Lyric Hammersmith Theatre have today unveiled a number of Little Lyric shows for 2026, lovingly introducing families and young theatre goers to the magic of theatre.

New for 2026, the Club Little Lyric ticket scheme helps families save big on the entire Little Lyric programme, including 2025’s festive offering – Father Christmas. Enjoy discounts on Studio and Main House shows, reduced Family pantomime tickets, and exclusive newsletter content. With savings that can cover the cost of membership in just one visit, it’s an easy way to enjoy more theatre for less and become part of the Lyric’s vibrant community.

Young children and their families will be welcomed into Lyric Hammersmith Theatre’s beautiful auditorium for two main stage productions in Spring and Summer 2026. Rod Campbell’s much-loved lift-the-flap book leaps from the page to the stage with Dear Zoo (02-05 Mar) in a colourful show packed full of puppetry, songs and, of course, all the animals from the zoo. Originally co-produced by Roald Dahl Story Company, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and Leeds Playhouse, The Enormous Crocodile The Musical (28 Jul – 22 Aug) will take to the stage as part of a new major UK tour. This mischievous musical based on Roald Dahl’s snappy book has toe-tapping tunes by Ahmed Abdullahi Gallab, a rib-tickling book and lyrics by Suhayla El-Bushra, and additional music and lyrics by Tom Brady. Developed and directed by Emily Lim, it features a menagerie of puppets by co-director and puppetry designer Toby Olié.

In the Lyric Studio, no less than eleven productions for young families will play from January through to March with plenty of theatrical fun for children and their adults. The season begins with Flyaway Katie (17 Jan) from Long Nose Puppets for ages 1-5 followed by Groove Sensation (24 Jan) from Groove Baby for ages 0-4, The Littlest Yak (31 Jan) by LAStheatre for ages 3+, The Mountain Witch (7 Feb) by Speedwell Dance for ages 3-8, Hay! (14 Feb) by Lyngo Theatre for ages 3+, Zoom! (17- 21 Feb) by Pied Piper for ages 3-8, Singor Baffo (28 Feb) by OH! productions for ages 3-8, Last Unicorn Airways (7 Mar) by Half Moon & Blanket Fort Club for ages 5-10, Exciting Science (14 Mar) by MNJ Productions Ltd for ages 4+, Hickory Dickory Dock (21 Mar) by Garlic Theatre for ages 3-8 and The Tale of the Loneliest Whale (28 Mar) by Hoglets Theatre for ages 3+. More titles for 2026 will be announced soon.

Ahead of the 2026 season, Little Lyric presents Raymond Bigg’s Father Christmas in the Studio from 19 Nov – 27 Dec 2025. Casting for the production includes Kate Adams, Alejandra Bacelar Pereira, Stephen Chapman, Marcus Hendry, Jack Howells-Davies, Imogen Khan, Grace Liston, Lloyd Notice and Eliza Talman.

For more information and to book tickets visit lyric.co.uk.

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.