this irreverent and unpredictable comedy.
2h05, inc. interval. Suitable for ages 8+
Romeo And Juliet at Shakespeare’s Globe
Alongside Shakespeare’s Globe’s faithful stagings of William Shakespeare’s greatest works, the company also produces versions specifically aimed at younger audiences under the Playing Shakespeare banner.
Shakespeare’s greatest love story takes place against a modern setting, with the lovers intense passion lighting up a world of increasing violence between rival gangs, what impact will a broken society have on young lives?
1h30, no interval. Suitable for teenagers with strong themes. Read more in our Important Info section.
Starlight Express
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rollercoaster ride is taking its final boarding at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre soon, so don’t miss out. Created specially to welcome children to the magical world of musical theatre, Starlight Express brings to life a child’s train set, as the engines race around and above you on roller skates, to become the fastest in the world.
Expect thrilling choreography, pyrotechnics and high-speed races in this unique musical at the Starlight Auditorium.
Must end 3 May
2h30, inc. interval. Suitable for ages 3+
Wicked
Come and see the musical that everyone’s been talking about for the past two years where it began: live and in person on stage. You probably know The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz, but that’s only one side of the story – find out the true story of the Wicked Witch of the West and her unlikely friendship with Glinda The Good Witch.
You’ll be singing these recognisable hits, including the iconic Defying Gravity, for days after.
2h45, inc. interval. Suitable for ages 7+
