{"id":4952,"date":"2024-11-23T22:28:32","date_gmt":"2024-11-23T22:28:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/events.loopla.com\/?p=4952"},"modified":"2026-03-06T23:20:51","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T23:20:51","slug":"west-end-shows-teenagers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/west-end-shows-teenagers","title":{"rendered":"Best London Shows for Teenagers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

London’s West End is a treasure trove for parents of theatre fans (and those looking to lure teens away from screens).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s home to the oldest theatre site in continuous use, Drury Lane, and welcomed 17 million guests in 2024.(1<\/a>) That’s five million more than New York’s Broadway. There’s a reason they call the West End the ‘theatre capital of the world’!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scroll down to find the perfect West End show to inspire your teen in 2026. Or if you’re in a rush, here’s our quick-fire overview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best West End show for teens:<\/strong> Harry Potter and the Cursed Child<\/em><\/a> won\u2019t fail to delight fans of the series. For older teens (perhaps budding actors), All My Sons<\/em><\/a> is a five-star show with a star-studded cast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best West End musical for teenagers:<\/strong> Wicked<\/em><\/a> is a great pick, especially for those who loved the recent films. Many teens will connect with its recognisable songs and theme of friendship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best new West End show:<\/strong> Wicked fans can see Cynthia Erivo play another iconic character. The Elphaba actress will star as Dracula<\/em><\/a> <\/em>\u2013 plus 20(!) other characters \u2013 in a hotly anticipated upcoming production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Need something for the youngest family member, too? London\u2019s best shows for toddlers & babies<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teen-friendly shows on in London\u2019s West End in Winter 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Phantom of the Opera<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Book from \u00a329.00: Phantom of the Opera<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Story of Phantom of the Opera, London<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Phantom of the Opera<\/a> follows a masked musical genius who dwells beneath the Paris Opera House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is one of the West End\u2019s longest-running shows, opening at His Majesty\u2019s Theatre in 1986. Andrew Lloyd Webber\u2019s musical has won 70 major theatre awards and is one of the highest-grossing shows of all time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Event details<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ages:<\/strong> 8 years+
Where:<\/strong> His Majesty\u2019s Theatre, SW1Y
Duration:<\/strong> <\/strong>2 hours & 30 minutes (including a 20 min interval)
Reviews:<\/strong> 4.8 out of 5 stars from 7,799 reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Book from \u00a329.00<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Wicked<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Best<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Book from \u00a328.25: Wicked<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Wicked the musical<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Wicked<\/a> takes audiences back to the Land of Oz to follow the journey of two university friends. It explores their relationship and the decisions that lead them to becoming \u2018Glinda the Good\u2019 and the \u2018Wicked Witch of the West\u2019. Two well-known characters from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wicked has become a musical classic, winning multiple awards in its 18th year at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. The musical includes the song \u2018Defying Gravity\u2019, one of the most famous in musical theatre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Event details<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ages:<\/strong> 7 years+
Where:<\/strong> Apollo Victoria Theatre, W1D
Duration:<\/strong><\/strong> 2 hours and 45 minutes (including a 15 minute interval)
Reviews:<\/strong> 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,060 reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Book from \u00a328.25<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Book from \u00a317.50: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Harry Potter and the Cursed Child<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child<\/a> takes audiences back to Hogwarts in a play set after the original JK Rowling books.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Harry has grown up with three children, the youngest of whom, Albus, is about to start at Hogwarts. As the story unravels, truths of the past are revealed, and relationships are tested. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This original story has won a record\u2010breaking nine Olivier Awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Event details<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ages: <\/strong>8 years+
Where:<\/strong> Palace Theatre, W1D
Duration:<\/strong> <\/strong>Part 1 is 2 hours 40 minutes (including interval), and Part 2 is 2 hours 35 minutes (including interval)
Reviews: <\/strong>4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,947 reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Book from \u00a317.50<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Six the musical<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Best<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Book from \u00a334.50: Six the musical<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Six the musical<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Six<\/a> the musical is a retelling of the historical figures Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Catherine Parr: the six wives of Henry VIII. In the style of a pop concert, each shares their story of love, loss, and their infamous ex.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Created in 2022 by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, Six is one of the most exciting new musicals of recent years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Event details<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ages:<\/strong> 10 years+
Where:<\/strong> Vaudeville Theatre, WC2R
Duration:<\/strong> 80 minutes
Reviews:<\/strong> 4 out of 5 stars from 195 reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Book from \u00a334.50<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Hamilton<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Best<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Book from \u00a324.00: Hamilton<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Hamilton\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Hamilton<\/a> tells the story of one of America\u2019s founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies. It explores how Hamilton became George Washington\u2019s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and shaped America.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lin-Manuel Miranda\u2019s hit musical has won 11 Tony Awards and 7 Olivier Awards. It\u2019s a musical about American history that has captivated a generation. It blends genres of hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway to offer something a little different to what we might expect from a musical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Event details<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ages: <\/strong>10 years+\u00a0
Where:<\/strong> Victoria Palace Theatre, SW1E
Duration:<\/strong> 2 hours 45 minutes (including interval)
Reviews:<\/strong> 4 out of 5 stars from 762 reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Book from \u00a324.00<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

MAMMA MIA!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Best<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Book from \u00a318.00: MAMMA MIA!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

About MAMMA MIA!<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

MAMMA MIA!<\/a> is a feel-good musical based on the songs of ABBA. Set on an idyllic Greek island, it tells the story of Sophie, who wants her dad at her wedding.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The problem is, she doesn\u2019t know who he is. To discover the truth, Sophie invites three men from her mum\u2019s past to the island. Who will walk her down the aisle?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Event details<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ages:<\/strong> 5 years+
Where:<\/strong> Novello Theatre, WC2B
Duration:<\/strong> 2 hours 35 minutes, including interval
Reviews:<\/strong> 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,242 reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Book from \u00a318.00<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

My Neighbour Totoro<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Best<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Book from \u00a330.00: My Neighbour Totoro<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

About My Neighbour Totoro<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

My Neighbour Totoro<\/a> is a coming-of-age story exploring the magical world of childhood. Sisters Satsuki and Mei move to the countryside with their father to be closer to their mother as she recovers from illness. In the countryside, the sisters discover magical creatures and adventures in a fantasy realm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After sell-out runs at the Barbican, this production by the RSC and Joe Hisaishi transferred to the West End last March. The play won multiple awards, adapting Studio Ghibli\u2019s 1988 animated film My Neighbour Totoro for the stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Event details<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ages:<\/strong> 6 years+\u00a0
Duration:<\/strong> 2 hours 45 minutes (including interval)
Where:<\/strong> Gillian Lynne Theatre, Holborn, WC2B
Reviews: <\/strong>4.9 out of 5 stars from 700 reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Book from \u00a330.00<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Back to the Future The Musical<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Best<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Book from \u00a323.00: Back to the Future The Musical<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Back to the Future The Musical<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Back to the Future The Musical<\/a> brings the classic 1985 film to the stage with new music and spectacular special effects. It’s a fun, exciting musical loved by new audiences and original film fans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marty McFly is transported back to 1955 by Doc Brown’s time machine, the DeLorean car. He accidentally changes history and races against time to make things right.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Event details<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ages:<\/strong> 6 years+
Where:<\/strong> Adelphi Theatre, Covent Garden, WC2R
Duration:<\/strong> 2 hrs 40 minutes (including interval)
Reviews:<\/strong> 4.8 out of 5 stars from 218 reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Book from \u00a323.00<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Stranger Things: The First Shadow<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Best<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Book from \u00a342.00: Stranger Things: The First Shadow<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Stranger Things: The First Shadow<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Stranger Things: The First Shadow<\/a> is a prequel to the Netflix series Stranger Things. It takes audiences back into the world of Stranger Things, exploring the story\u2019s beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s set in the town of Hawkins, with the Creel family and their son Henry arriving to settle there. However, they find that the shadows of the past still reach them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Event details<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ages:<\/strong> 12 years+
Where:<\/strong> Phoenix Theatre, WC2H
Duration:<\/strong> 3 hours (including interval)
Reviews:<\/strong> 4.1 out of 5 stars from 11 reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Book from \u00a342.00<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Operation Mincemeat<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Book from \u00a349.50: Operation Mincemeat<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Operation Mincemeat<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Operation Mincemeat<\/a> follows a secret mission involving a well-dressed corpse that may have won World War II.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Upon opening in 2024, the show got the theatre world talking and won Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards. It\u2019s extending its run at the Fortune Theatre for the ninth time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Operation Mincemeat<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ages: <\/strong>6 years+\u00a0
Where:<\/strong> Fortune Theatre, WC2B
Running Time:<\/strong> 2 hours 35 minutes (including interval)
Reviews:<\/strong> 4.5 out of 5 stars from 45 reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Book from \u00a349.50<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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What’s on for teens in London<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

London is one of the best cities in the world to see theatre and musicals. If you want to see more events and activities for teens you can also search Loopla and see what’s on near you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Find events for teens<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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FAQs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What is the best theatre show for a 13-year-old?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The best theatre shows for a 13-year-old are Back to the Future The Musical<\/a>, My Neighbour Totoro<\/a>, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child<\/a>, and Wicked<\/a>. These tell relatable stories with engaging performances, special effects and music. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the best theatre show in London for children?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The best theatre shows in London for children are Matilda<\/a> and The Lion King<\/a>. These stories will engage children, while the musical performances will amaze them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In our article ‘10 Best West End Shows for Kids<\/a>‘, you can find more shows in London for kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What age are West End shows for?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

There are West End shows for all ages. Every show will have different age restrictions and recommendations. You can find shows that are for all different ages, such as Stick Man<\/a> for 3 years+ and Matilda<\/a> for 6 years+.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

London’s West End is a treasure trove for parents of theatre fans (and those looking to lure teens away from screens). It’s home to the oldest theatre site in continuous use, Drury Lane, and welcomed 17 million guests in 2024.(1) That’s five million more than New York’s Broadway. There’s a reason they call the West … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":5687,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[44,39],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4952","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-shows-for-kids","category-whats-on"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4952","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4952"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4952\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8667,"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4952\/revisions\/8667"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5687"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4952"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4952"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loopla.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4952"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}