New children's theatre shows in London this autumn

My Neighbour Totoro, Barbican Theatre

The magic of Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli comes to the stage by way of a puppetry-led adaptation of 1988 movie My Neighbour Totoro at the Barbican Theatre. Japanese composer and musician Joe Hisaishi has teamed up with the Royal Shakespeare Company to bring to life the enchanting tale of two young sisters who meet a friendly woodland spirit in 1950s rural Japan. Playwright Tom Morton-Smith (Oppenheimer) has scripted the story for the stage.

For age 6+

We're Going on a Bear Hunt, Various Venues

We're going on a bear hunt, we're going to catch a big one... Embark upon an adventure, trekking through long grass, squelchy mud and dark, scary caves in hope of finding a big bear with this charming stage adaptation of We're Going on a Bear Hunt, which tours around various venues this autumn.

For ages 3 - 8

Polka Theatre, 5-18 Oct

Greenwich Theatre, 26-30 Oct

Little Angel Theatre, 26 Nov - 19 Jan

Little Angel Theatre's Miniature Travelling Circus

The best things come in small packages at this bijou travelling circus. With charming puppets, old-school magic and wonders so teeny you'll wonder how you actually manage to see them. Little ones will be delighted by the novelty scale and the chaotic comedy, with a few surprises and opportunities to join in along the way.

For ages 3 - 6

Pinocchio, Unicorn Theatre

Teach children the importance of telling the truth with a new production of Pinocchio. With magic, adventure and an important moral message, the story of a marionette who becomes a real boy has all trappings of captivating life performance.

For age 7+

The Moon Hares, Southbank Centre

The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment bring over 100 performers to the Southbank Centre's stage to blend original new music and excerpts from Purcell's Dioclesian in a magical new opera for families. The Moon Hares follows a teacher arriving in a mysterious village, where inhabitants stay shut away at night time for fear that the moon will transform them into wild creatures.

For age 7+

Hex, National Theatre

What if a curse is just a blessing gone wrong? Returning to the National Theatre after a triumphant premiere last year, this glossy new musical casts the Sleeping Beauty myth in a new light, with the multi-talented Rosalie Craig (Company) starring as Fairy who inadvertently hexes the princess. Look forward to wondrous sets and costumes in this deliciously dark festive production from head of the National Theatre, Rufus Norris.

For age 8+

Little Manfred, Polka Theatre

Two children discover their mother's fascinating war-time past in this stage adaption of Michael Morpurgo's Little Manfred. When Charley, Alex and their dog Manfred meet two older men on the beach, the discover that their home was used as posting for German prisoners of war and they learn the impact it had on their mother's childhood. Reflecting the military themes, the production includes serving and veteran military personnel.

For ages 7 - 12

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Gillian Lynne Theatre

Escape to Narnia this winter as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe comes to life on the West End. Spectacular staging, a talented cast and a new musical score breathe fresh life into C.S Lewis’s classic book. Children will marvel at the magical world of Narnia, while adults will be absorbed by the nuance and nostalgia.

Hey Duggee: The Live Theatre Show, Southbank Centre

Who's ready to get their theatre badge? Everyone's favourite canine park ranger is leading the pack in the exciting new Hey Duggee theatre show. The multi-BAFTA and EMMY winning Cbeebies series is a firm favourite with babies (and parents) and it promises to be just as zany and charming in live performance.

Suitable for all ages (but probably best for under 5s)