What’s On July/August 2023

Rose Theatre

High Street Kingston KT1 1HL www.rosetheatre.org

12-16 July

Zog

Large in size and keen in nature, Zog bursts onstage in a lively, musical production based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Ages 3+.

21 - 28 August

Fireman Sam Saves the Circus

Polka Theatre

The Broadway SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com

Until 13 August

The Everywhere Bear

Julia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb’s beautiful story springs to life with rhyme, original music and delightfully expressive puppets. Ages 3-7.

1 July - 20 August

Hairy

A playful and frankly laughable exploration of that most versatile and significant feature of human anatomy. It will have few words and great generous dollops of bold visual comedy. Ages 6-12.

Lyric Hammersmith Theatre

King Street W6 0QL. www.lyric.co.uk

25-30 July

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

Four timeless stories brought to life in one delightful show, based on the books by Eric Carle. Age 1+.

8-20 August

Tales from Acorn Wood

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage for the first time in an enchanting musical, lift-theflap experience. Ages 1-6.

Horrible Histories Live on Stage!

Terrible Tudors at Garrick Theatre, London www.terribletudors.com

27 Jul-2 Sep

We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! Terrible Tudors is back with the hit West End show for a second sensational year. From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry's headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed. Survive the Spanish Armada as it launches their attack. It’s history with the nasty bits left in! Age recommendation: 5-10

The Old Vic

The Cut SE1 8NB www.oldvictheatre.com

11 - 29 July

Mog the Forgetful Cat

The Wardrobe Ensemble adapt Judith Kerr’s beloved and iconic stories for the stage, in a lively and enchanting production with songs, live music and a menagerie of creatures little and large. Ages 3+.

When all of his friends go away, Norman Price decides to find adventure in Pontypandy and become the star of a visiting circus. But with a tiger on the loose and faulty lights, the adventure soon turns to danger. Can Fireman Sam come to the rescue and save the circus?

Age 3+.

29 August - 9 September

Blippi - The Wonderful World Tour Dance, sing, and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes different towns and cities unique and special in this brand-new musical party! Age 3+.

Shakespeare’s Globe

New Globe Walk SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com

Family Workshops

The Globe’s family workshops feature a range of activities and games based on Shakespeare’s best-loved plays.

Until 26 August A Midsummer Night’s Dream, ages 5-8 and 9-12.

Horrible Histories: Terrible

Thames

From Tower Bridge Quay www.terriblethames.com

Daily tours

This is a boat tour all about the history of the Thames with the nasty bits left in! The fantastic journey incorporates immersive theatre to surprise and shock in equal measure as it delivers its unique take on London, thrilling both children and adults alike.

Little Angel Theatre

Dagmar Passage N1 2DN www.littleangeltheatre.com

Until 23 July

The Wolves in the Walls

When Lucy hears noises from behind the walls, she tries to warn her family that there are wolves lurking inside their house. Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean’s spooky and hilarious tale comes to life in a frenzy of puppetry, songs and shadow-play. Ages 1-17.

Southbank Centre

Southbank SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk

8 July - 3 September

REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground

Part installation, part adventure playground, REPLAY is a space built entirely out of waste materials, repurposed for fun by The Herd Theatre.

Ages 0-11.

20 August

The Marvellous Myth Hunter Ceilidh

Dust off your maps and jetpacks to visit Scotland’s most famous loch and a fantastical live ceilidh.

26+27 August

The SpongeBob Musical

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea and became the hottest star on Broadway? It's SpongeBob SquarePants, in an all-singing, all-dancing, dynamic stage show.

1+3 September

Zoe’s Peculiar Journey

Hurtle into a time-travelling adventure for ages six and over, featuring magical puppetry and exploring themes of friendship and the environment. Ages 6+.

Actor’s Church

St Paul’s Church WC2E 9ED www.actorschurch.org

5-8 July

Romeo & Juliet

Take a magical visit to Verrona, with newly composed music and even a dance or two. Suitable for family audiences.

13-15 July

Peter Pan

The timeless tale of hapless pirates, feral children and a particularly punctual reptile. This show isn’t just for kids, brilliant buffoonery will have picnickers of all ages cackling into their coleslaw.

Ages 3+.

18-24 August

Doctor Dolittle

A fun, family-friendly story using magnificent puppetry to fill the courtyard with every kind of creature imaginable. Ages 3+.

Royal Opera House

Bow Street WC2E 9DD www.roh.org.uk

Various dates

Family Sundays

Discover opera, ballet and the Royal Opera House with fun-packed creative activities for all the family.

Royal Albert Hall

Kensington Gore SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com

29 July

Jazz for Kids

Introduce little ears to the wonderful world of jazz music through relaxed concerts for families, performed by professional musicians from Albert’s Band. Ages 4-11.

The London Palladium

Argyll Street W1F 7TF www.wizardofozmusical.com

Until 3 September

The Wizard of Oz

A spectacular production featuring the iconic original film score, and starring Gary Wilmot, Jason Manford and Ashley Banjo.

Regents Park Open Air Theatre

Regents Park NW1 4NU

Until 22 July

Robin Hood. The Legend. Re-written. Prepare for a thrilling new take on the classic tale which promises humour, heart and a forest full of secrets. Expect the arrows to fly in a bold new direction as trickery and truth collide with fiery results. Ages 8+.

Until 22 July

The Tempest

When the sorcerer Prospero conjures up a storm to shipwreck his enemies, he sets the scene for an enchanting tale of spells, monsters, revenge and romance. Shakepeare's text is re-imagined and brought thrillingly to life for younger audiences. Age 6+.

Sadler’s Wells Theatre

Rosebery Avenue EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com

Last Friday of each month

Family Fridays

Dance workshops for accompanied children, facilitated by a freelance lead and supporting artist and managed by the Learning & Engagement Department. Ages 2-4, all abilities.

Lyric Theatre

Shaftsbury Avenue W1D 7ES www.nimaxtheatres.com/theatres/ 20 July - 3 September

The Smeds and the Smoos

Zoom into space with two warring aliens in this adaptation of the book by Julia Donaldson and Exel Scheffler.Tall Stories bring music, laughs and interplanetary adventures to the stage. Ages 3+.

Cambridge Theatre

Earlham Street WC2H 9HU www.lwtheatres.co.uk/theatres/cambridge

Matilda the Musical

The story of an extraordinary little girl who dares to take a stand and change her own destiny, in the multi-award winning musical from the Shakespeare Company. Ages 6+.

Theatre Royal

Catherine Street EC2B 5JF www.frozenthemusical.co.uk

Frozen, the Musical

The stage version of the hugely successful animated Disney film, with songs including ‘Let It Go’ and ‘Do You Wanna Build a Snowman’. Spectacular staging, amazing special effects and beautiful costumes conjure up a magical world. Ages 6+.

Ciné Lumière

Institut Français, Queensbury Place SW7 2DT www.institut-francais.org.uk/cinelumiere

Join CinéFamilies for a mix of English and subtitled French language films and events for all ages from babies to teens.

MUSEUMS & MONUMENTS

Fulham Palace

Bishop's Avenue SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org

2 July

The Wizard of Oz

An outdoor theatrical production with brand new songs, laughter and plenty of audience participation.

1-4 August Palace Explorers

A week of playtime fun with a different theme each day, from toys to tractors and building blocks.

Chelsea Physic Garden

Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HS www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

25 July

Plant a Dinosaur Habitat

Discover the exciting world of ferns in a fun family session.

14-20 August

Family Theatre: Alice in Wonderland

Follow the White Rabbit into a curiously enchanting world of wonder. Wild Immersive Theatre perform a magical family adventure like no other in the garden.

Natural History Museum

Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk

Until 7 January 2024

Titanosaur: Life as the Biggest Dinosaur Step into the world of one of the largest creatures to have ever walked the earth. You’ll learn how Patagotitan mayorum stayed safe, found food and kept cool as you follow its journey from tiny egg to towering head and shoulders above other Cretaceous critters.

Once a month

Dino Snores for Kids

Spend a night amongst the museum’s incredible collections, with an evening of awesome learning activities before