How’s your 2018 shaping up so far? After a busy first week, it feels like my New Year is only just beginning. As always, I’ve pulled together a handy guide for the year ahead.
Our 18 things to look forward to in London 2018 features my pick of family theatre, kids cinema, family festivals, child-friendly museum shows, and lots of dancing. Mark your calendars!
18 Things to Look Forward to in London 2018
(by date order)
1. Cirque du Soleil: Ovo
Cirque du Soleil is at the top of many family theatre bucket lists. Spectacular artistry from the celebrated Quebecois troupe creates a one-of-a-kind experience for all ages. Their show Ovo traces the life cycle of insects in a riot of colour, energy and motion. Don’t crawl, fly, to the box office. From £20 at Royal Albert Hall. (Jan 7-Mar 4)
2. Fast & Furious Live
Motorheads in the house? This one’s a no-brainer. Experience high-speed, full-throttle action from the blockbuster film franchise in Fast & Furious Live. All the ‘best scenes’ from the movies are recreated before your very eyes. Cutting edge technology, stunts and set design puts viewers (almost) in the heart of the action. All ages welcome, but parental advisory for pyrotechnics, loud FX and periods of black out. Buckle up! From £59, evening and matinee shows available. (Jan 19-21)
3. Vault Festival
VAULT festival is back for another 8 weeks of theatre, circus, comedy and family entertainment. Kid-friendly highlights: anarchic comedy with Doktor James’s Bad Skemes (Feb 17-18, ages 6-11); sleight of (no) hands tricks with Mahdi the Magician (Jan 31-Feb 4); theatrical adventure Neverland (Jan 24-Mar 18, ages 12+), with music from a band of lost boys; One Duck Down (Feb 3-18, all ages), based on a true tale that saw 7000 rubber ducks adrift in a storm; and Me & My Bee (Mar 3-4, all ages), a party to save the world… one bee at a time! VAULT festival runs through mid-March, times and prices vary (Jan 24-Mar 18)
4. ET in Concert
A boy and his alien pal on a bicycle riding across the moon. See one of the most iconic images, and movies, of the 20th century set to live music with ET in Concert at the Southbank Centre. Hear John Williams’ masterful score in the ‘surround sound’ of a symphony orchestra. Immersive entertainment for newbies and nostalgics. 7.30pm, £20-£70 (concs. half price) (Jan 25)
5. Big Fish Little Fish X Camp Bestival
Family rave crew Big Fish Little Fish get nautical by nature, on a marine-themed tour with Camp Bestival. ‘Around the World in 80 Raves’ sets sail in London 2018 at Fire & Lightbox in Vauxhall, before hitting Reading, Brighton, Bristol, Margate and other ports. The fun culminates at Camp Bestival family festival in July, where BFLF take over the infamous Bollywood tent. Expect top DJs, big tunes and toddlers tearing up the dance floor with their not-so-responsible adults. (from Jan 27-Jul 29)
6. How Does It Feel to Be Loved Children’s Disco
Popular club night How Does It Feel to Be Loved host their first London kids disco at The Phoenix, W1. Fresh off the fields of End of the Road Festival, HDIF Children’s Disco provides a laid-back session for fans of indie and classic soul. Expect anything from The Smiths to Otis Redding. All ages welcome, 12pm-4pm, £2-£6 (Jan 28)
7. Othello at Unicorn Theatre
Belgian playwright Ignace Cornelissen puts a refreshing spin on the classical tragedy by old William Shakespeare, retold for younger audiences. When soldier Othello falls for Desdemona, the Senator’s daughter, it’s the start of a roller coaster journey exploring prejudice, jealousy and the feelings that blind us to the truth. Othello at Unicorn Theatre is suitable for ages 8-12, tickets £8-£18 (Feb 3-Mar 3)
8. Imagine Festival at Southbank Centre
One of the biggest events on the London 2018 calendar, Imagine Festival at Southbank Centre serves up 12 days of culture for the crawlers, strollers and scooters crowd. Ben Shire (MOTD Kickabout) hosts, comedian Harry Hill presents, author Jacqueline Wilson chats, Baby Broadway sings… and loads more. Don’t miss Greg James and Chris Smith’s superhero mashup, Screaming with Laughter comedy with Scummy Mummies, Aurora Orchestra family concerts, Fun DMC hip hop block party, and winding down with Bedtime Stories in the Clore Ballroom. Times and prices vary, many activities FREE (Feb 7-18)
9. Black Panther
Yup. I’m probably more excited than the babes about this release. Out of the mega superhero movies hitting our screens in 2018, it’s Black Panther that’s got me most amped up. When the King of Wakanda is murdered, his son T’Challa takes the throne in this mythical African nation. But danger and betrayal bring out the Black Panther in T’Challa, who fights tooth and claw to save Wakanda – and the world – from an arch-villain. Stars Lupita Nyong’o, Martin Freeman, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker and Andy Serkis, with Chadwick Boseman in title role. Age guidance: (opens in UK cinemas Feb 12)
10. Century of the Child: Nordic Design at V&A Museum of Childhood
Century of the Child at Museum of Childhood brings together some of the most iconic names in Nordic design for children. Repping everyone from IKEA to LEGO, BRIO, Moomins, Marimekko, BabyBjörn and Tetra Pak, this fascinating exhibition is sure to leave lovers of Scandi cool drooling. (Mar 30-Sep 2)
11. Harry Potter Studios: Goblet of Fire
Some say it’s the greatest Harry Potter movie. Whatever your feelings on the Goblet of Fire, if you’re a fan of all things Hogwarts, don’t miss its five month appearance at WB Studios The Making of Harry Potter Tour. The Goblet of Fire returns to the Great Hall for the first time since filming ended, with live demos of ‘parchment piece’ propulsion, plus new costumes and props from the Triwizard tournament. (Mar 30-Sep 23)
12. Peter Pan & Little Shop of Horrors at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre makes our hot list every year, but their London 2018 programme is a beauty Head to this magical setting in the Inner Circle at the park to see gorgeous family theatre Peter Pan (May 17-Jun 15, ages 4+) soar back onto the stage. A production of Shakespeare’s delightful As You Like It (Jul 6-28) brings Arden Forest into central London. And best suited for bigger kids, the B-movie styled Little Shop of Horrors (Aug 3-Sep 15) is sure to chomp up plenty of acclaim. For much older ones, there’s a chilling reworking of The Turn of the Screw (Jun 22-30) in collaboration with the English National Opera. Varying times and prices (May 17-Sep 15)
13. A Royal Wedding
We’re a little bit besotted with the Prince Harry and Meghan Markles love story and can’t wait for their nuptials in London 2018. Babes about Town partied up a storm when Will and Kate got hitched, and we’re looking forward to more street-style shenanigans in May. Ain’t no party like a wedding party. But where’s my invitation, Queenie? (May 19)
14. Frida Kahlo at V&A Museum
Never before seen outside of Mexico, Frida Kahlo’s personal artefacts and wardrobe take centre stage at V&A’s hotly anticipated summer show. Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up offers an unmissable peek into the intimate life of one of the 20th century’s most celebrated artists. Times and prices tba. (opens Jun 16)
15. The King and I
I fell in love with Yul Brynner at an early age, watching him as the King of Siam in the classic Rogers and Hammerstein musical, set in 1860s Bangkok. Now the The King and I is revived at London Palladium, straight from scooping up multiple awards on Broadway. Original stars Kelli O’Hara and Ken Watanabe bring the magic in this dazzling tale of British schoolteacher Anna and her impact on the Siamese king and his many wives and kids. Shall we dance? For ages 5+. 2pm & 7pm (Mon-Wed), 2.30pm-7.30pm (Thu-Sat), from £29 (Jun 21-Aug 5)
16. Michael Jackson at National Portrait Gallery
Moonwalk down to Trafalgar Square this summer for a Thriller exhibition in honour of what would have been Michael Jackson’s 60th birthday (on Aug 29). National Portrait Gallery presents a landmark tribute to the King of Pop, cannily titled Michael Jackson: On the Wall. See works by more than 40 artists, inspired and influenced by Michael Jackson, drawn from public and private collections. You’d better Beat It to get tickets or you’ll feel Bad if it sells out. Hee hee. From £15.50, daily from 10am-6pm (+ Thu/Fri lates to 9pm) (Jun 28-Oct 21)
17. A Monster Calls at the Old Vic
Patrick Ness’s gripping book, turned hit movie, is brought to the stage by theatre visionary Sally Cookson in A Monster Calls at the Old Vic. Conor is a 13-year-old coping with a big move to the US, his mum’s sickness, and a challenging time at school. One night he encounters a monster who tells him stories and helps Conor to confront his darkest fears. Poignant exploration of love and loss, this adaptation is suitable for ages 10+. £12-£45 (Jul 7-Aug 25)
18. Aquaman vs Mary Poppins
No, it’s not a superhero remix. On the last weekend before Christmas, two huge releases hit UK screens. Take your pick between Mary Poppins Returns, starring Emily Blunt in the iconic Julie Andrews role. It’s based on the book in which the British nanny revisits a grown up Jane and Michael Banks. Or you could go for Aquaman, featuring underwater hero Arthur Curry as featured in the disappointing Justice League. Jason Momoa in body tattoos? Dive in. (Dec 21)
Know what I mean, ladies?
Stay tuned to our London Kids Weekend Scoop for the best activities in London for families every week!