The best theatres in London for children’s shows
One of the best things about London is its theatres. London has a range of theatres staging everything from West End shows, through to smaller theatres hosting smaller theatre companies and shows. So, if you’re looking to take your child to see a show in London, you are sure to find something to suit. But, there can be challenges when looking to take your children to see a show. They may be too young for many West End shows (which tend to have an age limit of at least 4 years old), you may be concerned about your child’s ability to sit through a show, or you may be concerned about how they may react to ‘scarier’ moments. The good news is, there are theatres in London that cater really well for children and offer an excellent introduction to live stage shows. In this guide we will explore some of the best theatres in London for children’s shows.
Unicorn Theatre
The Unicorn Theatre in Southwark offers a lineup of shows solely aimed at children, making it unique within London. Located just moments from Tower Bridge, this theatre offers a number of performance spaces from which it delivers shows for children aged up to 13.
The Unicorn Theatre’s shows are often based on children’s books. They also run a fantastic seasonal programme, so if you’re looking for something to get you in the mood for Christmas with a wintery show, this is the place for you.
As a theatre aimed specifically at children, the Unicorn Theatre wants its audience to feel comfortable and they don’t mind if children are effusive in laughing, clapping, cheering and responding. This makes it the perfect place to introduce younger children to theatre.
Little Angel Theatre
Located in Islington, Little Angel Theatre opened in 1961 and has been using puppetry to tell stories since then. In addition to producing their own shows for children, visiting puppetry companies are also welcomed to Little Angel Theatre’s two spaces to perform.
In addition to running a full programme of child-friendly stage shows, Little Angel Theatre also runs a range of family sessions, including workshops and sensory sessions.
Half Moon Theatre
Located a little off the usual tourist trail, but a few minutes only from Limehouse DLR station, Half Moon Theatre is an organisation that puts on a season of plays for young and family audiences, national touring productions and also offers a creative learning programme.
Half Moon Theatre specialises in developing new writing and art forms and seeks to engage particularly with those who might be under-represented or otherwise excluded from the arts.
Their shows are well-priced, cover a diverse range of subject matters and mediums (including puppetry). The shows they put on are suitable for many different age ranges, so you are sure to find something to suit your family.
Polka Theatre
Polka Theatre in Wimbledon is more than just a theatre, their building is also a centre for play. Their building has been designed to be a hub for families and in addition to their theatre spaces, they have various play spaces and a sensory garden. They also offer various workshops and sessions for children of all ages alongside their programme of shows.
Their shows are aimed at children up to the age of 12 and they have a wide range of shows on their roster, including seasonal shows.
Whether you are visiting to see a show or you just want to pop into their cafe, you are sure to receive a warm welcome – they won an award at the 2024 UK Theatre Awards for being the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre.
Puppet Theatre Barge
Located in picturesque Little Venice, one of London’s most unique theatrical experiences floats on the canal. The Puppet Theatre Barge, a converted narrow boat, has been delighting audiences with its intimate puppet performances since the 1980s.
This floating theatre welcomes just 50 spectators at a time, creating an unforgettable, cozy atmosphere that captivates visitors of all ages. While the shows particularly resonate with children aged three and above, the unique setting and masterful puppetry make it a fun outing for the whole family.
The barge makes Little Venice its home from October through June and can be found elsewhere for the rest of the year. It stages regular performances that serve as a magical first taste of live theatre for many young Londoners.
For current productions and booking information, their website maintains an up-to-date performance schedule of this truly distinctive London arts venue.
The Well Walk Theatre
The new kid on the block, The Well Walk Theatre premiered its first show in 2024. Housed in a building that dates back to 1895, The Well Walk Theatre is home to a bookshop, cafe and 50 seat auditorium. This Victorian-style venue with a French vibe in Hampstead puts on shows for children of all ages and their goal is to create a space where people can reconnect and bond. With no wifi and an emphasis on creativity, it’s like a mini time capsule where your children’s imaginations can run wild.
Chickenshed
As their website makes clear, ‘Chickenshed is a theatre for absolutely everyone’. For over 50 years, Chickenshed has been presenting original and entertaining productions for all. Rather than aiming to put on shows that are targeted at specific age ranges, Chickenshed focuses on productions that are suitable for all ages.
In addition to offering a range of shows, Chickenshed also provides education courses and training, outreach projects and weekly workshops for young people.
Others
These are just a handful of theatres within London that focus primarily on children’s shows. Most theatres will offer at least some child-focussed shows within their programme. In particular, look out for child-friendly shows at venues such as Shakespeare’s Globe, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and many others.
Have you been to a theatre that you thought was particularly child-friendly? Or have you had a great experience with seeing a show? Tell us in the comments, we’d love to hear about it!