You need to be on the ball to score top tix to coveted West End musicals like School of Rock and Matilda, though - the day those Kids' Week tix go on sale, you'll want to be parked at your laptop, ready to order your tickets.
When accompanied by an adult playing full price, little ones can revel in the magic of the West End for nothing. You can take a sibling or a friend along too, as families pick up two additional children's tickets for half price with every transaction.
Here's what not to miss:
Everyone's Talking About Jamie, Apollo Theatre
A celebration of being 'a little bit different' (read more here), Everyone's Talking About Jamie is the charming true story of an openly gay young man from Sheffield whose career options are, apparently, limited to prison guard or forklift truck operator. How do you reveal a preference for high heels, short skirts and glitter?
School of Rock, New London Theatre
Bonus: Enrol in the School of Rock and learn the song and dance routine to 'Stick It To The Man'. For a full list of Kids' Week workshops click here.
A Monster Calls, The Old Vic
Director Sally Cookson leads a new stage adaptation of Patrick Ness's searing novel about a teenager whose darkest nightmares come to life when he is woken in the night by a monster.
Click here for more information
The King and I, Palladium Theatre
After premiering on at New York's St James Theatre in 1951, the show was an instant hit. It went on to garner Tonys, an Oscar-winning film adaptation and the accolade of fourth longest-running show in Broadway History. Expect a sumptuous love story set against a rich aesthetic of vast hoop skirts and embellished robes. Based loosely on the memoirs of a British governess hired to teach the children of King Mongkut of Siam in the early 1860s, the musical is a story of conflict, cultural differences and romance.
The Comedy About a Bank Robbery, Criterion Theatre
Don't be a criminal and miss out on this comedy! Set in summer 1958, the story revolves around one enormous diamond, eight incompetent crooks and a snoozing security guard. A showcase of theatrical inventiveness with sidekicks and tricksters galore – expect a slick performance and plenty of laughs.
Little Shop of Horrors, Open Air Theatre
The foibles of a florist in charge of a flesh-eating plant will play out in the middle of Regent's Park, on the Open Air Theatre stage. Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's 1982 musical, based on a low-budget 1960 movie of the same name, is a celebration of early Motown and rock and roll music, a bizarre plot and plenty of black comedy.
The Tiger Who Came To Tea, Piccadilly Theatre
The Tiger Who Came to Tea is among Britain’s best loved picture books and this year is celebrating its 10th anniversary on stage. This Olivier Award nominated production returns to the West End and – as a special treat from us – Culture Whisper Gold members can get tickets below.
Culture Whisper Gold members get tickets here
We're Going on A Bear Hunt, Lyric Theatre
Take the whole family on a Bear Hunt without having to wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud. Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes, and a musical dog in this dramatisation of the classic children's book.
Gansta Granny, The Harold Pinter Theatre
Gangsta Granny by David Walliams has been adapted for stage in this gutsy kids' play. The story follows 11-year-old Ben, an aspiring plumber. His parents are fans of the programme Strictly Stars Dancing and its flamboyant presenter, Flavio (who makes a sparkly appearance later in the show). Inspired, his parents begin attending a weekly ballroom dancing club, leaving Ben in the care of his boring gran. He expects a dull Friday night... but he gets quite the opposite.
| What | Kids' Week: kids go free to London shows |
| Where | Various Locations | MAP |
| When |
01 Aug 19 – 31 Aug 19, performance times vary |
| Price | £n/a |
| Website | Click here to book |
