Top 10 London Kids Theatre Picks for 2013

There’s snow out and most of us feel like bundling up indoors. But staying cooped up at home with the munchkins can drive anyone barmy.

Why not head out to see a family-friendly act or a popular West End show to cheer yourselves up?

This is a great time of year to snap up discount theatre tickets for long-running favourites like The Lion King or Thriller Live.

Here are 10 top London kids shows we recommend for 2013 (by alphabetical order):

1. Charlie & the Chocolate Factory at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
Roald Dahl’s most famous story has its world premiere at the West End in a brand new adaptation, bursting with colour, songs and of course, chocolate. Directed by Sam Mendes, the tale of Charlie’s adventures in Willy Wonka’s factory is set to be this year’s golden ticket. For ages 5+ (opens June, previews from May 18)

2. Cirque du Soleil: Kooza at Royal Albert Hall
Currently wowing the crowds at one of London’s most atmospheric venues, Kooza blends the circus traditions of acrobatics and clowning to hugely entertaining and mind-boggling effect. All ages. (Jan 5-Feb 14)

3. The Lion King at Lyceum Theatre, Covent Garden
The story of Simba and his journey from lion cub to king of the pride has been immortalised in both 2D and 3D cinema by Disney. But the multi-award winning theatrical experience promises to be a feast for the senses. Recommended for ages 6+, no admission for kids under 3. (ongoing)

4. Madagascar Live at Wembley Arena
We can’t wait to ‘move it move it’ with this touring musical show, heading to London in March, featuring all the gang including Alex the lion, Gloria the hippo, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and of course those crazy penguins. Based on the Dreamworks films. For ages 3+ (Mar 1-3)

5. Matilda the Musical at Cambridge Theatre, Earlham St
Tim Minchin’s dazzling score is just one of many reasons to see the enchanting tale of bookish Matilda who comes up against her ghastly head mistress. Brilliant acting and a multi award-winning production based on Roald Dahl’s story. For ages 5+. Read our Matilda the Musical review (ongoing)

6. My First Cinderella at Peacock Theatre, Holborn
Hot on the heels of last year’s hit My First Sleeping Beauty, Sadler’s Wells and the English National Ballet present another gorgeous ballet production aimed at the very young. The classic rags to riches story will captivate your little ones, ages 3+. (Mar 27-Apr 7)

7. Shrek the Musical at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
It ain’t ogre yet for the big green giant and his beautiful/beastly Princess Fiona in this uproarious comedy packed with laughs (and fart jokes), adapted from the hit trilogy by Dreamworks Animation. For ages 4+. Read our Shrek the Musical review (ongoing)

8. The Sound of Music at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
I’m beyond excited by the prospect of seeing one of my favourite family films at the open-air theatre this summer. Cheer on the nuns, boo the Nazis and of course sing Do-Re-Mi at this upbeat play on the Von Trapp family story. All ages. (Jul 25-Sep 7)

9. Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales at Wyndham’s Theatre, Charing Cross Rd
Scamp Theatre, the team behind hit show Stick Man, produce an engaging mix of puppetry, songs and storytelling weaving together popular kids’ titles like Tiddler, Monkey Puzzle and more by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. For ages 3+. Read our Stick Man review (Apr 20-May 4)

10. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue
Adapted from Michael Rosen’s award-winning picture book, this lively tale follows an adventurous family on their quest for a bear, using songs and vivid sound effects, for ages 3+. (July 3-Sep 1)

And don’t forget Kids Week every summer in London offering huge discounts to theatregoers with young children!