My colleague Sarah and I had the great fortune to be in the auditorium for The Lion King yesterday evening, which, for us, marked the first time watching a show at full capacity in over 16 months. Before the curtain rose, producer Thomas Schumacher (President of Disney Theatrical) graced the stage to deliver an eloquent and rousing speech (as if the audience needed any more stimulation) and also praised the show’s crew. He revealed that last night’s performance was put in jeopardy just hours beforehand due to hydraulic failures, but fortunately the crew managed to save the day in the nick of time, allowing the celebrations to go ahead as planned. And celebrate we did, as the audience erupted every time a new character made their long-awaited return to the stage.

A special shout-out also goes to Kayi Ushe, who has previously appeared on the West End stage in The Book of Mormon and Motown The Musical and has also starred as Lola in the UK tour of Kinky Boots. Kayi made a triumphant debut last night in the role of Simba and we’re sure he’s set for a long future of leading roles ahead of him.

Following its 1997 Broadway premiere, The Lion King has been delighting theatregoers in London since October 1999 and will probably outlive us all. Featuring a dazzling array of theatrical styles from across the globe, direct from the ingenious mind of director and costume designer Julie Taymor, and the beloved musical numbers penned by Sir Elton John and Sir Tim Rice, The Lion King is as iconic today as it was over 20 years ago.

Check out our #BackOnStage experience in the video below.

You can grab your tickets for this iconic production through the link below!

Six 

Mixing Tudor history with the sparkling energy of pop music, Six is a blistering theatre experience. Framed as a no-holds-barred pop band, each of the six wives of King Henry VIII battle it out to become the new frontwoman of the group based on who Henry loved most. From Anne Boleyn’s love affair to Anne of Cleves’ 6 month long marriage, Six is the perfect way to get your kids interested in history, as well as being super fun.

Disney’s The Lion King

If your kids are fans of the Disney film Lion King, seeing Zazu, Simba and Pumbaa come alive on stage is an unforgettable experience. Up there with some of the best productions of this century, Disney’s The Lion King is a brilliant spectacle for families and has already entertained over 15 million theatregoers. Need something spectacular to get the blood rushing after lockdown? The Lion King is the perfect tonic for all the family. 

Matilda The Musical

Calling all Roald Dahl fans – we’ve got the perfect play for you. Matilda The Musical is based on Dahl’s famous children’s book, centering around the misadventures of Matilda Wormwood. After opening on the West End in 2011, the musical managed to snag seven Olivier Awards and has proven to be a box-office hit ever since. If your kids are big Dahl readers, Matilda The Musical is the production to watch with the family.

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

50 years ago, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s concept album around Joseph and his technicolour dreamcoat was an immediate success. Half a century on, the foundations of musical perfection clearly remain the same. The production is still going strong and is ready to kick off summer 2021 at the London Palladium. If you’re looking for a guaranteed good time with the family, you can’t go wrong with Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

Whether you’re a kid desperate to see your favourite characters come alive or a parent looking for a dose of nostalgia, The Tiger Who Came To Tea will make the whole family feel warm inside. Based on the classic children’s book by Judith Kerr OBE, the Olivier-nominated production is celebrating its 76th year on the West End circuit. Packed with sing-a-longs and interactive fun, The Tiger Who Came To Tea will satisfy every member of the family.

If (like us) your family can’t wait to sink into those comfy theatre seats once again, these top 5 family shows should be your go-to. Blow away those covid cobwebs with a trip to the theatre this summer! 

This week, we’re talking to Kayi Ushe who will be joining the cast of Disney’s The Lion King in the iconic role of Simba from 29 July at the Lyceum Theatre. Kayi joins the show having performed in The Book of Mormon, Motown The Musical and Crazy For You, as well as touring extensively as ‘Lola’ in Kinky Boots.

Grab a cuppa and settle down as we find out more about Kayi!

1. My route into theatre was…

A little unconventional. After Uni, I wanted to go to Drama school. So I sent off applications but while waiting I took myself to open auditions. Through those auditions I was introduced to an agent and by the time my applications had come back I was working in Fame the Musical touring Italy, and I’ve been learning on the job ever since!

2. My West End idol is…

No one person. I’m constantly bowled over by the tenacity, strength and talents of my peers both on and offstage.

3. My colleagues would describe me as…

A big kid and a total geek.

4. My favourite show present or past (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…

Jamie Lloyd’s Cyrano de Bergerac. A stunning piece of theatre that I haven’t stopped thinking about.

5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…

(Besides joining the Lion King!) is voicing King Rastakhan in World of Warcraft.

6. The hardest part about my job/role is…

That I haven’t yet started and cannot wait.

7. If I wasn’t an actor I would be…

A travelling photographer

8. Something people don’t know about me is…

I do a mean Pikachu impression.

9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…

“Comparison is the thief of joy” told to me by my father.

10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…

Your journey is your own. Live your truth and trust your instincts.

Channing Tatum and his co-producers are delighted to announce the full cast for Magic Mike Live, which will be returning to its London home of The Theatre at the Hippodrome Casino next Friday 21 May 2021, making it one of the first West End shows to reopen this year and the perfect way to celebrate the end of lockdown!

The cast for the revamped production of Magic Mike Live in London includes Daniel Blessing, Courtenay Brady, Jake Brewer, Harry Carter, Ellie Clayton, Hannah Cleeve, Matt Jordan, Charlie Knight, Mark Lace, Sophie Linder-Lee, Jack Manley, David Morgan, Theo Oloyade, Ross Sands, Josie Scamell, Manny Tsakanika and Aaron Witter.

All tickets are priced at £79.00 and £96.00 and will include complimentary bottomless Prosecco during the show; a limited and incredibly popular offer which must end on 1 August.  Tickets are selling quickly but there are still some great seats available and patrons are advised to visit the website for best availability.

Magic Mike Live will feature new songs and new dance sequences in a Covid-safe environment with a socially distanced audience. New VIP packages are also available at the time of booking that allow guests to extend their stay and take advantage of everything the Hippodrome Casino has to offer.

Conceived and co-directed by Channing Tatum, Magic Mike Live, which has already wowed over 200,000 people in London alone and almost 750,000 worldwide, is a large-scale, live production show based on the hit films Magic Mike and Magic Mike XXL, which opened at The Theatre at the Hippodrome Casino in London’s Leicester Square in November 2018.  Magic Mike Live has inspired a new television series on HBO Max, The Real Magic Mike, set to begin filming this summer.

From the bespoke entrance off Cranbourn Street, to the specially curated lounge and bar experience, to the cast of world-class performers, Magic Mike Live is a complete evening of unparalleled entertainment for guests aged 18 and up.  Audience members enter Magic Mike’s mythical club and marvel as a group of extraordinary artists from around the world perform a 360-degree dance and acrobatic spectacular in front of, behind, and above them.  Sexy dance routines intertwined with one-of-a-kind acts, are presented by a diverse cast of performers from around the world.

Magic Mike Live has become an international sensation since opening in Las Vegas in April 2017.  In addition to breaking box office records and performing to sold-out audiences in Las Vegas and London, the show premiered in Berlin in 2020 and the Australia national tour opened in Sydney in December 2020.

Keep your eyes peeled as tickets for Magic Mike will be available to purchase on Official London Theatre this week!

English National Opera offer free tickets to all under 21 years olds

A few years ago, English National Opera (ENO) made the headlines when they offered completely free tickets to Under 18’s for weekend performances in the balcony of the London Coliseum. Like many arts organisations, they are keen to keep broadening out their audience and this seemed a radical way of doing it: to do for young people what many of us had when we were young – a first opera experience from which one catches the opera or arts or “creative industries” bug.  Fortunately the scheme was a big success, something that was only possible thanks to the investment from the Arts Council and the DCMS.

English National Opera are today delighted to announce that they will be extending the scheme from next season by offering completely free tickets to all Under 21 year olds in the country. Not only that, they will be also be available for every single night performed, not just on weekends, and – significantly – they will be for every level of the theatre, from the Balcony to the most expensive seats in the Stalls.

Tickets are available from the 2nd June, when all tickets go on general release. Simply go to eno.org.

Additionally, ENO are also extending discounts for Under 35s across the entire auditorium (£35 in the Stalls, £25 in the Dress Circle, £15 in the Upper Circle) and, as ever, our cheapest seats (available for everyone, whatever your age) are frozen for another year at just £10.

Please help us to spread the word if you can and send on to anyone who might be interested or even shout about it on social media hash tagging #ENOUnder21s. ENO are determined to continue opening up this art form to as many people as possible and would love it if you could be part of that mission!

Disney’s The Lion King announces new cast members including a new Simba

The West End production of DISNEY’S THE LION KING will welcome 14 new members to its cast of over 50 actors, singers and dancers when it reopens its doors this summer. The award-winning landmark musical is set to return to the Lyceum Theatre on 29th July 2021, where the production has been seen by over 16 million people in the last two decades.

Londoner Kayi Ushe, will take on the iconic role of ‘Simba’. Kayi joins the show having performed in The Book of Mormon, Motown The Musical and Crazy For You, as well as touring extensively as ‘Lola’ in Kinky Boots.

Click below to read the full story!

The newcomers join a uniquely international company from 17 countries around the world, led by George Asprey as Scar, David Blake as Banzai, Janique Charles as Nala, Gugwana Dlamini as Rafiki, Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa, Gary Jordan as Zazu, Jamie McGregor as Timon, Melone M’Kenzy as Shenzi and Mark Roper as Pumbaa.

Londoner Kayi Ushe, will take on the iconic role of ‘Simba’. Kayi joins the show having performed in The Book of Mormon, Motown The Musical and Crazy For You, as well as touring extensively as ‘Lola’ in Kinky Boots.

THE LION KING also welcomes Phil Adèle, who will make his West End debut in the role of ‘Ed’, and new ensemble cast members from seven countries around the world: Gesztenye Botos, Reece Darlington-Delaire, Shak Gabbidon-Williams, Ryesha Higgs, Candice Holdford, Angela Marie Hurst, Duane Lamonte, Jane Carla Leynes, Deja Linton, Jonathan Lutwyche, Kearabetswe Mogotsi and Taela Yeomans-Brown.

Shak Gabbidon-Williams and Recce Darlington-Delaire previously played ‘Young Simba’ (Shak between 2007-2008 and Reece between 2008-2009) and have returned to the company years later as ensemble members. Angela Marie-Hurst and Deja Linton have both previously played ‘Young Nala’ (Angela in 2001 and Deja in 2009-10), now rejoining the show as ensemble members.

Since the premiere of Julie Taymor’s internationally celebrated stage adaptation on Broadway in 1997, THE LION KING has entertained more than 100 million theatregoers in 25 productions worldwide. When the show closed its doors on Sunday 15th March 2020 it was the West End’s best-selling stage production and the sixth longest-running West End musical of all time.

Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, THE LION KING has made theatrical history, with six productions worldwide running for 15 or more years.  The musical uses breathtaking masks and puppetry to create pure theatrical magic. At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba – the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands.

Click below to grab your tickets to see this iconic West End production.

The Lion King has announced that it will be making its return from 29 July. Grab your tickets to one of London’s best-loved shows here.

Kiln Theatre reopens its doors

For the first time since theatres closed on 16 March 2020, Kiln Theatre will re-open to share live performance with audiences with a season of work including three world premières – Reasons You Should(n’t) Love Me by Amy Trigg, NW Trilogy by Moira Buffini, Suhayla El-Bushra and Roy Williams, and The Wife of Willesden adapted by Zadie Smith from Chaucer’s The Wife of Bath, and a major revival of Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Ayad Akhtar’s The Invisible Hand.

Artistic Director of Kiln Theatre, Indhu Rubasingham, said today, “After a long hard year, it is with great excitement that we can finally announce a return to live performance on the stage at Kiln Theatre. What we are looking forward to most is welcoming audiences back into our building. We cannot wait to join together in the shared experience of powerful story telling – to come out of our isolation and to laugh, debate and cry in company. This year has convinced us, more than ever before, there is nothing like the power of theatre to unite us and enable us to share the experiences and complexities of our varied lived experiences.

 “It was important to us to bring new work to our audiences – to challenge and provoke new conversations. We’re opening our building with the world première of Amy Trigg’s Reasons You Should(n’t) Love Me – the winner of the inaugural The Women’s Prize for Playwriting, which we will partner with Ellie Keel, Paines Plough and 45North to present.

 “I will then return to my collaboration with the brilliant Ayad Akhtar with a major revival of his play The Invisible Hand – very much a play for the moment we have found ourselves inhabiting.

 “Later this year we will stage NW Trilogy – three new plays by three essential and heart-felt voices, Moira Buffini, Suhayla El-Bushra and Roy Williams, and directed by our Associates Taio Lawson and Susie McKenna; and completing the season is the world première of Zadie Smith’s The Wife of Willesden. With our partners at Brent 2020: Borough of Culture, we are thrilled to present these two major works which are truly born of our community. We are proud to offer this wealth of new work across this year to allow audiences to discover theatre and its possibilities afresh with new meaning of what we have experienced over the past twelve months.”

English National Ballet announces 2021-2022 season

Looking to the future with hope and optimism, English National Ballet’s 2021-2022 Season is a celebration of dance and its power to invigorate, inspire, and bring people together. Embracing both exciting new creations and the tradition of great classical ballet, the Company presents world premieres alongside perennial favourites.

English National Ballet’s Artistic Director, Tamara Rojo CBE said: “The past year has shown the determination, resilience and innovativeness of our Company. It has demonstrates the importance of the arts in gathering us together as a society, to share stories and to develop an understanding of, and empathy for, ourselves and others. Whilst the impact of the pandemic will continue to be felt for some time, I am pleased that today we are able to look ahead with optimism at better times to come. I cannot wait to share a Season of live performances and to once again hear the sounds of an audience slowly filling the auditorium and feel the energy build as we wait for the curtain to rise.”

Find out more about what’s on on English National Ballet’s website here.

Madame Morrible

Has there ever been a more horrible professor than Madame Morrible? As the headmistress of Shiz University’s Crage Hall in the box office smash Wicked, Madame Morrible is up there as one of the most loathsome villains in musical theatre. Conjuring cyclones and tricking students, thankfully Madame Morrible gets her just desserts at the end of the production as she’s marched to prison. If you haven’t seen this villain in the flesh – it’s time to book your tickets!

Scar 

Any ‘90s kid will resonate with the fear felt when Scar popped up on the screen, and there’s no doubt that the theatre production of The Lion King has matched the legacy of the film. Based loosely on the plot of Hamlet, Scar is the archetypal bad guy. With his conniving manipulation and disregard for life, Scar lives up to expectations on the big stage as one of the most despicable villains around. If you haven’t had a chance to see the production yet, make sure to book your tickets to see Disney’s The Lion King in the West End. 

Agatha Trunchbull

While we’re on the subject of horrible teachers, Agatha Trunchbull in Matilda the Musical is up there as one of the worst. This wicked antagonist was inspired by a ‘mean and loathsome woman’ from Roald Dahl’s childhood named Mrs Pratchett and has been scaring kids for decades. With a pathological hatred for pigtails and disgust for children, Miss Trunchbull is an example of a villain written perfectly for the stage. 

The Woman in Black

We couldn’t create a list of the ‘best’ bad guys in theatre without mentioning this spooky, unsettling and downright terrifying ghost. Written for the stage in 1987, The Woman in Black is a good old-fashioned ghost story that will test your nerves to the limit. The frightening but stunning set and character design of The Woman in Black theatre production is the perfect foundation for one of the most terrifying antagonists in any play. 

Ramses

The Prince of Egypt‘s Pharaoh Ramses is certainly a compelling villain. His pride and ambition to overshadow his father’s rule is inexplicably selfish as this comes at the expenses of other’s livelihoods. These traits, combined with his pure stubbornness, makes Ramses easily one of the top villains we to love to hate in theatre.

Fun, fiendish and frightening, villains are a huge part of why we love theatre. From one of Roald Dahl’s most evil villains in Matilda The Musical to the spectacle of Scar in The Lion King, the theatre is packed with a variety of top tier villains.

Following its opening at the Watermill Theatre, a critically acclaimed sell-out tour in 2019, a highly successful Christmas season at The Other Palace in 2019, a Grammy nomination and 3 Olivier Award nominations, Amélie The Musical arrives at the Criterion Theatre from 20 May.

Olivier-nominee Audrey Brisson (The Elephantom, Pinocchio and Pericles (National Theatre), The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk (Kneehigh), and The Grinning Man (Bristol Old Vic), will return to the role of ‘Amélie’.

Amélie secretly improvises small, but extraordinary acts of kindness discovering the possibilities around every corner and bringing happiness to those she encounters. When a chance at love comes her way, Amélie realises that to find her own contentment she’ll have to risk everything and say what’s in her heart. Experience this beautiful story and be inspired by this imaginative dreamer who discovers her voice, uncovers the power of human connection and sees possibility around every corner.

The five – time Oscar®-nominated film will be brought to life by a cast of actor-musicians and set to a critically acclaimed re-orchestrated score. With music by Hem’s Daniel Messé, lyrics by Nathan Tysen and Daniel Messé and book by Craig Lucas, this musical adaptation of the five-time Oscar®-nominated film written by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Guillaume Laurant, is directed by Michael Fentiman.

The producers acknowledge that all current government guidelines will be adhered to in terms of Covid security, and they will keep them under constant review. The seating plan at the Criterion has been designed to facilitate social distancing. The box office system is responsive to demand and will automatically auto-distance seats during the booking process to ensure a minimum 1 metre space between patrons until such a time that social distancing is no longer a legal requirement.

Louis Hartshorn, CEO of Hartshorn-Hook Productions, said, “Amélie is about kindness, distance and human connection, and resonates deeply with what we have all been through over the last year. We’re very excited to be bringing this beautiful production to the West End and contributing to the reopening of the theatre industry. We thank the Arts Council and DCMS for the support of the Culture Recovery Fund and our hard working producing and creative teams for their passionate and careful work to bring our shows back to the stage.”

The original film, Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain, was released in 2001, starring Audrey Tautou and Matthieu Kassovitz. Taking over $33 million in a limited theatrical release, it remains the highest-grossing French-language film released in the United States, and one of the biggest international successes for a French film.

Keep your eyes peeled as tickets for Amélie The Musical will be coming to Official London Theatre very soon!

Pretty Woman: The Musical now on sale!

After breaking advance box office records at the Piccadilly Theatre when it opened in February 2020, the smash hit feel-good PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL returns to the West End this Summer in its new home the Savoy Theatre, with performances from 8 July 2021 and tickets are now available on Official London Theatre, right here. 

The show will star Aimie Atkinson (Six, In The Heights, Legally Blonde) as ‘Vivian Ward’ and Danny Mac (White Christmas, Sunset Boulevard, Amelie) as ‘Edward Lewis’. They are joined by are Rachael Wooding as ‘Kit De Luca’, Bob Harms as ‘Happy Man/Mr Thompson’, Neil McDermott as ‘Philip Stuckey’ and Mark Holden as ‘James Morse’.

Featured in the musical is Roy Orbison and Bill Dee’s international smash hit song ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ which inspired one of the most beloved romantic comedy films of all time. PRETTY WOMAN the film (produced by Arnon Milchan – New Regency Productions) was an international smash hit when it was released in 1990.

If you enjoyed the movie or are a hopeless romantic, this brilliant musical brings to life one of Hollywood’s most famous love stories on stage! Check out the amazing trailer above and book your tickets so that you can have something to look forward to.

Tickets for Disney’s The Lion King on sale tomorrow

London’s landmark musical, Disney’s The Lion King will reopen in the West End on 29th July and tickets will be on sale right here at Official London Theatre tomorrow!

The world-famous production will be returning to the Lyceum Theatre, its London home for more than two decades, where the production has been seen by over 16 million people. Since the premiere of Julie Taymor’s internationally celebrated stage adaptation on Broadway in 1997, THE LION KING has entertained more than 100 million theatregoers in 25 productions worldwide. When the show closed its doors on Sunday 15th March 2020 it was the West End’s best-selling stage production and the sixth longest-running West End musical of all time.

If you’re yet to see this iconic show, be sure to visit back tomorrow for tickets!

And if you’d like to find out what other shows you can enjoy in London this year, we’ve put together a rolling list with all the latest. Check it out!

Since the premiere of Julie Taymor’s internationally celebrated stage adaptation on Broadway in 1997, THE LION KING has entertained more than 100 million theatregoers in 25 productions worldwide. When the show closed its doors on Sunday 15th March 2020 it was the West End’s best-selling stage production and the sixth longest-running West End musical of all time.

The London cast of over 50 actors, singers and dancers are thrilled to return to the Lyceum  stage. Shaun Escoffery who plays Mufasa said: “We are so excited to finally have a date that we will be able to perform for audiences again. At THE LION KING we have always considered ourselves to be one big family, and to be coming back together after being separated for so long will be a truly happy moment. We cannot wait to be back on stage. When the opening bars of Circle of Life play out, I don’t believe there will be a dry eye anywhere in the theatre.”

Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, THE LION KING has made theatrical history with six productions worldwide running 15 or more years.  The musical uses breathtaking masks and puppetry to create pure theatrical magic. At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba – the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands.

Plans to reopen THE LION KING at the Lyceum Theatre on 29 July 2021 have been made in accordance with the Government’s latest directives, are therefore subject to change and are made on the understanding that social distancing guidelines will be withdrawn to allow full capacity audiences. The live entertainment industry continues to seek support for contingency insurance to be made available in the event of any further unscheduled closures as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

You can grab your tickets on Official London Theatre from Wednesday 30 March, so add your reminders and don’t miss out!

101 Dalmatians

Any true ‘90s kid knows that a 101 Dalmatians Musical would hit that nostalgic sweet spot. With an evil villain, a colourful array of characters and a classic plot, the film ticks all the right boxes for the big stage. Thankfully, if you want to catch Cruella de Ville at a theatre near you, you won’t have to wait long! A 101 Dalmatians musical is already in the works, thanks to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and we wait (im)patiently for an update on the opening! With music and lyrics written by Douglas Hodge, we’re sure 101 Dalmatians will be a spotless Disney delight.

The Emperor’s New Groove

Set in the depths of the Inca Empire, an Emperor’s New Groove was released in 2000 to critical acclaim. While the film might be one of the less popular Disney classics, we think the hilarious script, exciting jungle setting and animal cast would fit the stage like a glove.

Also, the brilliantly devilish Yzma and her dim-witted henchman Krunk is musical theatre through and through. Bringing the Peruvian jungle alive on the big stage makes sense for a much-loved, cult Disney film.

Tarzan

The 1999 animated Tarzan film is an untouchable classic in the Disney Hall of Fame. If the Lion King theatre production was a box office hit, why can’t Tarzan get his time in the spotlight? Having played on Broadway and nominated for a Tony Award, we’d love to see Tarzan swinging his way to a theatre stage near us.

With the tropical jungle environment and heart-warming plot, we’re sure Tarzan and Jane starring in a musical extravaganza would satisfy the romantic tropes of a feel-good musical and suit the stage perfectly.

Frozen 2

Young or old, you’ve probably had the melody to ‘Let It Snow’ stuck in your head at least a few times since 2013. If you’ve been lucky enough to see the musical in New York, you’ll understand why there’s such a buzz around the brand new production.

After a glistening few years on Broadway, Frozen is finally making its way to the West End this year. The much-awaited production will be opening at the new Theatre Royal Drury Lane (following an extensive 2-year refurbishment) and features a star-studded cast, including Samantha Barks (Elsa), Stephanie McKeon (Anna), Obioma Ugoala (Kristoff), Craig Gallivan (Olaf), Oliver Ormson (Hans) and more.

To give you a little taster of what’s to come, we’ve got some exclusive videos with the cast including interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and more!

While we can’t wait for the Frozen West End production to arrive on these shores, we think it could be just the tip of the iceberg. Frozen 2 arrived in 2019 and we’ve already got our fingers crossed that a sequel is in the works for a theatre production.

Moana

There’s no doubt that Moana was the best Disney film of the ‘10s – ‘You’re Welcome’ is already a classic Disney song! The story follows Moana, the daughter of a Polynesian chief, on a mission to reunite a mystical relic with the goddess Te Fiti. With the beauty of the sea-theme providing a huge source for stage production inspiration, this modern Disney film would make a truly thrilling theatre experience. We’re hoping the coast is clear for Moana to make her dramatic entrance onto the big stage in the near future.

Disney films have always taken huge inspiration from theatre productions, so we’re sure that all these films would be box-office-dynamite. We’ve got our fingers crossed that these classic Disney tales will be wowing London audiences sooner rather than later.

Booking advance tickets is a great way to support theatres at the moment, and you can get a date in the diary to get excited about! And because we know it’s important to have flexibility in these times, we stand by our ‘Book with Confidence. Exchange with Ease‘ pledge.

You can also look out for our See It Safely mark which means you can feel confident the show you are booking for is Covid-secure and following the latest Government guidance for live arts events. In case you have any questions, we’ve popped together a handy guide to Everything you need to know for your next theatre trip.

Whether you’re looking for debut plays or classic West End shows reopening for us all to enjoy once again, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this list. Theatre is nothing without its audiences and we are thrilled to welcome our you back! Please show your support by sharing your theatre experiences using #BackOnStage.

Shows playing up to 19 July:

All of these shows will be playing with social distancing measures in place.

[priced-shows-grid title=”” columns=”2″ reopening-or-opening-start-date=”2021-05-17″ reopening-or-opening-end-date=”2021-07-18″]

Shows playing from 19 July onwards:

Here are the shows we can confirm will be going ahead later in the year.

[priced-shows-grid title=”” columns=”2″ reopening-or-opening-start-date=”2021-07-19″]

In a series of eight brand new videos, you’ll be able to watch half an hour of exclusive performances, cast Q & As and more from some of your favourite West End shows.

These shows were available on the MySky app throughout August and September but now they will be available to watch for free on our Official London Theatre YouTube channel.

The first episode to go live on our channel will be The Prince Of Egypt, on Friday 4 September.

The following shows will go live on our channel as  below:

Wicked – 11 Sep, 12pm
Disney’s The Lion King – 18 Sep, 12pm
Only Fools and Horses The Musical – 25 Sep, 12pm
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical – 2nd Oct, 12pm
Matilda The Musical – 9 Oct, 12pm
The Play That Goes Wrong – 16 Oct, 12pm
Harry Potter and The Cursed Child – 23 Oct, 12pm

Society of London Theatre, which runs Official London Theatre, continues to campaign on behalf of the sector to save our theatres as it is only when the West End is reopen that we can fully play our part in our national economic recovery.

We are committed to working with our partners to explore ways to support the sector during this period, and this collaboration allows us to continue to create unique content for our audiences, as well as providing paid work while theatres remain sadly closed.

We partnered with Sky to produce Virtual West End LIVE 2020, in which we produced a series of videos crammed with unique performances and Q&As from Sky customers. You can find the full playlist on our YouTube channel!

Sky customers can access the new series by registering on the My Sky app. If they aren’t a Sky VIP already, they can join for free on the My Sky app.

What’s more, if you’re still struggling to get your mum the present she really deserves this Mother’s Day, why not treat her to some super cute Theatre Tokens? Theatre Tokens can be used at more than 260 venues across the country and have no expiry date. Support the theatre industry while bagging mum a great gift – it’s a win-win!

Donna Sheridan – Mamma Mia!

Liv – Communications Manager:

“For me, Donna is the ultimate fun mum. She’s impulsive, adventurous and has a great sense of humour – not to mention she really made the most of her youth! She’s also independent and entrepreneurial, making her an amazing role model for her daughter Sophie, who she brought up alone. Her long-lasting friendships with Tanya and Rosie prove she’s fiercely loyal, plus a supportive fellow girl band member (go, Donna and the Dynamos!). Finally, Donna is a doting mother to Sophie (who didn’t shed a tear at Slipping Through My Fingers?), who she teaches to be just as headstrong as her.”

Elizabeth Schuyler – Hamilton

Tony – Marketing Coordinator:

“Elizabeth Schuyler has to be the most impressive mum on the West End right now. Not only did she raise seven children of her own, often while her husband was away fighting wars and winning rap battles as we see in the show, she also adopted a daughter. Adopting inspired her to co-found New York’s first private orphanage, to help children without parents, which is still active today.”

Fantine – Les Misérables

Erin – Marketing & Communications Administrator:

“Fantine stands out to me as an outstanding theatre mum because of her resolute dedication to bettering the life of her daughter Cosette. By making the ultimate act of self-sacrifice for her child, she gifts Cosette the life she dreamed of for herself. She’s also very strong-willed and isn’t afraid to stand up for herself and what she believes in.”

Nurse – & Juliet

Jess – Social Media Manager:

“Nurse in & Juliet is more of a mum to Juliet than her actual mum ever is. She looks out for Juliet as a person rather than just her prospects or future, and treads the line carefully between encouraging her independence and keeping her safe. But, as we all know, mums and mum figures need a day off too, and Nurse isn’t afraid to have her own fun and pursue her own dreams too!” It’s your last chance to book before the show closes on 25 March.

Miss Honey – Matilda The Musical

Kitty – Content Coordinator:

“For me, Miss Honey is the West End’s best mum. She believes in Matilda to such an extent that she puts aside her own fears to stand up for her. She nurtures and encourages Matilda far more than her parents, assuring her that she is special and that her extraordinary intelligence is nothing to be ashamed of – the total opposite of what Matilda is used to hearing! Her love for Matilda, as well as her capability as a teacher, is even more admirable in the knowledge that she hasn’t experienced much love herself.”

Sarabi – Disney’s The Lion King

Yasmin – Content Administrator:

“Although Sarabi doesn’t feature too heavily in the show, she is still my favourite West End mum. Her resolve in the face of her husband’s death and son’s disappearance deserves far more credit than it gets! She is an amazing role model for the remainder of the pride, who she continues to lead with dignity and grace – despite the awful circumstances they must endure. She also stands up to the dictatorial Scar, insisting that the pride must leave their beloved Pride Rock (which of course she doesn’t want to) if they are to survive. All in all, a pretty gritty lioness!”

Rob’s Mum – My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?)

Richard – Senior Commercial Manager:

“Rob’s Mum – along with their Dad and Grandparents – shows just what a supportive, encouraging mother can do for a child’s creativity. She embraced Rob’s Disney parades, puppet shows and recreations of Mary Poppins which in turn has led to this heart-warming, joyous play about the celebration of raising a queer child.”

Hermione Granger – Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Megan – Senior Marketing Manager:

“Hermione carries herself with a decisive, strong and kind manner. Her and Ron are the ideal parenting duo! She always manages to problem solve and keep the peace, given the weird and wonderful action that goes on in the Wizarding World. You’ve got to see the show yourself and experience the magic.”

To help you decide, here’s our pick of the best shows to catch with the kids this half term.

& Juliet

Told through some of the most famous songs from the noughties, including hits from Ariana Grande, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, & Juliet is a timely yet timeless tale that picks up where Romeo And Juliet ends.

As Romeo lies poisoned, Juliet awakens, picks up the dagger and… decides to live! Follow the adventure of a young independent woman as she sets off to Paris in this hilarious comical romance all about self-discovery.

Guaranteed to have you boppin’ all the way through, this new jukebox musical playing at Shaftesbury Theatre is guaranteed to be a hit with the kids.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

This hilarious, sassy and super inspiring musical is based on the true story of a 16-year-old boy called Jamie who is very different from others on his council estate.

Packed with showstopping numbers, glitter and beautiful red heels, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie tells the tale of bravery, overcoming adversary and fabulousness.

It’ll have you clapping, singing and standing on your feet with applause, so go ahead and pop along to the Apollo Theatre for this unmissable show!

Matilda The Musical

If you enjoyed Roald Dahl’s much-loved book and movie, the globally renowned Matilda The Musical from Tim Minchin and the Royal Shakespeare Company is well worth a watch.

Head over to the Cambridge Theatre to follow the story of Matilda, a child-genius who, despite having hideous parents, excels intellectually but also with her new-found super magical talents!

Winner of over 90 international awards, including 23 for Best Musical, this hilarious and heartwarming adaption is a West End classic that is sure to be a hit with children and adults alike.

School Of Rock – The Musical

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Olivier Award-winning screen-to-stage adaptation of School Of Rock – The Musical is guaranteed to leave you and your little ones rocking out at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.

When wannabee rock star Dewey Finn finds an opportunity to pose as a substitute teacher at a prep school, he soon discovers that his students have some incredible hidden musical talents. Enrolling his fifth-graders into the competition, The Battle Of The Bands, can he carry out the task without the parents and the school’s headmistress finding out?

Featuring some of the nations finest pint-sized rock star prodigies, this drum-rolling, guitar-bashing celebration of rock will put a smile on your faces this half term. And if you need another reason to book, the show will be closing on 1 March, and you definitely wouldn’t want to miss out. 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

For any Harry Potter fan, this show is the ultimate half term treat!

Playing at the Palace Theatre, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and follows the story of Harry, who is now an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic and a husband and father of three little ones. As the past and present collide, Harry and his youngest son Albus learn that sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

As the most awarded West End play in the history of the Olivier Awards and the first Harry Potter story to be presented on stage, this magical show is an absolute hoot! Presented in two parts, the show provides you with the perfect opportunity to explore Theatreland in between the shows. Check out our plan your visit page which has lots of handy information as well as some exclusive dining and attraction deals for Official London Theatre customers.

Go ahead, wave that wand and purchase those tickets… After all, this is guaranteed to get you some brownie points!

Mary Poppins

Based on the best-loved books and original beloved Disney movie, this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious multi-award-winning musical tells a story about the world’s favourite nanny who, upon arriving in Cherry Tree Lane, changes the lives of the dysfunctional Banks family. 

Seen by over 12 million people worldwide, and featuring breathtaking choreography, unforgettable songs and magical effects, Mary Poppins tell an enchanting story of family and friendship.

Playing at the Prince Edward Theatre, this iconic stage adaption is sure to sweep the whole family away. With tickets flying off the shelves everywhere the production goes, it’s worth snapping up tickets to see it this half term. 

The Prince Of Egypt

If your little one is a fan of the DreamWorks animation (who isn’t?), they’ll be thrilled to see this brand new production spring to life on stage.

Step into the Dominion Theatre where you will be transported to the shifting sands of Ancient Egypt where two young men who have grown up as brothers in a kingdom of privilege. When a secret path is discovered, they find themselves divided – one must rule as Pharaoh, and the other must free his true people.

Featuring music and lyrics by the renowned Stephen Schwartz (Wicked), follow the journey of the brothers who face a destiny that will change their worlds – and history – forever.

Opening this month and set to be high in demand, be the first to check out this beautiful production of The Prince Of Egypt which we are sure will become a West End favourite.

Wicked

Take a walk along the yellow brick road and step into the Apollo Victoria Theatre where the magical untold story of the Witches of Oz is told in the West End’s hugely popular musical, Wicked.

Celebrating 13 years in the West End, Wicked tells the story of the unlikely but profound friendship between the blonde, popular Glinda, and the misunderstood, shy, green Elphaba. When they encounter the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, they find themselves fulfilling their destines as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Packed with humour, storming songs and stunning costumes, this spellbinding musical is sure to magic away any winter blues!

Be More Chill

The weird and wonderful Be More Chill is arriving at The Other Palace just in time for the half term holidays!

Complete with a nostalgic Tony Award-winning 80’s-sounding score, the musical is a love story between a girl who just wants to be noticed, a boy who is desperate to fit in, and the supercomputer inside his head who just wants to… take over the world.

Moving from Broadway to the West End in only a few years, and with a film adaption currently in development, this tale about teenage awkwardness, AI and free is a winning formula for kids!

Disney’s The Lion King

And last but definitely not least is the iconic stage adaption of Disney’s The Lion King.

This all-time favourite is now in its 20th year and transports audiences at the Lyceum Theatre to the majestic Serengeti occupied by lions, giraffes, birds, zebras, hyenas and even a stampede of wildebeest!

The famous Circle Of Life offers audiences one of the most incredible sights and atmospheres in the West End before exploring the much-loved story of Simba and his journey to becoming the King Of Pride Rock. With beloved music and lyrics combined with spectacular staging, this astounding spectacle is sure to be the talking point of the half term holiday, so go ahead and book those tickets now. 

Following a hugely successful year in the West End – including receiving Best Supporting Actress nominations at the Olivier and WhatsOnStage Awards – Rachek will perform for the last time in the West End show on Saturday 8 February. She will then go on to take over the roles of Beverley, Annette and others from Becky Gulsvig at Broadway’s Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre from Tuesday 3 March 2020.

Come From Away is a beautifully joyous and uplifting musical that tells the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded air passengers during the wake of 9/11, and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed, and nerves ran high, but as uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. If you want to catch a last chance to see Rachel (and the brand new cast lineup!) in this multi-award winning musical at Phoenix Theatre, book your tickets now!

The multi-award-winning Disney’s The Lion King today announced it’s February half-term performances playing at the Lyceum Theatre.

If you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids over the school break, Disney’s The Lion King is sure to be a hit.

After 22 landmark years on Broadway, the much-loved show continues to hold its place as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its premiere on 13 November 1997, 25 global productions have been seen by more than 100 million people! Performed in nine different languages and having played over 100 cities in 20 countries on every continent except Antarctica, Disney’s The Lion King is showing no signs of stopping any time soon!

Check out the schedule below and then click the link below to find out all you need to know about this iconic West End musical.

February half-term performances will take place on:

Tuesday 18 February at 7.30pm
Wednesday 19 February at 2.30pm
Wednesday 19 February at 7.30pm
Thursday 20 February at 2.30pm
Thursday 20 February at 7.30pm
Friday 21 February at 7.30pm
Saturday 22 February at 2.30pm
Saturday 22 February at 7.30pm
Sunday 23 February at 2.30pm

We are super excited to announce that Richard Gadd’s Baby Reindeer is coming to the West End with tickets are now on sale!

Following its award-winning sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Bush Theatre, Richard’s one-man show will play at the Ambassadors Theatre from 2 April – 2 May.

When award-winning comedian Richard Gadd offers a stranger a free cup of tea, he has no idea of the nightmare that is about to come. In this smash-hit play, audiences will follow the story of how one act of kindness plunged Richard into six years of relentless stalking and harassment.

Richard Gadd said: “Baby Reindeer has been one of the most challenging, yet rewarding experiences of my life. With an incredible team behind me, I have pushed myself to ridiculous limits in a show I find incredibly hard to say and do. The show is about the past six years of my life. An incredibly complicated, messy, confusing, and ultimately challenging period of time at the hands of a serial stalker hell-bent on ruining my life. It is a period of my life that I still look back on to this day with much unease. How did it get as bad as it did? How was it allowed to go on for so long? Why was there no help for me? I feel a moral duty to let people know the terrifying reality of going through something like this. I am absolutely delighted to be in the West End at such a prestigious venue like the Ambassadors. It is all a dream come true.”

Check out the gallery of images below, but don’t wait too long to book your tickets as this unmissable play is playing for a strictly limited season only!

To celebrate two decades of delighting over 16 million theatregoers on the West End, The Lion King is holding a red carpet gala performance on Saturday 19 October at the Lyceum Theatre in support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Royal Academy of Music.

With the original score for the Lion King written by musical legend Elton John, Disney Theatrical Productions proudly supports the Elton John AIDS foundation. The foundation works to combat stigma, prevent infections, provide treatment and services, and motivate governments to end AIDS.

The Elton John foundation raises funds for evidence-based programs and policies, and speaks out with honesty and compassion about the realities of people’s lives. Over the last quarter century the foundation has raised more than $450 million globally to fund their goals.

Disney Theatrical Productions also supports a promotion of diversity in musical theatre through its scholarships at the Royal Academy of Music. The Royal Academy of Music has been training musicians to the highest professional standards since its foundation in 1822.

In a collaborative effort to redress the under-representation of BAME performers in musical theatre, Disney Theatrical Productions has offered seven scholarships to the Academy’s Musical Theatre MA course over the last two years to students from a diverse backgrounds.

To coincide with their 20th anniversary, the musical is also setting off on a second UK and Ireland tour.

Tickets are now on sale to The Lion King’s red carpet gala performance on the 19 October. Guests will receive a complimentary welcome drink as well as a souvenir 20th anniversary brochure to remember this very special evening. The dress code is formal, so brush off your fancy shoes and get ready for a magical night in aid of two incredible causes.

To help you choose where to go, we’ve picked a few restaurants your kids will love that are close to Kids Week shows.

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Caffe Concerto, Haymarket

Nearby shows: The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Where Is Peter Rabbit? and The Phantom Of The Opera.

The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Where Is Peter Rabbit? and The Phantom Of The Opera. Four shows that are worlds apart but the Criterion, Harold Pinter, Her Majesty’s and Haymarket theatres sure aren’t. If you’re planning to burn some extra calories laughing by watching The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, feel peckish after seeing Peter nibble carrots or feel like eating your emotions after seeing Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, why not consider visiting Caffe Concerto? They serve delicious Italian food so you can have a proper meal which doesn’t involve nuggets and your little one can have a yummy dish that they’ll love. Kids can choose a free meal from a set menu, plus a drink when an adult purchases a main course. Or, if you’d prefer, you can get 15% off your bill. Just be warned, there’s a lot of cake on display at Caffe Concerto so be ready to either say no or embrace the sugar rush.

If you’re looking for something a bit more casual, Planet Hollywood is also a great shout and offers 20% off food, soft drinks and merchandise when you show your theatre tickets. Or Riley’s Haymarket who also offers 20% off your food bill.

Maxwell’s, Covent Garden

Nearby shows: The Girl On The Train, Brainiac Live, The Night Of The Iguana and On Your Feet

If you’re a regular theatre-goer, you’ve probably visited St Martin’s Lane more times than you can count. And this Kids Week will just keep racking up those visits as there are loads of shows on offer on the famous theatre road. If you’re planning on seeing The Girl On The Train at the Duke Of York’s Theatre, Brainiac Live at the Garrick Theatre, The Night Of The Iguana at the Noël Coward Theatre, or On Your Feet at the London Coliseum, Maxwell’s could very well be your saving grace when you have a hungry child in tow.

Serving hearty, all-American grub, Maxwell’s will be an absolute hit with your kid. From creamy mac and cheese to finger-licking ribs, this diner-style restaurant will fast become their favourite – so be ready to visit time and again. Kids can enjoy a free main course when they accompany an adult who has a full price main.

If burgers aren’t quite your thing, Bella Italia is just on the corner of St Martin’s Lane and Garrick Street where you can get 20% off your food bill from Sunday to Friday. Or Palm Court, which offers authentic French cuisine, is a short walk away and offers 25% off your food bill when you order off the a la carte menu.

Talli Joe, Seven Dials

Nearby shows: The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ – The Musical, The Mousetrap and Matilda

A new musical and London’s longest-running play sit next to each other just off Seven Dials. And if you’re planning on seeing either The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ – The Musical or The Mousetrap – or managed to snap up tickets to Matilda – there’s a brilliant restaurant serving traditional flavours in a unique way.

Talli Joe sits on Shaftesbury Avenue, just moments away from West Street. It’s a casual eatery which has been featured on the Best Indian Restaurants in London by Evening Standard, Best Restaurants in London by Conde Nast Traveller, and Time Out’s Best 100 dishes lists. It serves small plates and half plates which showcase tastes from all over India and it’s a great way to introduce new foods to both your palette and your little one. You can either get 15% off your food bill when you order off the a la carte menu between 5pm and 7pm Monday to Saturday or enjoy a set menu for £15 between 5pm and 6.30pm and from 9.30pm.

If you don’t mind a wee walk, inamo Covent Garden is just five minutes away and your kids will LOVE it. It serves pan Asian food which you order on the interactive tables. The tables also have games, a kitchen cam and more to keep your youngun entertained. Kids can get a free dessert when they order a dish and a drink from the a la carte menu.

Shoryu, Soho

Nearby shows: Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – Part Four, Thriller Live, The Gruffalo, and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Just like St Martin’s Lane, Shaftsbury Avenue is a haven for theatre lovers. With Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – Part Four, Thriller Live, The Gruffalo, and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, chances are you might be trotting down the glitzy street over the next few weeks. And while you’re there, you may as well visit Shoryu.

Serving up authentic ramen which has been simmered for 12 hours, you and your child can enjoy a comforting and filling meal which will curb any tummy rumbles during the show. And if you think it’s too hot for soup, Shoryu also serves fluffy, melt-in-the-mouth bao buns, sushi, rice dishes and more. You can save 20% off ramen dishes and the a la carte menu.

Bodean’s, Covent Garden

Nearby shows: Waitress, The Woman In Black, The Play That Goes Wrong, 9 To 5 The Musical, Disney’s The Lion King and Mamma Mia

Hailing to the east of Theatreland lies Waitress, The Woman In Black, The Play That Goes Wrong, 9 To 5 The Musical, Disney’s The Lion King and Mamma Mia!. If your kid is lucky enough to be seeing any of these giant shows, they’ll need a giant meal, too.

Offering Kansas City-style barbecue, Bodean’s is a meat-lovers dream. Discover the true flavour of an all-American grill with all the fixins. As well as ribs, chicken, burnt ends, pulled pork and more, there’s also a wide selection of salads, sides (include cornbread muffins), and even veggie options. With your theatre ticket, you can get 20% off both your food and drink bill.

If a full-on BBQ is just too much for a pre- or post-theatre meal, then why not try Farmstand, Savoy Grill, Boulevard Brasserie or Roka? All offer great offers and even better food.

There are plenty of other restaurants offering meal deals with your theatre tickets. Click here to find the whole list.

Still don’t have your Kids Week tickets? Don’t worry! There are still plenty available. There are even some activities left for your kids to take part in, too.

Please note that terms and conditions apply to each restaurant booking and offer and some of the Kids Week shows mentioned are now sold out.

Opening up next week (Tuesday 23 July) at 21 Long Acre, Covent Garden, WC2E 9LD – right in the heart of Theatreland – Disney’s West End Summer Pop-Up will hold a whole host of free interactive experiences and special events for all ages to enjoy.

New for this year’s experience are focuses on the Frozen musical – which will open at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 2020 – and Mary Poppins, which is returning to its original West End home, London’s Prince Edward Theatre, this autumn.

So if you’re looking for somewhere to chill out this summer, visit the Pop-Up experience to interact with the Frozen musical and strike a social media-worthy pose in a specially-created photo moment. And you better brush up on your “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”es, because you’ll be put through your paces with Mary Poppins’ spelling challenge while you’re there.

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Looking to visit Pride Rock? You’re in luck – you can enjoy Circle Of Life, Disney’s The Lion King’s famous opening number, in fully immersive 360-degree virtual reality. You’ll also be able to learn all about the award-winning costumes, masks and puppets which are central to the show, getting up-close and personal to learn about the inspiration behind its world-class designs. And if you’re seeking a Whole New World of Aladdin fun, there’ll be its nostalgic charms in abundance – and possibly a Genie’s lamp or two…

There’s also a variety of free events taking place there daily, including exclusive performances and meets-and-greets with the casts of The Lion King and Aladdin, plus vocal and movement workshops led by Disney Theatrical Teaching Artists to get you fully immersed in the choreography. There’s even a Mary Poppins-inspired kite-making event in the programme.

The Summer Pop-Up will be open every day from Monday-Saturday 10.30am-7pm, and Sunday 11am-5pm, until Sunday 1 September 2019.

For more information, and to find the shop’s full schedule, visit the Disney website.

The scheme, founded to encourage more young people and families to experience the magic of live theatre, offers a free ticket to every child aged 16 or under accompanied by a full paying adult. Half-price tickets can also be purchased for two additional children in the same group. There are no booking, postage or transaction fees.

Alongside the performances, children are given the chance to get involved in free workshops and activities, with participating shows offering everything from choreography and magic workshops to cast Q&As and backstage tours. Kids Week ticket holders can also take advantage of ‘Kids Go Free’ deals on dining and hotels.

Kids Week is one of the biggest, longest-running audience development initiatives in the world, engaging around 1.6 million children and families since it began in 1998.

List of shows taking part in Kids Week 2019:

• 9 To 5 The Musical
• Disney’s Aladdin
• Aliens Love Underpants
• Brainiac Live
• Come From Away
• The Comedy About A Bank Robbery
• Dinosaur World Live
• Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
• The Falcon’s Malteser
• Fiddler On The Roof
• The Girl On The Train
• The Gruffalo
• Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – Part Four
• The Illusionists
• Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
• Legend Trippers
• Disney’s The Lion King
• Little Baby Bum Live
• Mamma Mia!
• Matilda The Musical
• Monstersaurus!
• The Mousetrap
• On Your Feet!
• Peter Pan
• The Phantom Of The Opera
• The Play That Goes Wrong
• School Of Rock – The Musical
• The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ The Musical
• Six
• Thriller Live
• Twirlywoos Live!
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
• Waitress
• Where Is Peter Rabbit?
• Wicked
• Witness For The Prosecution
• The Woman In Black
• The Worst Witch
• Zog

To find out more about Kids Week activities and deals, check out our Kids Week section. Kids Week tickets go on sale at 10am on Tuesday 11 June. 

Check out this list of shows to see during May half-term week, including productions that are putting on extra matinee performances just to help keep the kids entertained for a few more hours!

Disney’s Aladdin

With the live-action remake of Aladdin hitting the cinemas, now has never been a better time to have the magic of this Disney classic come to life in front of your very eyes!

This production features breath-taking sets, over 350 incredible costumes and mind-blowing special effects, you’ll feel like you’re really in Agrabah! Plus it features the absolute tunes of Friend Like Me and A Whole New World to bop along to!

And you don’t need a magic genie, connections to the Princess or a flying carpet to be part of the action, simply book a ticket to see the show right here on Official London Theatre!

Come From Away

Winners of four Olivier Awards, including Mastercard Best New Musical, Come From Away is a show not to be missed this half-term.

The show tells the incredible story of the 7,000 passengers who were grounded in Gander, Newfoundland following the 9/11 attacks. The people of Gander opened their homes, churches, schools and community centres, and took care of the “plane people” until the airspace opened again.

Not only is this an amazing story, but it’s also a fairly short musical, running at 1hr40 with no interval, so you won’t have to worry about keeping the kids entertained and in their seats during the break.

You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll immediately book a second trip to see the show so you can become an honorary islander again.

The Comedy About A Bank Robbery

Ideals for family members who are fond of slapstick and silliness, witness the worst criminals ever in The Comedy About A Bank Robbery.

Created by the same team who brought you The Play That Goes Wrong (who we’ll go onto shortly…), this ridiculous, spectacular show has everything you’d need in a comedy; mistaken identities, love triangles, and of course, a seagull.

Full of twists on genre tropes, and packed with daring set-pieces, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery is a hilarious showcase of slick theatrical inventiveness and hilarious, quip-filled wordplay. It’d be criminal to miss it!

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Going out of the darkness and into the spotlight, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is the uplifting story of teenager Jamie New, who wants to be a drag queen and wear a dress to his school prom.

Based on a true story (and inspired by the BBC documentary, Jamie: Drag Queen at 16), this show received five Olivier Award nominations last year, including Best Theatre Choreographer, Mastercard Best New Musical and Outstanding Achievement in Music.

Currently guest starring in the show is the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Bianca Del Rio as Jamie’s mentor, Hugo/Loco Chanel, and singer Faye Tozer as his teacher, Miss Hedge.

Disney’s The Lion King

If your family are fans of Disney’s The Lion King, you don’t need to get on a plane to experience the Serengeti, just book to see the stage show!

Bringing the well-loved Disney classic to the stage using incredible performers and exquisite puppetry that will have your jaw drop in disbelief, it’s not hard to see why this award-winning musical is now in its 20th year in the West End.

Featuring Elton John’s classic score, as well as some brand-new songs that you’ll be downloading on the way home, the whole family will be singing The Circle Of Life for the rest of half-term, but it’s totally worth it!

Mamma Mia!

Your kids may not have been born when ABBA were at the height of their success, in fact they may not have even been born when this musical first came out in 1999 (or even the movie version in 2008!), but it doesn’t mean they won’t still enjoy the absolute bangers that are in this show.

No one can resist dancing to the show’s score, including the hits “Dancing Queen” “Waterloo” and “Money, Money Money”. And if the music doesn’t inspire them, the eye-catching costumes will!

Matilda The Musical

The well-loved Roald Dahl story of Matilda, the little girl who loved to read, has been a huge success since it first arrived in the West End back in 2011. It’s won seven Olivier Awards, four Tony Awards, 86 international awards and stolen the hearts of thousands of audience members. The show is an anarchic, hilarious, heart-warming and ingenious adaptation of the classic Dahl tale.

The show’s music and lyrics come from award-winning, mischief-loving Australian musician and comedian Tim Minchin, with beloved songs including Naughty, Quiet, Revolting Children and School Song.

And what’s even better is there’s an extra matinee performance during half-term week, so there will be 2pm shows on both Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 May 2019.

The Play That Goes Wrong

We told you that we’d be mentioning this show, didn’t we!

In this Olivier-award winning show, the Cornley Polytechnic Drama is trying to put on a production. But the director is having the worst night of his life as he struggles with actors who don’t know their lines, falling sets, misplaced props and more! Anything and everything could go wrong in this show, and it always does!

School Of Rock – The Musical

For the kids who like to rock out on instruments rather than practice what their music teacher has told them to do, School Of Rock – The Musical is perfect.

Based on the Jack Black comedy of the same name, the show is about Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock-star who’s desperate for cash. He decides to lie about who he is, and his qualifications, to land a teaching job at a prestigious school. But when Dewey finds out the kids he teaches are also talented musicians, he decides to enter them in a battle of the bands’ contest. The musical features all of the original songs from the movie, alongside 14 new songs and music written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Glenn Slater.

The show features an incredibly talented group of children, who all play their instruments live on stage like the true rock stars they are.

Wicked

Think you know everything about the wicked witch from the Wizard Of Oz? Think again!

Based on the best-selling book, Wicked will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about the story of Oz. You’ll witness an alternative backstory of Elphaba, Glinda The Good and the residents of Oz themselves, and not everything is as it seems!

A winner of two Olivier Awards, Wicked is the 9th longest running musical in West End history, and has been seen by over 55 million people in more than 130 cities. Famous for its principal casts, the current West End Wicked cast includes Alice Fearn (Elphaba), Sophie Evans (Glinda) and David Witts (Fiyero).

For more shows to take the family to this half-term check out our theatre tickets page!