There is so much amazing theatre on for kids in London, and this autumn is no exception. There’s something for all ages, and all interests, so have a browse and find the perfect show for your family. At the time of posting, tickets are available for all of these shows. However – this situation can change quickly so book up soon if there’s something you really want to see. Plus, for one week only, we have an amazing competition to win tickets for Hello Kitty Live in London, so make sure you enter before it closes!
It’s competition time!!!
Win a family ticket (for 4 people) to Hello Kitty Live at Hammersmith’s Eventim Apollo at 7pm on 8 October.
Catch this beautiful story of a group of friends and their talent, combined with animations, fantastic fashion, costumes and an amazing soundtrack by Charli XCX, Clean Bandit, James Blunt, Bruno Mars, Echosmith and many more… all for FREE with our giveaway!
Enter the competition via the fancy-shmancy widget below, which will ask you to sign up to our newsletter, follow us on Twitter, OR pop across to Facebook to give us a wave! The more you do, the more entries you get 🙂
The Listings
16 Singers @ artsdepot & Stratford Circus
A special experience for babies aged 0 to 18 months and their grown-ups. 16 Singers cleverly captures the attention of tiny spectators using rhythm, song and movement.
Paul Rissmann, described by The Herald newspaper in Scotland as “the Pied Piper of classical music”, has written an uplifting score sung by the 16 performers as they move amongst the babies.
With its very young audience at its heart, 16 Singers is a rare opportunity to share a beautifully crafted performance with your baby.
When: 27-28 October (artsdepot) & 29-31 October (Stratford Circus)
Age: 0-18 months
Arnold’s Big Adventure @ Lyric Hammersmith
Gather under the branches for the biggest day in the woodland calendar, Drop Day! Arnold the acorn is about to drop from his tree and begin his amazing adventure in search of somewhere to put down his roots.
Join Arnold as his story flies in the wind, wiggles across the land and splashes into the sea… Who will he meet along the way and will he ever find the perfect spot to call home?
Taking place in a special bell tent, Arnold’s Big Adventure features beautiful shadow puppetry, wonderful original music to sing along to and plenty of thrilling surprises along the way… An intimate, interactive production perfect for a child’s first theatre experience and with plenty for parents to enjoy too.
When: 10 October
Age: 3-10 years
Baddies, The Musical @ The Unicorn Theatre
So you think that being bad is wrong? Think again. In fact, it’s actually fine – and absolutely necessary if that’s your job. Which it is for the likes of the Big Bad Wolf and Captain Hook. Thing is, how do you know who is really good at being bad and who is really bad at being good? Sometimes it’s a little hard to tell…
Step into the real lives of the fairytales’ most villainous characters in this sublimely entertaining, larger-than-life new musical for children and adults that features live music onstage.
This is sure to be the baddest musical in town!
When: 3 November – 24 December
Age: 6+
Bear & Butterfly @ Half Moon Theatre
Bear’s life changes forever when, deep in the branches of the tree he hears the munching and a crunching of a bright green Caterpillar. Bear and Caterpillar soon become the best of friends, Caterpillar munching happily through tales of Bear’s younger life catching fish, raising cubs and being big, strong and fierce.
But one day Caterpillar stops munching and looks sick. Bear cares for his friend and lays him on a pile of dry leaves, promising him that he’ll get better soon. Bear fears he will lose his friend but, as if by magic, Caterpillar grows and stretches and from the leaves emerges a beautiful butterfly. Can Bear come to terms with this new version of his friend who flies high above the trees and has stories of his own?
Puppetry, live music and beautiful storytelling combine in this charming tale about love, loss and friendship.
When: 7 November
Age: 4-7
Beasty Baby @ Polka Theatre
In a chilly land, far far away, lives a gorgeously grizzly child…
Welcome to the playfully yucky world of Beasty Baby. Mayhem and laughter await around every corner as three people embark on a wild adventure to bring up a very mischievous and totally lovable child.
Beasty Baby is a lively celebration of family, growing up and the rituals both children and adults go through in those extraordinary early years of life. Using an inspired mix of puppetry and live music the renowned Theatre-Rites transform Polka’s Adventure Theatre to create a funny and magical shared experience.
Join us for a spirited, wintry tale for everyone who is wild at heart. You might even discover your inner beast…
When: 14 October 2015-3 January 2016
Age: 3-6 years
The Boy Who Never Grew Up @ Lyric Hammersmith & Half Moon Theatre
Inspired by JM Barrie’s classic tale, welcome to a world where happy thoughts take you flying high, where pirates roam the seas and where magic and adventure is impossible to hide from. Welcome to the world where you never grow up! But this isn’t just the story you’ve seen on screen or read in the book, there are adventures of your own to be had…
With live music, puppetry and fun this a show of imagination and magic for anyone who wishes to never ever grow up.
When: 7 November (Lyric) & 28 November (Half Moon)
Age: 4+
Circles in the Sand @ Half Moon Theatre
Soft between your toes…
Pour it
Make a mountain,
High or low…
Join in a world of buckets, castle building, spinning and tumbling in this delightful show for under 3s which explores sand in new and exciting ways.
With no words, and accompanied by an evocative soundtrack of world music, Circles in the Sand is an intimate, imaginative and captivating play, providing the perfect introduction to theatre for the very young.
At the end of the performance, children are invited to delight in the feel of the sand as it trickles between toes and fingers.
When: 14 November
Age: 0-3
The Doodle Dance Show @ Borough Hall, Greenwich
The Doodle Dance Show is back after a sell-out tour with a magical journey of friendship and adventure. Grab a pen and kick off your shoes for this playful, interactive story-show that will get the whole family drawing and moving, doodling and imagining, creating a world populated by crazy birds, dancing pirates, strange underwater creatures and maybe more… This is the most fun you can have with your family and a giant piece of paper!
When:17 October
The Dragon’s Tale @ Lyric Hammersmith
An original take on George and the Dragon, told in flashback by the Dragon himself accompanied by a very special Damsel in Distress on a hurdy-gurdy.
When: 17 October
Age: 4-8 years
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The Elves & The Shoemaker @ Chelsea Theatre
Shooooooooooooooes ….! Ah, new shoes …. Delightful on the feet. Soft, dancing shoes; swarthy pirate shoes; silver buckle and silken soles. No one makes shoes like an elf.
This well known and well loved tale – made popular by the Ladybird Classic – has been re-heeled by Theatre of Widdershins in their own inimitable style. Beautifully crafted set and puppets, sublime music, a kaleidoscope of miniature shoes and a comic mouse all make this show a magical must-see.
When: 18 October, 11am & 2pm
Age: 3+
Flyaway Katie @ Jacksons Lane
After bringing Shoe Baby and Arthur’s Dream Boat, Long Nose Puppets return to Jacksons Lane with brand new Flyaway Katie!
This inspiring flight of fancy about the power of imagination based on the popular children’s book by Polly Dunbar with music by Tom Gray of Gomez.
The show is bursting with colour, movement, puppets & surprises.
When: 18 October
Age: 2-7
The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me @ Little Angel Theatre
Adapted from the acclaimed book by Roald Dahl, this is the story about a young boy who befriends a Giraffe, a Pelican (or “Pelly”) and a Monkey. Join them on their unexpected adventures when they create the ‘Ladderless Window Cleaning Company’.
This joyous musical show is brought to life by the creative team behind Little Angel favourites including ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’ and ‘The Mouse Queen’. You’ll be singing the songs all the way home.
When: 21 November – 31 January
Age: 4-11
Goldilocks & the Three Bears @ Lyric Hammersmith
They only went out for a stroll… to let the food cool down…ten minutes, tops. But when the three bears got home the house was a mess and Baby Bear’s porridge had vanished completely. And that was just the beginning.
The dazzling Stuff and Nonsense return with a thrilling adaptation of everyone’s favourite bearytale. A brilliant mix of ingenious puppetry, music and mischievous moments.
When: 27-31 October
Age: 2+
Handa’s Surprise @ Jacksons Lane
Travel to Kenya this half term and follow in Handa’s footsteps as she journeys to see her best friend Akeyo, in the next village. Handa is taking 7 delicious fruits as a surprise – but 7 different animals have 7 very different ideas… could you resist the sweet-smelling guava? How about a ripe red mango or a tangy purple passion fruit?
A blend of physical performance, puppetry, live music and song combine to create an intimate, magical production with audience participation.
When: 26-30 October
Age: 2-6
Hello Kitty @ Eventim Apollo Hammersmith
Now you can dance, sing and share a lot of fun with KITTY and her Friends in this fantastic live experience!
A unique show for fans of all ages!
With an amazing soundtrack by Charli XCX, Clean Bandit, James Blunt, Bruno Mars, Echosmith and many more…
When: 8 October
Age: 3-10
Horrible Histories – Groovy Greeks @ Hackney Empire
From savage Sparta to angry Athens, discover the truth about growing up in Greece. Take on the Trojans and pummel the Persians! Compete in the first ever Olympic Games and appear in the very first play. Meet your match with the Minotaur and be zapped by Zeus! Hold on tight as you gatecrash the Groovy Greeks.
When: 7-11 October
Age: 5+
Horrible Histories – Incredible Invaders @ Hackney Empire
The Celts are crunched when the Ruthless Romans invade Britain. Can crazy Caratacus save the nation? Hide behind Hadrian’s Wall. See the Savage Saxons smash their way in. Find out who’s at Sutton Hoo. Will you survive the Vicious Vikings as they sail into the audience? Stop King Alfred burning his buns! It’s a thousand year journey with Incredible Invaders.
When: 7-11 October
Age: 5+
Hurricane Boy @ The Polka Theatre
There once was a storm. And in that storm, there was a boy.
A blustery boy lives by himself, constantly rebuilding his house from the rubbish whipped up by the winds. One day a girl appears and brings him through the gales and the rain. Together they share a summer of blue skies and warm sun, but when the hurricane takes her away, how will the boy find his own way?
An imaginative tale of chaos and calm, Hurricane Boy is a charming show combining physical storytelling and live music.
When: 7-11 October
Age: 5-11 years
I Believe in Unicorns @ Redbridge Drama Centre, E18
Olivier Award nominated Wizard Presents brings best-selling children’s author Michael Morpurgo’s treasured story to life.
This intimate show is set in a library full of books that hold more than stories within their pages. It is a tale of the power of books and the bravery of a young boy called Tomas. Tomas hates reading and school but his world is turned upside down the day he meets the Unicorn Lady in his local library….
An enchanting and interactive production, I Believe in Unicorns, which won an Argus Angel Award for Artistic Excellence at Brighton Festival, sparks imagination in both young and old. We challenge you not to believe in unicorns after joining Tomas’ spellbinding journey.
When: 3 November
Age: 5-11
Jojo & Billie’s Tour de France @ Jacksons Lane & artsdepot
Find out what happens when a French boy and an English girl crash into each other and cannot repair their bikes, how they overcome the language barrier and how Billie discovers her love of all things French.
With live music, video, mime, several Gallic shrugs and many, many bicycles, Compagnie Animotion is once again going to swim the channel to bring their unique mix of exciting and lively wordless performance to Jacksons Lane!
For little and big ones. Don’t forget to wear a beret.
When: 4 October (Jacksons Lane) & 18 October (artsdepot)
Age: 3-11
The Journey Home @ Little Angel Theatre
Join Polar Bear as he sets off in search of a new home when the ice starts melting. Travelling through storms, busy shipping lanes and across oceans, he meets some other exciting friends who are also looking for a new home. Little Angel Theatre bring this stunning story to life through puppetry, lyrical music and transformative design.
“A really inspiring and clever approach to environmental issues for kids and adults.”Audience feedback from Little Angel Theatre
This beautiful adaptation of Frann Preston-Gannon’s award winning book has a powerful message of conservation and is full of ideas for parents and children to talk about.
When: 12 September-28 October
Age: 4-11
JW3 Puppet Tales @ JW3
Each week, children will discover a different tale – from the most popular to the forgotten and from classical to modern. The lovely puppeteer, Alice Kristina Rose, has created pigs, wolves, princesses, frogs, ducklings and more and will bring these to life each session. Through this interactive storytelling, children will develop their imagination, enrich their vocabulary and get to socialise with their friends.
The season opens with The Three Little Pigs who build their own Succas, then Cinderella, The Naughty Tiger, Noah’s Ark, Sleeping Beauty, Jack and the Beanstalk, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The season ends with The Billy Goats Gruff and special Chanukah tales.
When: 30 September – 9 December
Age: 2.5-6 years
The King Of Tiny Things @ Greenwich Theatre
One magical midsummer’s night two sisters huddle together, fearful of what the darkness holds, when a mysterious winged creature appears and leads them on a moonlit adventure. Together they rescue juggling slugs, contortionist caterpillars, and a trio of acrobatic baby bats. But while the girls are busy being brave they overlook their winged friend, the King of Tiny Things, who needs their help most of all. Can they save him in time…
Starring four of the world’s most exciting circus artists Metta Theatre bring the award-winning author Jeanne Willis and Gwen Millward’s enchanting story spectacularly to life with circus, puppetry and song. With puppetry design by Yvonne Stone (National Theatre, Tall Stories) and music by Jon Nicholls (Shared Experience, National Theatre). Fun for all the family!
When: 26 October
Age: 3+
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Monkey @ Half Moon Theatre
Follow the birth and comic escapades of the amazing superhero Monkey, a fantastical creature hatched from a stone egg who can fly on a cloud, turn invisible and transform into anything he wants! Join Monkey on his mischievous adventure as he learns magic, makes mayhem, plays tricks, defeats a dragon, dodges death and eats lots, and lots of peaches – all in search of a great secret!
Monkey is the main comic character in China’s classic story Journey to the West, and is still one of the world’s most popular folk heroes, even after hundreds of years. His extraordinary story is brought to life in a captivating puppet show by award-winning children’s author Michael Rosen, Children’s Laureate from 2007–2009.
When: 12 December
Age: 4+
Morgan & West @ artsdepot
Morgan & West’s Utterly Spiffing Spectacular Magic Show For Kids & Childish Grown-ups!
Time travelling Victorian magic duo Morgan & West unload another boxful of bafflement and impossibility. Witness a mountain of mysterious magic, a hatful of hyper-reality and – of course – a truck full of tricks and tea. Mixing brain busting illusion and good old-fashioned tom-foolery, Morgan & West present a show for all the family, where magic and silliness abound!
When: 27 September
Mr Tiger Goes Wild @ Half Moon Theatre
Meet the tiger who came to party!
Mr Tiger lived a perfectly proper life in a perfectly proper city and everything was perfectly fine… until the day he had a wonderfully WILD idea! Join Mr Tiger on a rocking musical adventure full of fun and laughter as he journeys from the city to the jungle.
Adapted from the book by Peter Brown, Mr Tiger Goes Wild is a story about being yourself and features original live music, hilarious characters and lots of rock and roll imagination that will have children roaring with laughter from start to finish.
When: 10 October
Age: 3+
My Pet Monster & Me @ Lyric Hammersmith
Sophie Bucket lives on a farm with her Dad. She spends all of her time daydreaming, but most of her time alone. If only she had a little friend to share her adventures. One day, Sophie finds an egg. She keeps it warm, and out pops a cuddly, toothy, burpy, baby MONSTER. And this is when the fun begins.
This big-hearted fairytale is especially for little monsters and their grown-ups. Told with magical songs, enchanting music and exquisite puppetry.
When: 26 September
Age: 3-7 years
Oddly @ Half Moon Theatre
Three unusual creatures hold onto their special treasures and ponder questions which they are unable to answer…
The Lostlet twirls a golden leaf and asks what do I hope for?
The Strangelet holds a smooth white pebble and wonders what do I dream of?
The Oddlet listens to a seashell and thinks what do I wish for?
Suddenly a little boy appears who seems stranger, odder and even more lost than they are. Together the new friends find surprising ways to make their hopes, dreams and wishes come true.
Based on the much-loved children’s book written by Joyce Dunbar, Norwich Puppet Theatre’s fun, whimsical tale about the big questions in life visually reimagines the story with traditional and contemporary puppets, inventive design and original music.
When: 5 December
Age: 3-8
Olive & the Dream Train @ Lyric Hammersmith
A rollercoaster ride through the mind-boggling mysteries of everyday life…
Olive’s always daydreaming. She daydreams about what’s going on inside her cat’s head, or about that weird picture above her bed of a steam train puffing out of a fireplace… Then one day, on her way to school, another very odd train chugs into the station – it’s studded with olives, for one thing, and there’s no driver….So Olive boldly steps aboard and, WOOHOO, she’s driving her very own dream train and it can take her absolutely anywhere!
When: 24 October
Age: 5-11
Once Upon A Snowflake @ Half Moon Theatre, artsdepot & Harrow Arts Centre
Liza has gone missing, and no one knows where she can be. One thing’s for certain: those mysterious Winter Sprites have something to do with it. Appearing every winter, these tiny elf-like creatures can be found hiding in pockets, shoes and sock drawers, watching everything and hearing everyone.
Follow Liza into a colourful whirlwind of stories and adventure, led by a tiny Sprite with a fascination for snowflakes. Using a captivating blend of shadow puppetry, storytelling and enchanting original songs, Paper Balloon present this funny, quirky and enthralling show.
When: 21 November (Half Moon), 22 November (artsdepot) & 29 November (Harrow Arts Centre)
Age: 3+
Our Teacher’s a Troll @ Half Moon Theatre
Two terrible twins with a talent for turmoil rule their school with terror and tyranny. That is, until the arrival of a new head teacher with green scaly skin, sharp gnarly fangs, and a long spiky tail…
Can the twins save the school from the child-eating Troll? Can they get Brussels sprouts in peanut butter taken off the lunch menu? And most importantly, can naughtiness prevail?
When: 2-5 November
Age: 7+
Peppa Pig’s Surprise @ Duke of York’s Theatre
Surprise! Peppa Pig, George and their friends are back this Christmas in a brand new live stage show, Peppa Pig’s Surprise!
It’s a lovely day and Peppa Pig is playing outside with her friends. Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig have got a surprise for her and George – they can’t guess what it is, can you?
Enjoy fun, games and of course, surprises in this charming, colourful new show with new songs and new life size puppets, Peppa Pig’s Surprise promises to be the perfect theatre show for all pre-schoolers!
When: 18 December – 17 January
Age: Preschoolers
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Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure @ Adelphi Theatre
In Peter Pan – A Musical Adventure, one of the greatest fairy tale stories of all time makes its return to the London stage In Concert with full Orchestra at the Adelphi Theatre.
Delivered with a new dose of pixie dust, let yourself get lost in the magic and follow the second star to the right, straight on ’till morning as you fly away to Never Land.
Featuring music and lyrics by the Olivier Award-winning writing duo George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (Honk!, Mary Poppins, Betty Blue Eyes, Soho Cinders) with a book by the late Willis Hall, join Peter and the Darling children as they travel to a land full of imagination and possibility featuring the mischievous Lost Boys, and of course, the villainous Captain Hook.
With a spectacular mix of adventure, musical brilliance and flavour, this infectious score and story will be presented and told like never before.
When: 25 October
A Real Mermaid’s Tale @ Watermans, Brentford
A Real Mermaid’s Tale is an exciting adventure on the high seas with pirates, monstrous sea creatures and mermaid treasure. It follows our intrepid explorer, Amelia Buttersnap, on a journey full of magic, puppetry and mutinous rats.
This year’s show will follow Amelia Buttersnap on her continuing quest to discover evidence of hidden and magical creatures; this time, its mermaids and mythical underwater creatures!
When: 4 October, 3pm
Age: 3-8 years
Rosie’s Magic Horse @ Greenwich Theatre
Peaceful Lion Productions present Rosie’s Magic Horse, a brand new production based on the book by Russell Hoban and illustrated by Quentin Blake.
Little Rosie collects ice-lolly sticks and puts them in an old box. As Rosie dreams of helping her parents pay off the bills her stick collection dreams of becoming something greater. And so, at the stroke of midnight, magic and dreams collide and a horse gallops out of the box!
His name is Stickerino. “Where to?” he asks. “Anywhere with treasure!” she answers. There begins an adventure like none other: ice-lolly mountains by the sea, caskets of gold, and scurvy pirates.
A heart-warming tale of aspiration, friendship, adventure and a little bit of mischief – the perfect treat for the whole family.
When: 18 October
Age: 3+
Ruby Flew Too @ Lyric Hammersmith
Once upon a time, upon a nest, there lived…Ruby!
Based on the heart-warming story Ruby Flew Too! by Jonathan Emmett, and adapted for the stage by Topsy Turvy Theatre. Follow one duckling’s journey as she finds her feet…all in her own time.
Written especially for children, Ruby Flew Too! is brought to life using stunning scenery, original music, hand-made puppets and delightful storytelling.
When: 3 October
Age: 2-7 years
The Scarecrows’ Wedding @ Redbridge Drama Centre, artsdepot & Greenwich Theatre
Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay invite you to….
The Best wedding ever, the best wedding yet,
The wedding that no one will ever forget.
Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay are excellent scarecrows (they scare a lot of crows). Harry loves Betty, and Betty loves Harry – so they decide to get married. Harry sets off to search for their wedding day essentials including a dress of feathers, a bunch of flowers and a necklace made from shells.
However, when the farmer notices he is missing a scarecrow, he replaces Harry with the devilishly smooth but dangerous Reginald Rake. Dashing, daring and ever so cool, can Reginald persuade Betty that he is the scarecrow for her? Will Harry make it back in the nick of time before Reginald ruins their special day?
Bursting at the seams with Scamp Theatre’s inimitable style this epic love story promises wit, drama and wedding bells!
When: 29 September (Redbridge Drama Centre) & 5 October (Greenwich Theatre), 10 & 11 October (artsdepot)
Age: 3+
The Singing Ringing Tree @ Half Moon Theatre (with British Sign Language)
A selfish and haughty Princess, a friendly Prince who is turned into a bear, and an evil Troll with designs on the kingdom all combine to tell a fast moving and tricksy tale of youthful optimism fractured through the kaleidoscope of this famous German fable.
The Princess’s self-centred behaviour makes her ugly. The Bear tells her that she will regain her beauty only if she changes her ways. Despite the Troll’s attempts to keep her and the Prince apart, the magical and mysterious Singing Ringing Tree finally lives up to its name.
Featuring fully integrated British Sign Language, this fast and funny family show is suitable for all audiences, Deaf and hearing, and bristles with creativity, humour and ingenuity as well as puppets and big laughs.
When: 19 December
Age: 3-7 years
Slava’s Snowshow @ The Southbank Centre
Returning for an unprecedented third season, Slava’s Snowshow has delighted and exhilarated theatregoers around the world.
This Christmas experience a joyous dream-like world, unlike anything you have seen before. A world in which a cobweb envelops the audience and one tiny piece of paper begins a heart-stopping blizzard of snow.
Combining hilarity and poignancy with stunning breathtaking spectacle, this classic family show is full of joy!
When: 17 December – 6 January
Age: 8+
The Snail and the Whale @ Jacksons Lane
This much-loved, sell out production is an exciting collaboration with Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
A tiny snail longs to see the world, so she hitches a lift on the tail of a humpback whale. Together they go on an amazing journey, experiencing icebergs and volcanoes, sharks and penguins… But when disaster strikes and the whale gets beached, how will the snail save him?
Follow the tiny snail’s exciting journey, as seen through the eyes of an adventurous young girl and her seafaring father…
When: 5 December – 3 January
Age: 4+
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Snow Child @ Half Moon Theatre
The first snow falls. Watching the village children play, a lonely couple yearn for a child of their own. They build a small figure from the ice and snow, and wish very, very hard… until the strength of their longing brings the magical Snow Child to life before their eyes!
She’s a girl like no other. As she dances in the wild landscape and talks with the animals, she brings laughter to the whole village. But it’s not easy bringing up a wild daughter of the blizzards and the wind. As the seasons turn, and winter gives way to spring and summer, will the Snow Child and her parents find their “happily ever after”?
This new play is a magical story about family, love and the power of dreams and follows on from Emma Reeves’ successful adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson’s Hetty Feather and TVs Tracy Beaker Returns and The Dumping Ground.
When: 31 October
Age: 3-7
The Snow Dragon @ Jacksons Lane & Greenwich Theatre
Billy has everything a young goat could need – and more besides. On New Year’s Eve, Billy is looking forward to the annual visit of the legendary Snow Dragon, who will bring him even more goodies… But when Billy bumps into some hungry wolves in the forest, New Year’s Day seems a long way off. How will Billy escape? And has he been naughty or nice?
Toe-tapping songs and lots of laughs for everyone from Jacksons Lane favourites Tall Stories.
When: 27-29 October (Greenwich Theatre) & 29 November (Jacksons Lane)
Age: 3+
Storystock @ Bush Theatre
Storystock, the travelling story circus for children aged 0-13 years and their families, returns for another year.
Roll up for live literature shows including The Hip Hop Shakespeare Show Michael Morpurgo’s I Believe in Unicorns,The Harry Potter Show, the premier of the Myth Marathon and The Diary of the Wimpy Kid show back by popular demand!
When: 28-30 October
Age: 0-13
SuperMonkey @ Half Moon Theatre
Join SuperMonkey on his magical adventures as he meets the Underwater King, becomes enchanted by the Tree-of-many-fruits, sings along with the Maids-of-the-tree, makes friends with little monkeys and learns the secret of how to put out the fire of the Fire Dragon!
Based on the ancient Chinese story of the funny superhero Monkey, Michael Rosen, of Going on a Bear Hunt fame, has created a new version of this classic tale using beautiful string puppets, live music, snappy raps and witty words to conjure up a bewitching world that will enchant audiences all over again.
When: 12 December
Age: 3-6 years
Tales from the Shed @ Chickenshed Theatre
Tales from the Shed are vibrant, interactive theatre shows that are perfect for young children. They are informal, lively and amazingly engaging as the performers and audience share the same space – children are always encouraged to make a lot of noise and to make the story happen. We guarantee that every show will be fun, really silly and that there will be plenty of colourful puppets and live songs.
Every week we present different stories featuring the same much loved characters – from Can-Can the beautiful bird to laid back Lion Down and The Thing That Goes Blurgh!
When: Fridays & Saturdays until 31 October
Age: 0-6 years
The Three Pigs and The Wolf plus Captain Grimey @ The Puppet Theatre Barge
The Three Pigs and The Wolf is a lively show that breathes new life into these well-known characters – each of the pigs has an air of mischief and naivety, while the wicked wolf has just a hint of a wry smile.
Captain Grimey is the dirtiest, most miserable, one-legged sea captain in the world. It is not until the golden Dolphin befriends him, and helps him to see the error of his ways, that he becomes Captain Shiney and finds true happiness, in this humorous morality tale.
When: 24-30 October
Age: 3-8
Thumbelina @ The Polka Theatre
There was once a girl so small she could float on a lilypad and ride on the back of a dragonfly… Follow Hans Christian Andersen’s extraordinary tale of a girl no bigger than a thumb and her adventures with a frog, mouse, mole and swallow who help her on her journey.
When: 3-4 October
Age: 3-5 years
The Tiger Who Came To Tea @ The Lyric Theatre
Hold on to your biscuit tin, The Tiger Who Came to Tea is roaring back into the West End for a smashing Christmas season!
Join Sophie and the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos!
A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem….expect to be surprised!
When: 25 November 2015-10 January 2016
Age: 3+
Town Hall Cherubs @ Battersea Arts Centre
Fallen from his place in the sky, a sleepy cherub needs your help to find his way home….
Follow his garland through Battersea Arts Centre’s beautiful old rooms and discover what makes this old Town Hall so magical in a tender journey with surprises along the way. With hidden rooms to explore and play in, children are encouraged to take part. Lively adventurers don’t have to sit still!
When: 2 December-3 January
Age: 2-5 years
Tree Fu Tom Live @ Watford Colosseum
The world of Treetopolis is coming to Watford Colosseum! This brand new show, packed with adventure, fun, music and participation, sees Tom take to the stage in his first nationwide tour. Be part of the magic and help Tom save the day!
When: 25 October
The Twelve Days of Christmas @ Chickenshed Theatre
Brilliantly re-inventing the traditional and well-loved song, The Twelve Days of Christmas will be a rollicking, magical Christmas adventure with lots of laughs along the way!
Four brave children flee their mean step-family to follow a mysterious Partridge on a quest for five gold rings. Aided and abetted by Three French Hens, they encounter a dazzling array of larger than life characters including a gaggle of paranoid Geese and some particularly pompous Lords, and are pursued by Four Calling Birds who are also in search of the rings. Just why do the Two Turtle Doves guard the rings so carefully, and will the children find them and so unlock the secrets to their family?
When: 25 November – 9 January
Age: 5+
Under Foot @ Stratford Circus
Under Foot is an interactive sound and movement performance, where the audience is invited to explore three different floor surfaces, interact with the performers and respond to the textures and sensations through movement, dance and play.
Interactive technology beneath the dance floor is triggered by the audience above to produce a unique soundscape, which is complimented by a live musician. The result is a magical and immersive sensory experience.
When: 2-3 October
Age: 1-5 years
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt @ Jacksons Lane & Stratford Circus
A family go on an expedition of a lifetime – running down the grassy bank, wading through the cold river, squelching over the oozy mud, stumbling into the dark forest, then peering into a cave… what will they find?
Little Angel Theatre brings Michael Rosen’s thrilling and funny adventure to life in this entrancing puppetry production. Returning to Jacksons Lane after sold out performances in 2013, this family favourite features music and lyrics by renowned singer-songwriter Barb Jungr.
When: 10-11 October (Jacksons Lane) & 2-26 December (Stratford Circus)
Age: 2+
What to do When You Find a Dinosaur @ Polka Theatre
The bone-shaking, music-making show where history comes alive
In 1824 eccentric scientist William Buckland discovered a bone from a creature no one had ever heard of before. He named itthe Megalosaurus, and he was desperate to tell the world. Join him on a pre-historic dinosaur journey with humour, music and plenty of audience participation.
When: 24 September-4 October 2015
Age: 4-8 years
Where Caterpillars Go @ Half Moon Theatre
Where Caterpillars Go is a thoughtful look at the cycle of life, explored within a garden where almost everything is made from paper. Watch seeds fly, fall and sprout, and shoots spiral and uncurl. Chase leaves and butterflies as they flutter by in this lively garden that pops up before your eyes!
Follow an inquisitive caterpillar into a beautiful and tactile garden where you’ll explore life, growth, wonder and loss through live music and playful movement in this fun and visually striking show.
At the end of the performance there will be an interactive play session.
When: 24 October
Age: 2-5
A Winter’s Tale @ Chickenshed Theatre
Cosy up at Chickenshed with an entertaining outing for all the family to enjoy. Music, dance, storytelling and games with Lion Down, The Thing That Goes Blurgh and many other much-loved Tales characters will warm you up a treat!
When: 7 November
Age: 0-6 years
Wow! Said the Owl @ Little Angel Theatre
Explore the wow-world of colours with this curious little owl who is determined to stay awake to see what daylight brings.
From the warm pink glow of dawn through to a day filled with the bright colours of green leaves, blue sky, grey clouds and, finally, a stunning rainbow – ‘WOW!’.
But despite the beauty of the daytime world, the little owl decides that the night-time stars are the most beautiful of all.
Wow! Said the Owl, the acclaimed children’s book by award winning author Tim Hopgood, is brought to life through a blend of beautiful story-telling, puppetry and music. Directed by Joy Haynes, this show will delight and excite very young audiences.
When: 2 December-31 January
Age: 2-4 years