West End Shows: A Great Night out for the Family

This year why not treat the kids to something a bit different; like a London theatre break.

Theme parks are busy, hot, and expensive. Visiting London's West End with the kids is cheaper than you might think, even when you include a hotel stay, and the theatre is certainly better for the soul than being spun around at a million miles an hour. This summer do something special, treat the kids to an unforgettable West End theatre experience.

To make sure your family trip to the theatre is a success we've compiled a list of the top family-friendly West End shows currently playing in London's Theatreland.

The Lion King
The Lion King is the best choice of West End show if your brood are fond of Timon, Pumbaa, and friends. 99.9% of children in the Western world are Disney fans of one sort or another so you can be pretty sure that the kids will enjoy themselves at this incredible London theatre spectacle.

The film's funny yet emotional story translates wonderfully to the West End stage and the kids will love the incredible costumes. From the giraffes on stilts to the African-inspired lion masks, the entire cast look amazing; ideal for keeping the attention of fidgety kids.

Billy Elliot
Older children and teens who are keen on dance or the 2000 film of the same name will adore Billy Elliot the London show. The original score works even better with a live cast and the uplifting score by Elton John creates an electric atmosphere at the Victoria Palace Theatre.

At almost three hours long, this show may require a little too much sitting still to keep under 12s entertained, but if you have older children or teenagers, it's an ideal choice for a London theatre break. Be aware though, that there is a fair bit of bad language.

Grease
Mums and dads, it's time to introduce your children to the musical phenomenon that is Grease. Since 1971 Grease has been tackling the sticky issues of teen pregnancy and gang culture through song. Lovely stuff.

With singalong hits including Summer Nights and the iconic Greased Lightning, Grease is a fun family musical which makes a great foundation for a London theatre break.

Legally Blonde
One for mums and daughters to visit together, Legally Blonde is a glittery, sugar-coated, pink explosion of a girly musical. Starring Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps' Sheridan Smith, it's a tongue-in-cheek musical filled with hilarious musical numbers, tiny dogs, and cheeky humour.

Teenage boys are unlikely to get into the spirit of Legally Blonde (though it's not unheard of) so this show makes a great addition to a girls' shopping trip/London theatre break.

Show and Stay offers the best hotel and theatre packages . Book your london theatre and hotel with us and choose from more than fifty Theatre trips. Customers can visit the Show and Stay website for more information.