World Theatre Day: The best family-friendly theatre shows to see in 2023

World Theatre Day is here! Celebrate your love of jaw-dropping productions and bring the whole family along to these incredible shows on the West End and beyond.

Skiddle Staff

Date published: 27th Mar 2023

Today is World Theatre Day, the day we all celebrate and appreciate the fantastic art that the stage brings us all!

Whether you love immersing yourself in song and dance, escaping into fantasy worlds, or laughing until it hurts, there are family theatre tickets available so you and your family can enjoy some magical shows together.

So let’s dive in. Here are the best West End shows for families coming to venues all over the UK this year.

Harry Potter And The Cursed Child

When: Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays until Saturday 17th June 2023

Where: Palace Theatre in London

There are few stories with the capability to capture the imaginations of audiences both young and old like Harry Potter. One of the most beloved book and film franchises of all time, thousands have been enthralled with the wizarding world since it was gifted to us. So we really can’t think of a better theatre show to enjoy as a family than Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, a critically acclaimed production that sees Harry, now an adult, husband, and father to three children. We’d love to tell you more, but we don’t want to spoil it!

And for those who may have trouble sitting through the entire show in one go, you can watch part one, then part two on another day.

Tickets for Harry Potter And The Cursed Child

Annie Musical UK tour

When: Monday 3rd April - Saturday 25th November 2023

Where: touring the UK including dates in Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Cardiff, Dublin, Manchester, Belfast, Bristol, and more

The world’s favourite family musical is back! Touring all over the UK this year, you can catch the story of brave Annie who lives a miserable life in Miss Hannigan’s orphanage during The Great Depression in New York. The smash hit is a must for any musical fan and the perfect introduction to the theatre for littluns. Her luck changes when a billionaire takes her under his wing for Christmas. But Miss Hannigan has plans to ruin Annie’s search for her true family. Full of plenty of songs we all know and love, good luck not singing along to Tomorrow!

Mrs. Doubtfire

When: Friday 12th May - Monday 14th August 2023

Where: Shaftesbury Theatre in London

A slapstick comedy hit among kids and big kids, Mrs Doubtfire, following sold-out shows and standing ovations in Manchester, is coming to London. If you can’t quite remember the story, Daniel is an out-of-work actor who adores his kids but loses custody in his divorce. He creates the alter ego Euphegenia Doubtfire, a Scottish nanny, so he can spend time with them again. Packed with laughs and lessons on how you should never let go of your loved ones, it’s the perfect mix of fun with valuable lessons all packed into one.

Tickets for Mrs. Doubtfire

Back To The Future - The Musical

When: Wednesday 23rd February - Wednesday 21st June 2023

Where: Adelphi Theatre in London

If your littluns aren’t so little anymore, Back To The Future might be a better shout. Journey back in time with the 1985 blockbuster film ass Marty McFly hops in a time machine built by scientist Doc Brown. McFly accidentally changes the course of history and must race to fix the present, escape the past, and send himself back to the future! With a Tony Award-winning director, a Tony and Olivier-award-winning team, and Grammy-winners bringing the tunes, you can’t go wrong!

Tickets for Back To The Future - The Musical

The Lion King

When: Thursday 16th March - Saturday 11th November 2023 (more dates TBA as more cities are confirmed)

Where: touring the UK including dates in London, Sunderland, Bristol, Birmingham, Dublin, and more TBA

The internationally adored musical The Lion King is here! A powerful, moving story overflowing with iconic tracks is sure to get everyone singing, dancing in their seats, and maybe shedding a tear or two during that scene with Mufasfa. Follow Simba on his epic adventure with stunning effects, explosive colour, and of course that unreal soundtrack.

Tickets for The Lion King in London

Wicked

When: Tuesday 22nd February - Wednesday 21st June 2023

Where: Apollo Victoria Theater in London (dates across the UK in 2024-25)

One of the longest-running productions in West End history, checking out Wicked is a bucket list item for many theatre fans. The dives into the backstories of the beloved characters from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, uncovering the decisions that shaped the destinies of two friends who went on to become Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. A truly legendary story with multiple awards under its belt, this is one you’ll all adore.

Tickets for Wicked in London

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

When: Tuesday 28th March - Sunday 3rd September 2023

Where: touring the UK including dates in Southport, Hull, Belfast, Southampton, Bristol, Birmingham, London, and more

Suitable for ages 3+, this show is based on the picture book of the same name that just about every kiddo has flicked through once or twice. The perfect introduction to the theatre for littluns, the story follows Sophie and her mummy who are sitting down for tea. Of course, they never would’ve expected a big, stripy tiger to ring the doorbell! Join them as they sip their tea, with plenty of magic, sing-a-longs, and clumsy chaos!

Tickets for The Tiger Who Came To Tea in London

Frozen The Musical

When: Friday 1st July - Thursday 22nd June 2023

Where: Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London

Let it go, let it goooo! Is there anyone out there who didn’t fall in love with Frozen? Bringing everyone’s favourite story to life with incredible special effects, jaw-dropping costumes, gorgeous stage design, and all the legendary tracks from the movie, this theatre production is guaranteed to make you fall in love with Frozen all over again. With an award-winning team behind the scenes and new songs that’ll have you singing as you leave, it’s Frozen as you know and love it only better.

Tickets for Frozen The Musical

Celebrate World Theatre Day in style! Click or tap here to find more London family theatre tickets on Skiddle now to get lost in another world with your favourite people by your side. Or search Skiddle now to find theatre shows near you.

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.