Going to the theatre with kids? Even in the summer? I assure you, it’s a great way to spend an evening, and it definitely won’t be a boring chore! Our selection includes recognized hits, brand-new premieres, and some lesser-known plays that are also suitable for children.
Matilda
Cambridge Theatre
From 6 years old
Hooligan, poet, and tender romantic Tim Minchin (don’t take children to his solo concerts!) wrote “Matilda” back in 2009. The musical’s incredible popularity is due not only to the plot of Roald Dahl’s book but also to Minchin’s distinctive, crazy music and lyrics. Who else would rhyme mom with, excuse me, bum? Exactly. A combination of mischief and tender openness, a heap of brilliant hits, boundless fun, and the triumph of good over evil – an absolute must-see for all ages.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Theatre Royal Haymarket
From 3 years old and up (use the kids as an excuse!)
A tiger, a girl, and tea – where did such a combination even come from? As always, a mother was telling her little son a bedtime story, the story continued, friends came over, and then the illustrator mom drew her story and wrote it. It’s very hard to make a tiger on stage appear both realistic and not frightening. This anthropomorphic tiger even has functional fingers on its furry, plump paws. A wonder of a tiger. Even the little ones won’t be scared!
View from the Bridge
Theatre Royal Haymarket
From 12 years old
You can take older teenagers here if you’re ready to talk with them and give them the chance to understand: their life and happiness are not only their responsibility but also their right. This is the tragedy of an adult man who decided that his grown child belongs to him. The infatuation with his niece by marriage is handled delicately here. The focus is on jealousy and the desire to dominate. “View from the Bridge” is an opportunity to discuss personal freedom and relationships with elders with your teenager. Besides, it’s classic acting, the golden old school.
The Wizard of Oz
Gillian Lynne Theatre
166 Drury Lane
From 6 years old
The Wizard of Oz is a classic musical with classic hits. As expected, it is very beautiful and not lacking in wit, yet it stays within the genre. A girl’s journey along the yellow brick road, during which she meets friends and then has to part with them. In Volkov’s interpretation, Ellie will return to the Magic Land, but for Baum, as with Barrie’s “Peter Pan,” it’s a one-way ticket, a farewell forever. However, children won’t notice this. Adults won’t be bored either: it’s fascinating to watch Toto, the dog, which is presented as a puppet. An actor controls him, blending with the toy dog, becoming its continuation.
The Grapes of Wrath
National Theatre
From 13 years old
Steinbeck’s classic work is part of the school curriculum in the States. It was banned due to its desperately tragic scenes and folk language, but “The Grapes of Wrath” has endured everything – and now this tragic but hopeful story of relocation, the hardships of the journey, and finding a new home is on stage at the Lyttelton Theatre. It’s hard to put down new roots when the old ones have been harshly cut, but the omnipotent life gives that chance. By the way, Pa Joad is played by Gregg Higgs – the same Shakespearean actor who performed his monologue based on Dostoevsky’s “The Dream of a Ridiculous Man” this season.
Fangirls
Lyric Hammersmith
From 12 years old
Sorry, another musical. But what a musical!! Yve Blake, the author of the idea, text, and music, talked to hundreds of teenage girls, trying to understand their inner world, full of love, secrets, youth, fears, and nervous tension. Tender and thorny like roses – their collective image is embodied in the heroine named Edna, who despairs at the news that her favorite singer is leaving the group. You definitely won’t dismiss those inexplicable crowds in hats and bracelets from wrist to elbow, the hearts, tears, and loves. And maybe you’ll remember yourself… who was your celebrity crush at 14? Write in the comments!
Dear England
National Theatre Live
From 10 years old
“It’s coming hoooome!.. Innit?..” Catch the showings in cinemas – the recorded play is now in just a few theaters, but with the wave of interest in football and the tragic final of the European Championship for England, it’s worth it. (And in spring 2025, the updated play will be back at the National Theatre, get ready!) Yes, it’s a filmed play, but don’t dismiss it – you wouldn’t ignore TV broadcasts of matches! The play by James Graham features coach Gareth Southgate (and yes, Joseph Fiennes looks genetically similar to him). What’s the tragedy of the national team? How to regain supremacy in the game invented by the English? How to dare to look at the problems? A dramatic and dynamic act, the stage space shimmering, full of play in every sense of the word. England, dear!! Come on!
