Parents News Forum
Top London family theatre picks for October half term
Quote from Penny McCarthy on October 17, 2024, 1:52 pm
- Many shows have added extra performances during half term, including Back To The Future The Musical, Disney’s The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, Matilda The Musical, Mrs. Doubtfire, The Play That Goes Wrong, Starlight Express and Wicked
- Plus, enjoy exciting shows especially created for children at Polka Theatre, nominated for the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award
Plus, try something a little different at Polka Theatre - this London-based dedicated children’s theatre is nominated for the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award at this year’s UK Theatre Awards, which takes place this Sunday 20 October. Discover the power of stories on 19 & 20 October with Luna Loves Library Day, enjoy the tender and heart-warming tale of The Storm Whale from 25 October to 3 November, or see the joyful, kaleidoscopic family show Everything Has Changed from 30 October to 3 November.
Family theatre picks for October half term 2024
Back To The Future The Musical
"Back to the Future: The Musical" brings the iconic 80s movie to the stage with thrilling performances, dazzling effects, and catchy tunes. Perfect for family fun, this nostalgic adventure transports audiences to 1955, as Marty McFly and Doc Brown race to save the future. A must-see for all ages!
Disney's The Lion King is a spectacular theatre experience that brings the beloved animated film to life with stunning costumes, incredible puppetry, and powerful music. Perfect for families, this award-winning show captures the magic of Simba's journey, making it an unforgettable treat for audiences of all ages.
Everything Has Changed
Everything Has Changed is a heartwarming and humorous family show exploring friendship, growing up, and how life changes. With creative storytelling and captivating performances, this theatre production engages both children and parents, offering a thoughtful look at how we adapt to new experiences. A delightful, relatable experience for all ages!
Hadestown is a mesmerizing, Tony Award-winning musical that reimagines the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. With its haunting melodies, rich storytelling, and captivating performances, this enchanting show offers a powerful message of love and resilience, making it a thrilling experience for older children and parents alike.
Hamilton is a groundbreaking musical that tells the story of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton through a vibrant mix of hip-hop, jazz, and R&B. With its powerful performances and innovative storytelling, it's an exciting and educational experience, perfect for older children and parents seeking an unforgettable theatre outing.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a spellbinding theatrical continuation of J.K. Rowling's beloved wizarding world. Filled with stunning magic effects, breathtaking performances, and a captivating story, it follows Harry and his son on a new adventure. Perfect for families, this unforgettable show enchants audiences of all ages.
Jamie Allan’s Amaze
Jamie Allan’s Amaze blends cutting-edge technology with mind-blowing illusions in a thrilling magic show for all ages. Combining holograms, lasers, and digital marvels, this immersive experience keeps families on the edge of their seats. Perfect for fans of magic and tech, it’s a jaw-dropping show you won’t forget!Les Misérables is a timeless, emotional musical set against the backdrop of post-revolutionary France. With unforgettable songs like "I Dreamed a Dream" and "Do You Hear the People Sing," it tells a powerful story of love, hope, and redemption. Perfect for families, this iconic production captivates audiences of all ages.Luna Loves Library Day
Luna Loves Library Day is a heartwarming theatre adaptation of the beloved children’s book by Joseph Coelho. It follows Luna’s magical adventures during her library visits with her dad. With enchanting storytelling, vibrant visuals, and important themes of family and imagination, it’s a delightful show for young children and parents alike.Mamma Mia! is a feel-good musical packed with ABBA's greatest hits, telling the joyful story of love, friendship, and family on a Greek island. Bursting with energy, fun, and heartwarming moments, it’s the perfect show for families to enjoy together, leaving everyone singing and dancing in their seats!
Matilda The Musical is a captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved story about a clever girl with extraordinary powers. With catchy songs and dazzling choreography, it celebrates the importance of bravery, friendship, and the love of reading. This enchanting production is perfect for families, inspiring children to embrace their uniqueness.
Mean Girls brings the hit movie to life in a hilarious musical about high school cliques and the struggles of fitting in. With sharp humor and catchy songs, it explores themes of friendship and self-acceptance. Perfect for teens and their families, this entertaining show is both relatable and fun!
MJ The Musical offers an electrifying journey through the life of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Featuring his iconic hits and stunning choreography, it celebrates his artistry and legacy. Families will enjoy this high-energy production that showcases Jackson's incredible talent and the magic of live performance.
The Mousetrap is a classic murder mystery that has captivated audiences for over 70 years. Set in a remote guesthouse, guests become suspects in a chilling tale of suspense. This engaging whodunit is perfect for older children and families, offering an intriguing night of entertainment filled with twists and turns.
Mrs. Doubtfire is a heartwarming musical adaptation of the beloved film, featuring a loving father who disguises himself as a nanny to spend time with his children. With hilarious antics and touching moments, it explores themes of family and love. A delightful show for families, it promises laughter and joy!
The Play That Goes Wrong is a hilarious farce that follows a disastrous theatre production filled with unexpected mishaps. This laugh-out-loud comedy entertains audiences with its slapstick humor and clever twists. Perfect for families seeking a fun night out, this show guarantees a rollicking good time for all!
The Phantom Of The Opera is a hauntingly beautiful musical that tells the story of a mysterious figure who lives beneath the Paris Opera House. With stunning music and elaborate staging, it captivates audiences of all ages. This iconic production explores themes of love, obsession, and redemption, making it unforgettable.
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical is a unique, interactive experience where audience suggestions shape the story and songs on stage. This clever and hilarious production showcases the incredible talents of its performers, creating a fresh musical each night. Perfect for families seeking laughter and creativity, it guarantees a night full of surprises!
Six is a dynamic musical that tells the story of the six wives of Henry VIII through a modern pop concert format. With catchy songs and empowering themes, it’s a fun and educational experience for older children and families. This fresh take on history makes it an engaging night out!
The Storm Whale
The Storm Whale is a charming adaptation of the heartwarming children’s book about a young boy who befriends a stranded whale. With beautiful visuals and gentle storytelling, this touching tale explores themes of friendship and compassion. Perfect for families, it’s an enchanting experience that resonates with young audiences and their parents
Starlight Express is an exciting musical that combines roller-skating with a vibrant story about trains racing to discover their potential. Bursting with catchy songs and colorful characters, this energetic show captivates young audiences. Perfect for families seeking a unique theatrical experience, it’s a thrilling ride filled with fun and adventure!
Wicked is a magical retelling of the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz. With stunning visuals, powerful performances, and memorable songs, it explores friendship, acceptance, and the nature of good and evil. A must-see for families, this enchanting musical captivates audiences of all ages!
The shows above are available on varying dates between 19 October – 3 November 2024 to accommodate differing half term holiday dates across the UK.
Age recommendations and restrictions will vary.
- Many shows have added extra performances during half term, including Back To The Future The Musical, Disney’s The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, Matilda The Musical, Mrs. Doubtfire, The Play That Goes Wrong, Starlight Express and Wicked
- Plus, enjoy exciting shows especially created for children at Polka Theatre, nominated for the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award
Plus, try something a little different at Polka Theatre - this London-based dedicated children’s theatre is nominated for the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award at this year’s UK Theatre Awards, which takes place this Sunday 20 October. Discover the power of stories on 19 & 20 October with Luna Loves Library Day, enjoy the tender and heart-warming tale of The Storm Whale from 25 October to 3 November, or see the joyful, kaleidoscopic family show Everything Has Changed from 30 October to 3 November.
Family theatre picks for October half term 2024
Back To The Future The Musical
"Back to the Future: The Musical" brings the iconic 80s movie to the stage with thrilling performances, dazzling effects, and catchy tunes. Perfect for family fun, this nostalgic adventure transports audiences to 1955, as Marty McFly and Doc Brown race to save the future. A must-see for all ages!
Disney's The Lion King is a spectacular theatre experience that brings the beloved animated film to life with stunning costumes, incredible puppetry, and powerful music. Perfect for families, this award-winning show captures the magic of Simba's journey, making it an unforgettable treat for audiences of all ages.
Everything Has Changed
Everything Has Changed is a heartwarming and humorous family show exploring friendship, growing up, and how life changes. With creative storytelling and captivating performances, this theatre production engages both children and parents, offering a thoughtful look at how we adapt to new experiences. A delightful, relatable experience for all ages!
Hadestown is a mesmerizing, Tony Award-winning musical that reimagines the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. With its haunting melodies, rich storytelling, and captivating performances, this enchanting show offers a powerful message of love and resilience, making it a thrilling experience for older children and parents alike.
Hamilton is a groundbreaking musical that tells the story of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton through a vibrant mix of hip-hop, jazz, and R&B. With its powerful performances and innovative storytelling, it's an exciting and educational experience, perfect for older children and parents seeking an unforgettable theatre outing.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a spellbinding theatrical continuation of J.K. Rowling's beloved wizarding world. Filled with stunning magic effects, breathtaking performances, and a captivating story, it follows Harry and his son on a new adventure. Perfect for families, this unforgettable show enchants audiences of all ages.
Jamie Allan’s Amaze
Luna Loves Library Day
Mamma Mia! is a feel-good musical packed with ABBA's greatest hits, telling the joyful story of love, friendship, and family on a Greek island. Bursting with energy, fun, and heartwarming moments, it’s the perfect show for families to enjoy together, leaving everyone singing and dancing in their seats!
Matilda The Musical is a captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved story about a clever girl with extraordinary powers. With catchy songs and dazzling choreography, it celebrates the importance of bravery, friendship, and the love of reading. This enchanting production is perfect for families, inspiring children to embrace their uniqueness.
Mean Girls brings the hit movie to life in a hilarious musical about high school cliques and the struggles of fitting in. With sharp humor and catchy songs, it explores themes of friendship and self-acceptance. Perfect for teens and their families, this entertaining show is both relatable and fun!
MJ The Musical offers an electrifying journey through the life of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Featuring his iconic hits and stunning choreography, it celebrates his artistry and legacy. Families will enjoy this high-energy production that showcases Jackson's incredible talent and the magic of live performance.
The Mousetrap is a classic murder mystery that has captivated audiences for over 70 years. Set in a remote guesthouse, guests become suspects in a chilling tale of suspense. This engaging whodunit is perfect for older children and families, offering an intriguing night of entertainment filled with twists and turns.
Mrs. Doubtfire is a heartwarming musical adaptation of the beloved film, featuring a loving father who disguises himself as a nanny to spend time with his children. With hilarious antics and touching moments, it explores themes of family and love. A delightful show for families, it promises laughter and joy!
The Play That Goes Wrong is a hilarious farce that follows a disastrous theatre production filled with unexpected mishaps. This laugh-out-loud comedy entertains audiences with its slapstick humor and clever twists. Perfect for families seeking a fun night out, this show guarantees a rollicking good time for all!
The Phantom Of The Opera is a hauntingly beautiful musical that tells the story of a mysterious figure who lives beneath the Paris Opera House. With stunning music and elaborate staging, it captivates audiences of all ages. This iconic production explores themes of love, obsession, and redemption, making it unforgettable.
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical is a unique, interactive experience where audience suggestions shape the story and songs on stage. This clever and hilarious production showcases the incredible talents of its performers, creating a fresh musical each night. Perfect for families seeking laughter and creativity, it guarantees a night full of surprises!
Six is a dynamic musical that tells the story of the six wives of Henry VIII through a modern pop concert format. With catchy songs and empowering themes, it’s a fun and educational experience for older children and families. This fresh take on history makes it an engaging night out!
The Storm Whale
The Storm Whale is a charming adaptation of the heartwarming children’s book about a young boy who befriends a stranded whale. With beautiful visuals and gentle storytelling, this touching tale explores themes of friendship and compassion. Perfect for families, it’s an enchanting experience that resonates with young audiences and their parents
Starlight Express is an exciting musical that combines roller-skating with a vibrant story about trains racing to discover their potential. Bursting with catchy songs and colorful characters, this energetic show captivates young audiences. Perfect for families seeking a unique theatrical experience, it’s a thrilling ride filled with fun and adventure!
Wicked is a magical retelling of the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz. With stunning visuals, powerful performances, and memorable songs, it explores friendship, acceptance, and the nature of good and evil. A must-see for families, this enchanting musical captivates audiences of all ages!
The shows above are available on varying dates between 19 October – 3 November 2024 to accommodate differing half term holiday dates across the UK.
Age recommendations and restrictions will vary.