This week we caught up with Eve Norris, who plays Miss Honey in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical. Winner of over 100 international awards, including 24 for Best Musical, Matilda has been delighting audiences in London’s West End for more than 12 years!

1. My route into theatre was…

I went to Stagecoach almost every weekend from the age of 6 to 16 – that’s where I fell in love with performing.

2. My West End idol is…

It’s impossible to choose! Everyone I’ve worked with who can work hard and have fun, while not taking themselves too seriously.

3. My colleagues would describe me as…

‘Dry witted, intuitive and warm’ – according to Tiffany Graves (Mrs Wormwood) herself.

4. My favourite show is…

Amelie is one of my favourite films and watching it come to life with such beautiful music and performances was amazing. I was so inspired by the actor-musicians, all I can play is the triangle!

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

This role: playing Miss Honey in Matilda The Musical! I never thought I’d get the chance to play such a beautiful role – I’m still pinching myself.

6. The hardest part about my job is…

The job is great, it’s the in-between jobs that are hard.

7. If I wasn’t an actor, I would be…

Maybe a midwife. The older I get the more I realise it’s crazy that any of us exist at all – every new life is a miracle (yes I am quoting Matilda The Musical). How amazing it would be to help bring new life into this world!

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

I spent the day before our opening night baking 150 cookies. My flat smelled great for two days and it helped to distract me from my nerves.

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

Take the note.

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

Don’t listen to the negative voice in your head. It’s telling you your worst fears, not the truth!

Matilda The Musical is the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl. It is now playing at the Cambridge Theatre – book your tickets from just £23.00 through Official London Theatre.

An adaptation of the Olivier Award-winning musical. Matilda tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination, dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results. 

Alisha Weir will play Matilda, with Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey and Emma Thompson as Miss Trunchbull! Also starring Stephen Graham, Andrea Riseborough and Sindhu Vee.

The show is directed by Matthew Warchus, who also directed the stage musical. With book and lyrics by Tim Minchin and script by Dennis Kelly, based on the book by Roald Dahl.

Catch our interview with writer Tim Minchin here:

Watch the trailer for Netflix’s Matilda The Musical here:

This week we’re hearing from Sebastien Torkia and Annette McLaughlin who play Mr and Mrs Wormwood in The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical playing at the Cambridge Theatre. 

The multi Olivier Award-winning musical is based on Roald Dahl’s famous book which follows the adventures of a young girl named Matilda Wormwood, a child with an incredible talent for learning. Despite having hideous, uncaring parents who have no care in the world for their daughter or her education, Matilda excels and even discovers she has an incredibly magical talent. Whenever her parents are mean to her, Matilda teaches them a lesson, but can she do the same to her terrifying headmistress Miss Trunchball?

This show is brilliant for the family as it promises moment of anarchy, laughter and inspiration. Find out more about Sebastien and Annette in our interview below!

1. My role is…

Sebastien: I play Matilda’s dad, Mr Wormwood

Annette: Mrs Wormwood

2. My favourite thing about my roles are…

Sebastien: It’s always great fun playing a bad guy, but there’s a lot of comedy in this one, so that’s even better

Annette: Getting to work with the most extraordinary young performers.

3. My least favourite thing about my role is…

Sebastien: How can I answer that? I get to fool around on stage every night and ride a scooter! I guess my least favourite thing is that I don’t get to be one of the kids in the song Revolting

Annette: Having to wear 4 pairs of tights at the top of the show.

4. The show is perfect for families to enjoy because…

Sebastien: Adults will enjoy it just as much as the children, and there’s no way you won’t all leave the theatre with a spring in your step.

Annette: The WHOLE family will love it. I personally guarantee this.

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

Sebastien: I speak three languages

Annette: I’m a pretty good footballer.

6. My earliest memories of theatre are…

Sebastien: I think the first West End show I saw was Starlight Express and I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing was possible in a theatre. It was so exciting.

Annette: Watching 42nd Street at Drury Lane. Then dancing all the way home.

7. I always knew/didn’t know I wanted to work in theatre…

Sebastien: I knew from an early age that I wanted to perform, but I guess I didn’t realise how much I’d love theatre until my first long show, Grease, where I was part of an incredible company of like-minded people, who all felt they were part of something special, and part of a big new family too

Annette: I knew from quite a young age I wanted to perform. I’ve been very fortunate to do it for a living all this time.

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

Sebastien: Never be afraid of asking for help

Annette: Know your worth, and don’t worry about what others think.

9. In my spare time I like to…

Sebastien: Goodness….so many things! I love visiting new places, but that takes time and the list never seems to end, haha. I love catching up and spending time with friends when I have a spare moment though

Annette: Grow vegetables in my allotment. I’m so rock and roll!

10. If I could have a superpower for a day, I would choose…

Sebastien: That’s a tough one….I wish I could fly, so that I could travel the world

Annette: I’d quite like to move things with my eyes like Matilda. I reckon I’d get the watering done much quicker at said allotment.

If you’re looking for a show that you can enjoy with the whole family or want to a surprise your kids to a brilliant show that will beat the post-summer holiday blues, Matilda The Musical is sure to provide all the laughs, smiles and inspiration for all, no matter the age. Book your tickets to see this iconic West End show now.

Imogen Cole, Alyssa D’Souza, Alex Munden and Zoe Simon can be seen getting to grips with their gymnastic ribbon skills under the watchful eye of Elliot Harper (Miss Trunchbull) in this brand new meet the cast video. Check it out…

The musical will be returning #BackOnStage, just in time to celebrate 10 years since it opened in London. Having won 99 international awards including 24 for Best Musical and seen by more than 10 million people across more than 90 cities worldwide, it’s easy to say this is one of the West End’s most iconic, must-see shows. 

If your kids loved the movie of this strong but determined little girl with a wild imagination, this family-friendly show is not one to be missed. With moments of laughter, fun, bravery and inspiration, Matilda The Musical is a true tonic for all ages.

Following the announcement of the full cast earlier this summer, Tim Minchin said: “I’m SO excited that the West End will be reopening soon, and that Matilda will be back on stage in time for its 10th birthday. And that I’ll be able to be in my favourite city for the first time in two years! I’ve so keenly missed Matilda, my London family, and live theatre in general.”

At the 2012 Olivier Awards ceremony, the musical won a record-breaking seven awards. It has also won four Tony Awards and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for the four girls sharing the title role on Broadway. It has since toured North America, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Ireland, South Africa and China and played its first non-English language production in Seoul, South Korea in 2018/19.

The musical, which is adapted from Roald Dahl’s iconic 1988 book, will also visit the Netherlands for the first time, translated into Dutch for a run at the Oude Luxor Theater Rotterdam. The theatre hopes that the musical will bring visitors to the city as it emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic. It has also announced plans to work with partners in Rotterdam to develop an education programme around the show. 

And, the exciting news does not stop there because there is a film adaption coming very soon from the same creative team as the theatre production! Sony Pictures U.K. and Tristar Pictures will release Matilda across the U.K. and Ireland exclusively in cinemas on 2nd December 2022 for Christmas. Additionally, Netflix will release the film in the rest of the world in December 2022. 

Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. If you’re looking to enjoy something with your family this year, check out the trailer below and book your tickets to see this iconic West End show now.

Celebrating 10 years since the multi award-winning show opened in London, this iconic British musical has won 99 international awards including 24 for Best Musical and has been seen by more than 10 million people across more than 90 cities worldwide. Matilda The Musical is now booking through to 13 February 2022.

Matilda The Musical is delighted to announce that the four performers in the title role of Matilda will be Imogen Cole, Alyssa D’Souza, Alex Munden and Zoe Simon, with their first performances from 16 September.

The other young performers announced today who join the London company in the roles of Bruce, Lavender, Amanda and the rest of the pupils at Crunchem Hall are as follows: Hari Aggarwal, Thommy Bailey Vine, Kieron Bell, Tom Bonomini, Drew Edwards, Robyn Elwell, Rory Finnegan, Darcy Kelly, Ben Lee, Keanna-Skye O’Quinn, Nicholas Parris, Bella Perdoni, Chancé Quaye, Scarlett Jayne Rackham, Bren Reilly, Niamh Ritchie, Jacob Savva, Jayden Seder and Alex Stockton.

Kaspar Cahill-Ritter, Sienna Clarke, Rosie Gell-Marquez, Beth Gilmour, Louie Gray, and Gracie Hodson-Prior will continue in the roles of Bruce, Lavender, Amanda and the pupils at Crunchem Hall.

As previously announced, Carly Thoms will be taking over the role of Miss Honey, joining the adult cast which includes Elliot Harper as Miss Trunchbull, Sebastien Torkia as Mr Wormwood and Annette McLaughlin who will be returning to the company in the role of Mrs Wormwood, taking over from Marianne Benedict.

The full adult cast includes Liberty Buckland, Georgia Carling, Roger Dipper, Katrina Dix, Kate Kenrick, Ben Kerr, Matt Krzan, Connor Lewis, Tom Mather, Bryan Mottram, Kane Oliver Parry, Landi Oshinowo, Ryan Pidgen, James Revell, Gemma Scholes and Dawn Williams.

Tim Minchin said: “I’m SO excited that the West End will be reopening soon, and that Matilda will be back on stage in time for its 10th birthday. And that I’ll be able to be in my favourite city for the first time in two years! I’ve so keenly missed Matilda, my London family, and live theatre in general.”

A tonic for audiences of all ages, this anarchic production about a strong and determined heroine with a vivid imagination has welcomed almost 4 million audience members in London. Matilda The Musical is the 6th longest running show in the West End and the 16th longest running musical in West End history.

Adapted from Roald Dahl’s much loved 1988 book and commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, the musical premiered at the RSC’s Stratford-upon-Avon home in 2010, before transferring to the West End in October 2011, where it opened to rave reviews.

Matilda The Musical swept the board at the 2012 Olivier Awards, with a record-breaking seven awards, and won four Tony Awards and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for the four girls sharing the title role on Broadway. It has since toured North America, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Ireland, South Africa and China and played its first non-English language production in Seoul, South Korea in 2018/19.

With the upcoming film adaptation from the same core creative team as the theatre production (direction by Matthew Warchus, adapted for the screen by Dennis Kelly, with the music and lyrics of Tim Minchin), Dahl’s themes of bravery and standing up for what you believe in will continue to inspire young audiences all over the world. Produced by

Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title, Jon Finn, and Luke Kelly of The Roald Dahl Story Company. Sony Pictures U.K. and Tristar Pictures will release Matilda across the U.K. and Ireland exclusively in cinemas on 2nd December 2022 for Christmas. Netflix will release the film in the rest of the world in December 2022.

Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. If you’re looking to enjoy something with your family this summer, book your tickets to see this iconic West End show now.

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! 

Catherine Mallyon, RSC Executive Director said:

“It is fantastic to see London’s West End re-opening and for our company, freelance colleagues, and creative team to be back at the Cambridge Theatre, preparing for performances in the autumn. We all know how challenging the past year has been, and that makes this moment even more special and important. We will not only celebrate 10 brilliant years of Matilda The Musical in the West End but also that our audiences can join us once again to experience the power of live theatre.”

Adapted from Roald Dahl’s much loved 1988 book and commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, the musical premiered at the RSC’s Stratford-upon-Avon home in 2010, before transferring to the West End in October 2011, where it opened to rave reviews.

A tonic for audiences of all ages and widely considered to be one of the most iconic British musicals of the last decade, this anarchic production about a strong and determined heroine with a vivid imagination has won 99 international awards including 24 for Best Musical. Having welcomed almost 4 million audience members in London, Matilda The Musical is the 6th longest-running show in the West End and the 16th longest-running musical in West End history.

With the upcoming film adaptation from the same core creative team as the theatre production (direction by Matthew Warchus, adapted for the screen by Dennis Kelly, with the music and lyrics of Tim Minchin), Dahl’s themes of bravery and standing up for what you believe in will continue to inspire young audiences all over the world. Produced by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title, Jon Finn, and Luke Kelly of The Roald Dahl Story Company, Sony Pictures/TriStar Pictures will release the film theatrically in the UK and Netflix will release the film in the rest of the world.

Matilda The Musical swept the board at the 2012 Olivier Awards, with a record-breaking seven awards, and won four Tony Awards and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for the four girls sharing the title role on Broadway. It has since toured North America, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Ireland, South Africa and China and played its first non-English language production in Seoul, South Korea in 2018/19.

Written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and direction by Matthew Warchus, the production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and the special effects and illusions are by Paul Kieve.

Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Full casting for the production will be announced in due course.

Matilda The Musical is produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company with Denise Wood and Griselda Yorke as Executive Producers. André Ptaszynski passed away in July 2020 and is much missed by all his colleagues at Matilda The Musical and the RSC. The production was developed with the support of Jeanie O’Hare and the RSC Literary Department.

Keep your eyes peeled as we will be sure to let you know once tickets become available on Official London Theatre!

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.

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.

Winner of 99 international awards including 24 for Best Musical, Matilda The Musical has been seen by over 10 million people across more than 90 cities worldwide.  It has become the Cambridge Theatre’s longest running production and one of the top twenty longest running musicals in the West End having now welcomed over 3.5 million audience members in London.

Written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and direction by Matthew Warchus. The production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and the special effects and illusions are by Paul Kieve.

Matilda The Musical is still widely considered to be one of the most innovative British Musicals of the century. Adapted from Roald Dahl’s much loved 1988 book and commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, the musical premiered at the RSC’s Stratford-upon-Avon home in 2010, before transferring to the West End in 2011, where it opened to rave reviews.

Bursting with revolting fun and naughtiness, it tells the story of Matilda, the strong, determined heroine, who stands up to her bullies. This brave bookworm outwits her ghastly parents The Wormwoods and horrible headteacher Miss Trunchbull using her vivid imagination, intelligence and magical powers. Dahl’s themes of rebellion, bravery, protest and standing up for what you believe in are more relevant in 2020 than ever before.

Matilda The Musical swept the board at the 2012 Olivier Awards, with a record-breaking seven awards, and won four Tony Awards and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for the four girls sharing the title role on Broadway. It has since toured to Australia, New Zealand and China and played its first non-English language production in Seoul, South Korea in 2018/19.

Matilda The Musical is produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company with André Ptaszynski and Denise Wood as Executive Producers. The production was developed with the support of Jeanie O’Hare and the RSC Literary Department.

Whether you’re looking for something to keep you pumped during a dancing sesh or just some musical classics to keep you bopping while deep cleaning the house, we’ve got you covered. Now all you’ve gotta’ do is crank up the volume and get moving!

And You Don’t Even Know It – Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

If you’re feeling a little unmotivated, put on your best dancin’ shoes and hit play because as Jamie says… you might be a superstar and you don’t even know it! This inspiring, energetic and super sassy track is guaranteed to get you moovin’ and groovin’ and snapping your fingers with a whole lotta’ confidence!

Mamma Mia – Mamma Mia!

This jukebox classic has been getting audiences up on their feet since its opening in the West End over twenty years ago. Based on the songs of ABBA composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, former members of the band, this track will transport you to the glistening waters and sunshine of the Greek Islands. And if not, at the very least, it’ll get that heart rate pumping and happy energy flowing!

Six – Six The Musical

As any musical fan will know, this hit show features a pop-tastic soundtrack that’ll keep your energy high no matter how trying your workout is. Taking the UK pop charts by storm, the six wives of Henry VII take to the mic to rewrite their stories. You’ll definitely be losing your heads over this one!

Naughty – Matilda The Musical

If you’re feeling like things just ain’t right and want to let off some steam, join Matilda in this cheeky Olivier Awards performance. Written by Dennis Kelly with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, the song follows Matilda as she puts the world to rights and discovers that sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty! 

Alexander Hamilton – Hamilton

If rap and R&B is more your thing, this modern musical masterpiece from Hamilton will tick all your boxes. Besides giving you a dose of inspiration (and some amazing beats to move to!), this song sets up the main character of Alexander Hamilton and beautifully summarises the first two decades of his life. 

River Deep, Mountain High – Tina – The Tina Turner Musical

When it comes to West End shows about musical legends, you can rest assured that the tunes will be just as epic as the stars themselves. This jaw-dropping performance by the incredibly talented Adrienne Warren will certainly get you rollin’ off the couch and partaking in some healthy aerobics for the lungs!

Me & The Sky – Come From Away

Ladies! If you need a little somethin’ to boost your spirits, Rachel Tucker is here to save the day! Me & The Sky from Come From Away tells the story of Beverley Bass, a female pilot who was ordered to land in Gander, Newfoundland during the September 11 attacks. This belter is packed with emotion, passion and a healthy dose of girl power that’ll get you in the perfect mood to kill that workout.

Roar – & Juliet

This pop-fuelled show features a number of ionic noughties pop tracks from singer-songwriter Max Martin that we all know and love. If you’ve ever needed an anthem to give you a push before your workout, it doesn’t get any better than this song that was originally sung by Katy Perry. “Because I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar”… we’re just going to leave you with that (and the fact that this video has all the lyrics so you can celebrate with a post-workout sing-along!).

Defying Gravity – Wicked

Any fitness fanatic would know that gravity-defying fitness classes such as reformer pilates and ariel workouts have taken over the capital this year. And with that in mind, has there ever been a more fitting song than this classic track from the hugely popular musical, Wicked? The context may be different but we’d use any excuse to listen to one of our theatre faves!

Do You Love Me – Motown The Musical

There really isn’t anything better than some old Motown sound to set your soul on fire! Swing your hips, clap your hands and listen along to this West End LIVE medley including Do You Love Me (Now That I Can Dance), Stop! In The Name Of Love, Get Ready and Dancing In The Street.

If these tunes has got you feeling super stagey, why not continue the fun with our theatre quizzes? We’ve got everything from West End animals and anagrams to movie musicals and badly explained plot lines. Click here to check them out! Alternatively, you can head over to our online calendar to find out where you can watch theatre online!

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. 

Our annual New Year Sale encourages you to ‘Get into London Theatre’ with tickets for £10, £20, £30 or £40 to top London shows for performances between 1 January and 13 February 2020; the perfect excuse to catch your favourite show or perhaps something new.

With just a few weeks to go, we are rounding up 10 must-see shows in our New Year Sale that include everything from Olivier Award-winning comedies and iconic musicals to classic murder mysteries and the most successful theatre productions of all time. So whether you fancy a laugh, some magic or a dose of inspiration, we’ve got something for you!

Wicked

This hugely popular musical has been casting a spell over audiences in the West End for thirteen spellbinding years! And now it’s your chance to see it with great prices in our New Year Sale.

In a re-imagining of the Wizard Of Oz, Wicked follows the unlikely but heartfelt friendship between the blonde and very popular Glinda and the misunderstood, shy, green Elphaba. After meeting The Wonderful Wizard, their lives take very different paths as the two witches fulfil their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Packed with storming songs, wit and stunning costumes, this spectacular production is a riot of colours and magic, so grab a friend and follow that yellow brick road to London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre.

Matilda The Musical

For any musical fan, Matilda The Musical playing at Cambridge Theatre is simply unmissable. The globally renowned stage show from Tim Minchin and the Royal Shakespeare Company tells the story of Roald Dahl’s much-loved tale of Matilda, a child genius with horrid parents. Each time her parents treat her badly, Matilda teaches them a lesson. Armed with a sharp mind and a wild imagination, this is a story about a little girl who dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.

Hilarious, moving and oh so exhilarating, it’s no surprise that this standout show is the winner of over 90 international awards, including 23 for Best Musical! As Matilda would say, if it’s not right, you’ve got to make it right…Grab your tickets now!

The Phantom Of The Opera

Winner of 70 major theatre awards and seen by more than 140 million people, The Phantom Of The Opera continues to mesmerise audiences at Her Majesty’s Theatre and around the world.

Based on Gaston Leroux’s gothic novel of life beneath the stage of the Paris Opera House, the story tells the tale of Phantom – a man ashamed of his physical appearance – who hides from the real world in the darkness of the theatre. Haunting the opera house and feared by all, he manipulates the actors and crew. But when he falls in love with a chorus girl whose old friend returns to rescue her, will he get his revenge? 

In one of the most successful theatre productions of all time, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s mesmerising score combines flawlessly with jaw-dropping scenery and breathtaking special effects, bringing this tragic love story to life. 

School Of Rock – The Musical

If you’ve seen the movie featuring Jack Black, you’ll remember the guitar-thrashing, drum-rolling celebration of the power of rock.

Dewey Finn is a down-on-his-luck wannabe rock star struggling to make ends meet and determined to do so through the power of music. Posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school, Finn discovers his students’ hidden musical talents, and opts to enlist his fifth-graders in a quest to conquer The Battle Of The Bands – but can he do so without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out?

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation School Of Rock – The Musical has been leaving audiences rocking night after night at the Gillian Lynne Theatre since its West End premier in 2016. But with it’s final performance on the 1st March, the New Year Sale is just another excuse to snap up some tickets before it closes.

The Comedy About A Bank Robbery

If you loved The Play That Goes Wrong and Magic Goes Wrong, or are simply looking for a laugh in the capital, you’ll definitely want to catch this Olivier Award-nominated West End comedy currently playing at the Criterion Theatre.

Follow the story about one enormous diamond, eight incompetent crooks and a snoozing security guard. Think; Ocean’s Eleven meets the Marx Brothers in this fantastic new comedy, packed with swag loads of laughter. With the show closing on 3 May, it’d be criminal to miss it!

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

For a healthy dose of sass, glitter and feel-good vibes, head to the Apollo Theatre for Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

Inspired by the 2011 BBC Three documentary, Jamie: Drag Queen At 16, the inspiring show tells the true story of a 16-year-old boy who has a secret to tell and dreams to make true. Packed with show-stopping songs written by Dan Gillespie Sells, lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, this modern fairy tale is a breath of fresh air and will have you clapping your hands with happiness!

Get into the groove and book tickets to see this bright, colourful, sensational show that was nominated for a whopping five Olivier Awards! (It’s no wonder Everybody’s Talking About Jamie!)

Waitress

If you’re looking for something to warm you up on these cold wintery days, Waitress is serving up a healthy slice of pie at the Adelphi Theatre.

Follow the heartwarming story of expert pie maker Jenna, stuck in a small town and a neglected marriage. Dreaming of bigger and better things, Jenna’s life begins brighten up when she forms a plan to enter a life-changing baking contest in a nearby county.

This beautiful story about friendship, motherhood (and the magic of a well-made pie!) will make you laugh, cry, tap your feet and sing-a-long to the famous songs of six-time Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter, Sara Bareilles. And if that’s not enough to sway you, Sara herself will be featuring in the leading role of Jenna for a strictly limited run until 7 March. If you want to see the superstar in this iconic run, you know what to do…Grab your New Year Sale tickets now.

The Mousetrap

When a famous murder mystery show has audiences still searching for the culprit after more than 60 years, you know it’s a goodun!

Hotel owners Giles and Mollie find themselves busier than expected when a snowstorm hits the area. While this huge turn out is good for business, a phone call from the police changes the tone as they discover a dangerous murderer is on the loose, and they can’t trust anyone!

Written by Agatha Christie, The Mousetrap is one of the most famous whodunnits in the world, having been enjoyed by London theatregoers since 25th November 1952. Don’t miss your chance to buy New Year Sale tickets to see this iconic play at St. Martins Theatre. 

The Play That Goes Wrong

Mischief Theatre’s hugely successful chaotic comedy tale must be doing something right having won the Olivier Award for Best Comedy in 2015 and now playing at the Duchess Theatre and more theatres across the globe.

Follow the antics of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society who are trying their  best to stage a production of a 1920s murder mystery. But as the show’s title might suggest, this is not as easy as it sounds, with everything that can go wrong… well, doing just that. Watch out for collapsing sets, forgotten lines, broken fourth walls, absent props and unfortunate injuries aplenty.

Now stumbling through its sixth catastrophic year, The Play That Goes Wrong is guaranteed to leave your face aching with laughter! 

Thriller Live

If you fancy a little sing-a-long or boogey, this tribute to Michael Jackson’s legendary career is a great pick.

Now in it’s record breaking 10th year, the spectacular show features more than 20 performers with a full company of singers, dancers and a live band to celebrate the music of Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5. 

From Rock With You and I Want You Back to Show You The Way and Billie Jean, the all-dancing, all-singing showdown features two hours of hit songs alongside some eye-popping video footage, special effects and choreography by award-winning director Gary Loud (who has previously worked with Leona Lewis, Girls Aloud and Robbie Williams). 

With Thriller Live closing on 26 April, the New Year Sale is the perfect reason to grab some tickets and have yourself a rockin’ night at the Lyric Theatre.

Whether you’ve seen the Olivier and Tony award-winning West End show and loved it, or are a fan of the movie and want to find out more about the production, check out our roundup of the top 10 Matilda moments from over the years that confirm even if you’re little, you really can do a lot!

1. Matilda The Musical’s performance at West End Live 2021

In true Matilda fashion, we learnt that sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty at last year’s West End Live at Trafalgar square. Funny, sweet and full of naughty energy, this is a true snippet of the magic you can experience at the family-friendly musical. 

2. Meet the new Matildas

In 2019, we met four new adorable Matildas at Kew’s brand new Children’s Garden. While they got their hands mucky with some planting, Gina Beck (Miss Honey) got to know more about them and their character in a fun Q&A.

3. Behind The Curtain with Matilda The Musical

Our Behind The Curtain series with Sky VIP took us behind the scenes with cast and creatives from top London shows. Check out exclusive performances, a Q&A and more from the West End Cast of Matilda below, from their own homes while theatres were closed.

4. The Matilda cast play If I were a Prime Minister

Matilda Wormood is a child genius so we caught up with the cast in 2017 to ask what they would do if they were Prime Minister. From banning chewing gum to announcing a national Matilda Day, the young girls share their slice of wisdom.

5. Tim Minchin performs My House at the 2013 Olivier Awards with Mastercard

Tim Minchin took to the stage at the 2013 Olivier Awards with Mastercard to perform a heartfelt performance of My House. In this beautiful song, Miss Honey reflects on her meager house and belongings. Though her home may not seem much, she sings with pride, gratitude and happiness.

6. Matilda’s 5th Anniversary

To celebrate the spectacular show’s 5th anniversary, we met the audience of Matilda to find out what super power they would love to have. From flying and time travel to invisibility so that you can see theatre shows for free,  it’s clear to see what power the show can have on your imagination!

7. Tim Minchin and Dennis Kelly interview Craige Els

Five years ago, the creators of Matilda The Musical, Tim Minchin (music and lyrics) and Dennis Kelly (author) interviewed Craige Els to find out what it’s like to play the tyrannical Trunchball. From superpowers and celebrity impressions to theatrical experiences and career achievements, Tim and Dennis really dig deep!

8. Matilda star Marc Antonlin celebrates the 2013 Kids Week launch

Matilda The Musical’s star Marc Antolin (Rudolpho) gave us the lowdown on why he was supporting the launch of Kids Week along with why he loves working with children in the hit show.  The month-long campaign allows children aged 16 or under to attend participating shows for free where tickets are available, as long as they’re accompanied by a full paying adult.  If you’re looking to introduce your family to theatre during the summer holidays, it’s definitely worth checking out!

9. Matilda The Musical wins the Best New Musical and breaks the world record

In 2012, Matilda The Musical won the Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards with Mastercard. The show subsequently went on to appear in the 2013 Guinness World Records book for its record seven Laurence Olivier award wins – the most Oliviers won by a theatre production. This sure is one for the books! 

10. Matilda is #BackOnStage

This video that Matilda created to celebrate their re-opening after lockdown made us so emotional! The excitement of theatres being reopen and audiences returning was so perfectly captured, and it made us want to go and see it all over again.

Mamma Mia!

Saturday 16 November 3pm

This classic musical is jam-packed full of energy. Featuring hit after hit from Abba’s back-catalogue, the show is full of impressive dance numbers and a heavy pinch of 1970s glamour. And of course, most importantly: flares.

Book online through the link below, or to book the best view of the captions call 0344 482 5137 or email access@delfontmackintosh.co.uk.

Groan Ups

Saturday 16 November 7.30pm

Following an unruly classroom of toddlers through their awkward teenage years all the way to a school reunion at 30, Groan Ups charts the life span of 5 characters. With the classic comedy we’ve come to expect from the Mischief Theatre Company, you’ll be laughing and cringing in equal measures.

Book online through the link below, or to book the best view of the captions call 0330 333 4815 or email access@nimaxtheatres.com.

The Mousetrap

Tuesday 19 November 7.30pm

68 years on, we’re still desperate to find out whodunnit. Agatha Christie’s famous murder mystery, The Mousetrap, follows a group of strangers stuck in a countryside hotel in the middle of a snowstorm. But when the local police call to tell them there’s a murderer on the loose, who can be trusted?

Book online through the link below, or to book the best view of the captions call 0330 333 4815 or email access@nimaxtheatres.com.

Stray Dogs

Thursday 21 November 7.45pm

Based on real-life events, Stray Dogs follows the story of Russian poet Anna Akhmatova in 1940s USSR. Even while she’s losing family all around her to Stalin’s purges, the Man of Steel himself wants a favour. But how far will she go to save a life?

Find out more through the link below, and to book call 020 7870 6876 or email boxoffice@parktheatre.co.uk.

The Comedy About A Bank Robbery

Friday 22 November 7.30pm

From the creators of The Play That Goes Wrong comes The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, the Olivier Award-nominated West End comedy about one enormous diamond, eight incompetent crooks and a snoozing security guard. If you’re up for an evening of raucous slapstick, look no further.

Book online through the link below, or to book the best view of the captions call 020 7839 8811 or email tickets@criterion-theatre.co.uk.

Matilda The Musical

Saturday 23 November 2.30pm

Based on the beloved Roald Dahl book, with music and lyrics from musical comedian Tim Minchin, Matilda The Musical is a delightful production of the well-known tale. If the 86 major international awards (including 7 Olivier Awards!) aren’t enough to persuade you then we don’t know what is!

Book online through the link below, or to book the best view of the captions call 020 7087 7966 or email access@lwtheatres.co.uk.

White Christmas

Thursday 28 November 2.30pm

No matter the weather outside, you can guarantee a White Christmas inside the Dominion Theatre this winter. With all the 1950s glam you could possibly ask for, the Tony Award-nominated show follows veterans Bob and Phil as they tour their song and dance act. After meeting the beautiful Haynes sisters, the pair fall hopelessly in love and follow the musical sisters to their Christmas show in Vermont.

Book online through the link below, or to book the best view of the captions call 020 7927 0929 or email dominion.access@nederlander.co.uk.

If you’re struggling with things to keep them occupied then never fear, we’ve popped together a list of some of the fantastic matinee shows around London that you and your family can all enjoy. Some of them have even put on extra daytime performances especially for half term!

Matilda The Musical

While children who grew up reading the 1988 book and the watching the 1996 movie have left childhood long behind, the story still holds a special place in many people’s hearts. Tim Minchin’s musical adaptation of Matilda is written with love and warmth and a whole load of humour. With hilarious songs, mind-bending sets and an incredible child cast, you’ll all be trying to move the programme with your mind the whole way home.

Matilda The Musical has performances at the Cambridge Theatre on 2pm on Thursdays, 2.30pm on Saturdays and 3pm on Sundays. They’ve put on an extra half term performance at 2pm on Thursday 24 October, and suggest the show is suitable for children 6 and over.

War Horse

The National Theatre’s globe-trotting production of War Horse has returned to London at the new Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. Featuring incredible puppets with movement so lifelike you’ll genuinely forget they’re not real, this production will totally transport you into another world. If you haven’t seen it yet, now is the perfect opportunity for the whole family – and it’s only on at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre until 23 November!

War Horse has daytime performances at 2pm on Saturdays and Thursdays and is suitable for children 10+.

Wicked

A two-time winner of the Olivier Audience Award, Wicked is one of the most beloved musicals all over the world. The musical is set before the Wizard Of Oz, unfolding the untold story of an unlikely  friendship between two girls at boarding school: the blonde, popular Glinda, and the misunderstood, shy, green Elphaba. With beautiful costumes and set design mixed in with impressive musical and dance numbers, Wicked is a colourful and exciting theatre experience for all ages.

Wicked is suitable for ages 7+ and has a matinee performance at the Apollo Victoria at 2.30pm every Wednesday and Sunday as well as an extra half term performance on Thursday 24 October.

Big The Musical

Big The Musical finishes at the Dominion Theatre on 2 November, so this is your last chance to see Jay McGuinness, Kimberly Walsh, Wendi Peters and Matthew Kelly dancing and singing their hearts out on stage together. A heartwarming story of a young boy who wishes he could be grown up and has to muddle through adult life when his wish comes true, Big The Musical will delight children and parents alike.

There are matinees of Big on Thursday and Saturday this week (23 & 26 Oct) and Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday next week (29 & 31 Oct and 2 Nov). There is a minimum age of admission of 5.

School Of Rock – The Musical

Teach your kids to Stick It To The Man this half term with the rock-hit wonder School Of Rock – The Musical. With all the songs from the original film as well as 14 new original songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Glenn Slater, your whole family will be humming the tunes all the way home. Featuring incredible pint-sized musicians (all the kids play their own instruments) and Noel Sullivan as fake substitute teacher Dewey Finn your kids will be begging to learn the drums by the interval.

While the show is recommended for ages 5+, it does contain occasional strong language and may not be suitable for very young children. School Of Rock performs matinees at the Gillian Lynne Theatre on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm and Sundays at 3pm.

Direct from the UK and Ireland tour, Elliot Harper joins the cast as Miss Trunchbull. No stranger to the West End, Elliot has previously performed in Les Misérables and The Phantom Of The Opera.

Sebastien Torkia joins the Wormwood family as head of the household (or so he thinks), Mr Wormwood. Sebastien has recently trodden the London stages in productions of The Little Beasts (Other Palace), The Wild Party (Other Palace) and Disney’s The Lion King.

Also coming from the UK and Ireland tour, Carly Thoms will take over the role of Miss Honey from Gina Beck, after her final performance in March 2020. Carly has previously starred on London stages in productions including The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice (Union Theatre), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Adelphi Theatre) and Ushers (Charing Cross Theatre).

The show will also be introducing its 100th Matilda. The new Matildas who will share the lead role from September 2019 are:

• Tilly-Raye Bayer
• Olivia Juno Cleverley
• Alex Munden
• Zoe Simon

The full cast includes Alex Louize Bird, Liberty Buckland, Georgia Carling, Roger Dipper, Kelly Ewins-Prouse, Ben Kerr, Matt Krzan, Connor Lewis, Tom Mather, Kane Oliver Parry, Landi Oshinowo, Ryan Pidgen, James Revell, Gemma Scholes, Christopher Tendai and Dawn Williams.

Also joining the cast in the roles of Bruce, Lavender, Amanda and the rest of the pupils at Crunchem Hall are: Lily Armitage, Brian Bartle, Kaspar Cahill-Ritter, Kingsley Campbell-Golding, Sienna Clarke, Haydn Court, Tyler De Souza, Shana Diallo, Rosie Gell-Marquez, Beth Gilmour, Louie Gray, Edward Haddon, Gracie Hodson-Prior, Emily Rees, Elliott Rose, Samson Wakayu and Louis Wint.

Bursting with revolting fun and naughtiness, the musical tells the story of Matilda, the strong, determined heroine, who stands up to her bullies. This brave bookworm outwits her ghastly parents The Wormwoods and horrible headteacher Miss Trunchbull using her vivid imagination, intelligence and magical powers.

Winner of seven Oliver Awards, Matilda the Musical has been seen by over 9 million people across more than 70 cities worldwide. Still delighting audiences of all ages as it approaches its 9th year in London, the hit show is now a West End classic and plays to packed houses at the Cambridge Theatre six days a week. It has become the Cambridge Theatre’s longest-running production and one of the top twenty longest-running musicals in the West End having now welcomed over 3 million audience members in London.

Adapted from Roald Dahl’s much loved 1988 book and commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, the show is written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin.

Matilda The Musical is currently booking at the Cambridge Theatre until 20 December 2020.

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.