🎭 West End Wonders & Dynamic Dance

London’s theatre scene is full of spectacular shows and special programming for the October Half Term. Here are the top picks for families:

Matilda The Musical: The ingenious RSC production of Roald Dahl’s story continues to delight with unforgettable songs and pure theatre magic. (Cambridge Theatre)
Disney’s The Lion King: Experience the breathtaking visuals and puppetry of this classic musical adaptation. (Lyceum Theatre)
Disney’s Hercules: The beloved animated film bursts onto the stage as a dazzling, gospel-infused new musical, perfect for high-energy family fun. (Theatre Royal Drury Lane)
My Neighbour Totoro: The spectacular and critically acclaimed adaptation of the Studio Ghibli classic returns, featuring giant puppets and magical visuals. (Gillian Lynne Theatre)

Starlight Express: Back in London after 40 years, this immersive production puts the audience in the heart of the action with performers on roller skates. (Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre)
Magical Merlin: A one-hour, family-friendly show promising a spellbinding mix of magic, songs, and dancing, designed specifically for the school holidays. (St. Martin’s Theatre)

The Sadler’s Wells venues host a range of exciting, family-focused dance performances and workshops:

Chotto Desh (Akram Khan Company): A beautiful, much-loved dance-theatre piece for the whole family (Ages 7+). It tells a wondrous, cross-cultural tale of a young man’s journey from Bangladesh to Britain, blending contemporary dance, storytelling, and stunning animation.
- Where: Sadler’s Wells East
- Dates: Thursday 30 October – Saturday 1 November 2025 (with multiple matinees)
- Bonus: Look out for the accompanying Family Dance Workshop to get a hands-on taste of the show!
Ichi Ni San – Club Ninja: A high-energy, contemporary performance co-commissioned by Sadler’s Wells.
- Where: Lilian Baylis Studio
- Dates: Thursday 30 October – Saturday 1 November 2025
Family Freestyle: An interactive, fun dance session designed for younger children (Ages 2-4) and their parents or carers. (Sadler’s Wells Theatre)

Tales from Acorn Wood: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s lift-the-flap books come to life on stage, perfect for the smallest theatre-goers (Ages 1-6). (Lyric Hammersmith Theatre)
The Three Little Pigs: A fun family musical running at the Unicorn Theatre near Tower Bridge.
Wendy & Peter Pan: Jonathan Munby’s acclaimed RSC production of the classic tale. (Barbican Theatre)
Horrible Histories – Gorgeous Georgians & Vile Victorians: The popular production brings gruesome history and laughs to the stage (Ages 5+). (Rose Theatre)