London Family Theatre Guide Highlights Productions for All Ages in 2025-2026

A comprehensive guide to family-friendly theatre productions in London for the coming year, curated by Telegraph chief theatre critic Dominic Cavendish. The selection spans various age groups, from toddlers to teenagers, featuring adaptations of popular children's stories, classic musicals, and innovative new works. Productions include stage versions of Jon Klassen's 'I Want My Hat Back' trilogy at Little Angel Theatre (until May 9, ages 3-6), Julia Donaldson's 'The Flying Bath' at the same venue (May 2-July 12, ages 2-5), and an immersive weather-themed playscape 'Whatever the Weather' at Unicorn Theatre (July 3-Aug 16, ages 0-7). Major musical adaptations include Disney's 'Hercules' at Theatre Royal Drury Lane (until July 18, ages 6+), 'The Lion King' at Lyceum Theatre (until Nov 1, ages 6+), and 'My Neighbour Totoro' at Gillian Lynne Theatre (until Aug 30, ages 4+). Other notable productions are Andrew Lloyd Webber's revived 'Starlight Express' at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre (until May 3, ages 6+), the improvisational 'Showstopper! The Kids Show' at Cambridge Theatre (monthly until July 27, all ages), and touring productions like 'Horrible Histories: Live on Stage' (touring to Oct 2026, ages 5+). Long-running West End successes include 'Matilda the Musical' at Cambridge Theatre (until Jan 2027, ages 6+), 'Oliver!' at Gielgud Theatre (until Oct 4, ages 7+), 'Wicked' at Apollo Victoria Theatre (until Jan 2027, ages 7+), and 'Paddington the Musical' at Savoy Theatre (until Feb 2027, ages 6+). Newer productions feature 'The Boy at the Back of the Class' (touring until May 23, ages 7+), 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at Unicorn Theatre (until May 3, ages 7+), 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' at Palace Theatre (until July 2026, ages 10+), 'Six the Musical' at Vaudeville Theatre (until Jan 2027, ages 10+), and 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' at Phoenix Theatre (until May 31, ages 12+). The guide also addresses practical considerations for families, noting age recommendations, running times, and venue policies regarding booster seats, buggy storage, and refreshments.