London's best shows + musicals for teenagers
London’s West End is a treasure trove for parents of theatre fans (and those looking to lure teens away from screens). There’s a reason they call it the ‘theatre capital of the world’.
It’s home to the oldest theatre site in continuous use, Drury Lane, and welcomed 17 million guests in 2024. That’s nearly five million more than New York’s Broadway. (1)
But with so much to see, how do you find the right London show for your teen?
What are the best London musicals or shows for teenagers?
One way to find the best London play or musical for your teen is to think about what they love watching at home.
Lots of the shows we see in London theatres are adapted from films or TV. For example, Beetlejuice, Mean Girls and The Devil Wears Prada were all hit films before they became musicals. High School Musical began as a Disney TV movie.
But some London shows have been running for decades, and they don't last that long unless audiences keep coming back. Les Misérables has played in the West End since 1985, making it the longest-running musical in West End history. (2) Teens who've seen the 2012 film may already know the songs, too.
For more inspiration, scroll down. The listings you'll see are suitable for 13- to 17-year-olds. For younger children, browse our kids theatre shows.
Or for more ideas, see our guide to things to do with teenagers in London.
Looking for a particular date or area of London? Filter your search here to find theatre shows for teenagers near you.
London shows + musicals for teens you can book right now:
Wicked The Musical
Get tickets to the award winning WICKED at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, now in its landmark 18th year. Discover the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West. WICKED, the West End and Broadway musical sensation, is the winner of more than 100 global awards, including three Tony Awards on Broadway, two Olivier Awards, eleven WhatsOnStage Awards, and a Grammy. Currently starring Emma Kingston as Elphaba with Zizi Strallen as her counterpart Glinda, WICKED the musical is the 10th longest running production in West End history. This spellbinding show has been seen by over 12 million people, and it remains ‘one of the most successful musicals of all time’ (BBC News). Transporting audiences to a reimagined world of Oz, this outstanding musical features stunning costumes, spectacular sets and show-stopping songs in a night of spellbinding theatrical magic. Book your theatre tickets to this truly WICKED musical with LOVEtheatre today! What is Wicked the Musical about? When Dorothy Gale famously triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West, we only ever heard one side of the story. See the Land of Oz through new eyes and explore a parallel journey to the familiar The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked imagines a beguiling backstory and future possibilities to the lives of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters from ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, revealing the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two unlikely university friends on their journey to becoming ‘Glinda The Good’ and the ‘Wicked Witch of the West’.
Thu 8 Oct - Sat 19 Dec
18:30 - 22:15
Theatre Show • 5 years+ • £26.50
SW1V, Apollo Victoria Theatre
West End Musical Christmas
The West End’s number one concert series WEST END MUSICAL CHRISTMAS returns to the Lyric Theatre for its biggest and most magical festive celebration yet. This Christmas, a surprise cast of the West End’s biggest stars will take to the stage for an unforgettable evening of music and festive cheer, to get audiences well and truly into the Christmas spirit. The set list remains a closely guarded secret, but expect a feast of heart-warming festive favourites, musical theatre classics and Yuletide surprises, building to an unforgettable Christmas party. Whether it’s your annual Christmas tradition or your first West End Musical concert, this is the festive night out that will leave you smiling long after the final encore. We wish you a musical Christmas! What is West End Musical Christmas about? This is a West End Musical concert ‘where the audience becomes the cast’, so warm up those vocal cords, get ready to sing your heart out, dance in the aisles and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year together
Mon 14 Dec - Mon 14 Dec
19:30 - 21:30
Theatre Show • 8 years+ • £24.00
W1D, Lyric Theatre
West End Musical Halloween
This Halloween the West End’s number one concert series returns to Lyric Theatre with another ghoulishly good evening for musical theatre lovers! – WEST END MUSICAL HALLOWEEN! This Halloween, a surprise cast of the West End’s biggest stars will once again haunt the Lyric Theatre with a thrilling concert celebrating the darker side of musicals. Expect wickedly entertaining showstoppers from Sweeney Todd, Little Shop of Horrors, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Phantom of the Opera, Hadestown, Beetlejuice and more. This is a West End Musical concert where the audience becomes the cast, so prepare to sing your heart out, dance the night away and enjoy a host of tricks, treats and devilish surprises at this spooktacular celebration. Whether you come in costume or just bring your best scream, this is one Halloween party no musical theatre fan will want to miss. It’s going to be a SCREAM! What is West End Musical Halloween about? Brought to you by the award-winning producers of West End Musical Brunch, Drive In, Celebration and Love Songs. This is a West End Musical concert ‘where the audience become the cast’, so get ready to sing and dance along and for a host of tricks and treats at this Spooktacular celebration!
Mon 2 Nov - Mon 2 Nov
19:30 - 21:30
Theatre Show • 6 years+ • £30.00
W1D, Lyric Theatre
Cirque Alice
AN EXTRAORDINARY NEW SHOW FROM THE CREATORS OF THE GLOBAL SMASH HITS THE ILLUSIONISTS, CIRCUS 1903 AND LE NOIR! Step into magical ‘Wonderland’ as CIRQUE ALICE reimagines Lewis Carroll’s classic adventures with breathtaking twists and astonishing, gravity-defying feats. Starring the greatest acrobatic performers from around the globe, this magnificent spectacle features stunning performances by mesmerising aerialists, mind-bending contortionists, exquisite puppetry, dancers and special guest musical and comedic artists – set against an enthralling soundtrack of newly arranged contemporary renditions of some of the world’s favourite classical hits. A joyous acrobatic adventure filled with heart-stopping moments and unforgettable performances, CIRQUE ALICE is a fantastical extravaganza for all ages! What is Cirque Alice? Starring the greatest acrobatic performers from around the globe, this magnificent spectacle features stunning performances by mesmerising aerialists, mind-bending contortionists, exquisite puppetry, dancers and special guest musical and comedic artists – set against an enthralling soundtrack of newly arranged contemporary renditions of some of the world’s favourite classical hits.
Sat 12 Dec - Sun 3 Jan
19:30 - 21:30
Theatre Show • 5 years+ • £37.50
SE1, Southbank Centre
SIX The Musical
Sponsored Event Nominated for the WhatsOnStage Awards 2024 for Best West End Show Crowning glory of the West End, Broadway and beyond SIX, ‘the most uplifting piece of new British musical theatre,’ (Evening Standard) is holding court at London’s Vaudeville Theatre. Prepare to Lose Ur Head. Think you know the six wives of Henry VIII? Think again… Created by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, prepare to lose your head and experience the Tudor Wives’ lives as they turn back the clock and take to the stage to reclaim their crowns and retell their stories of love, loss and the infamous ex they all have in common. Join Aragon, Boleyn, Seymour, Cleves, Howard and Parr, backed by their fiercely all-female band, the Ladies in Waiting, and Get Down to a royal retelling of the sassiest story in British Her-story. Book your SIX theatre tickets and Get Down with LOVEtheatre today! What is Six the Musical about? Divorced. Beheaded. Live! You’ve heard the historical rhyme, but you’ve never heard it like this. For the first time ever, the six wives of the infamous Henry VIII take to the stage to tell their stories in a pop concert that takes inspiration from some of the biggest modern day artists. === This is a Loopla-managed event listing. Bookings are made directly on the LOVEtheatre website. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on any booking links.
Thu 8 Oct - Thu 17 Dec
15:00 - 17:20
Theatre Show • 10 years+ • £40.00
WC2R, Vaudeville Theatre
Paddington The Musical
A rather wonderful musical adventure is about to begin in London’s West End. The world premiere of PADDINGTON THE MUSICAL lands in the Savoy Theatre from November! Bringing one of Britain’s best-loved characters to life on stage, this unmissable major new family production at the Savoy Theatre is jam-packed with irresistible songs, dazzling choreography – and of course, marmalade sandwiches. It’s Paddington as you’ve never seen him before. Based on the iconic characters from Michael Bond’s books and the award-winning films, PADDINGTON THE MUSICAL is directed by Luke Sheppard, with original music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher and book by Olivier Award-winner Jessica Swale. What is Paddington The Musical about? When a small, lost bear from Peru arrives in London in search of a new home, a chance encounter with the Brown family leads him to the wonderful world of Windsor Gardens. But London isn’t all cream teas and friendly faces – and even the happiest families have their cracks beneath the surface. So when Paddington’s life is suddenly in peril, the Browns must decide just how far they’re willing to go — and what they’re willing to risk — to give this special bear a home.
Thu 8 Oct - Thu 17 Dec
18:00 - 20:30
Theatre Show • 6 years+ • £76.50
WC2R, Savoy Theatre
As You Like It
Run wild and free in the muddy magic of the woods this summer with this euphoric new production of Shakespeare’s AS YOU LIKE IT in the Globe Theatre. Co‑directed by Sean Holmes (Romeo and Juliet, Pinocchio, Globe) and Charlie Josephine (Pinocchio, Globe, Cowbois, RSC/Royal Court), this bold new AS YOU LIKE IT pulses with lust, revelry, and live music. Join the party as the Globe stage becomes a forest festival of self‑discovery, where closed hearts open and love is limitless. What is As You Like It about? When the Duke’s court proves cold and cruel, Rosalind, Celia, and their friends escape into the Forest of Arden – a place alive with joy, music, and unexpected possibilities.
Thu 8 Oct - Thu 15 Oct
13:00 - 14:30
Theatre Show • 8 years+ • £6.00
SE1, Globe Theatre
Kids Live Show
Kids Show Live at The Magic Circle is a fun-filled, family-friendly magic show designed especially for children aged 4 and up. Hosted at the headquarters of the world’s most famous magic society, the one-hour show features one of our talented family entertainers and a show full of surprises, laughter and audience participation.
Sun 11 Oct - Sun 18 Oct
13:00 - 14:20
Theatre Show • 4 years+ • £16.50
NW1, The Magic Circle
London Witches & History Walking Tour
LWTL10 = EXCLUSIVE 10% discount off our usual booking price when using the code: LWTL10 Experience London’s wicked history and see famous sights on this spellbindingly unique walking tour, led by a bewitching guide! Join your characterful witch guide and hear the true historical tales of suspected London witches across the ages. Witness fascinating pieces of London history along the way too; secrets of Southwark Cathedral, The Golden Hinde, The Globe Theatre, Millennium Bridge and so very much more await on this character led walking tour. Starting by the infamous London Bridge your friendly costumed witch guide will lead you across Southwark's Southbank’s cobbles, seamlessly weaving history with vibrant storytelling. Widen your eyes to the tales of London’s accused witches as you uncover the truth about the likes of Nicholas Culpepper – people’s herbalist or bad boy herb doctor? Was Elizabeth Barton really that gifted? How about Jinny Bingham - did she deserve the nickname “Mother Damnable"? And did Old Joan Butts get off Scot-Free? You make your own mind up on this enlightening educational journey to the past. You will wind your way down Winchester Walk, bob around the edges of Borough Market, clatter your way down Clink Street and buzz down Bankside. An intriguing Tudor ship and ruined Winchester Palace cannot be missed along the way. Your faithful guide will happily point out a certain Elizabethan dramatic playhouse as well as the breathtakingly iconic landmarks across the river including the majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral. In an experience that brings together true stories, history, and a wisdom that we can learn from our terrible ways of the past, you are sure to fall in love with this small historic part of the city, and be enthralled by London’s witches’ chronicles. You may even see some famous filming locations from Harry Potter along the way! Don’t miss the chance to join London’s wonderful Witches & History Magical Walking Tour and see things as you never have before… *Please note this is an outdoor walking tour so dress for the weather, my dears.
Thu 8 Oct - Fri 31 Dec
15:00 - 17:15
Kids Activities • 8 years+ • From £17.00
SE1, Southwark Viewpoint
Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty Sparkling Show
Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty has arrived in London! This beloved tale is brought to life with classical dance, stunning choreography, and beautiful glow-in-the-dark costumes. Get your tickets for Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in a Sparkling Show in London! Highlights 🩰 Six incredible local dancers light up the stage ✨ Glow-in-the-dark costumes transform every movement into a radiant display 📖 Sleeping Beauty is reimagined through ballet 🤩 A unique ballet show combining classical dance and modern technology 🎵 Created by María Farelo and Cristian Pérez of Luma Artistas S.L. Description Step into a world where light and dance intertwine in this breathtaking retelling of Sleeping Beauty. As dancers glide across the stage, their illuminated costumes create a dazzling display of color and light, making every twirl and leap feel otherworldly. This isn’t just a ballet show—it’s a magical experience that brings a beloved classic to life in a way you’ve never seen before. Get your tickets now for Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in a Sparkling Show in London!
Sun 20 Dec - Sun 20 Dec
16:00 - 17:00
Theatre Show • 5 years+ • From £34.00
NW1, Shaw Theatre
Ballet of Lights: Cinderella Sparkling Show
After captivating audiences worldwide with Peter Pan, Ballet of Lights presents Cinderella! This classic fairy tale is reimagined in a ballet show where dancers shine in glow-in-the-dark costumes. Get your tickets for Ballet of Lights: Cinderella in a Sparkling Show in London! Highlights 👠 Cinderella reimagined in a spectacular ballet show 🎶 A beautiful soundtrack with songs from some of the greatest classical composers 🌟 Four talented dancers bring the story to life in illuminated costumes 🩰 A new kind of theatre show—classical dance with a contemporary twist 👪 A magical experience to be enjoyed with family and friends Description Cinderella returns in a bold, new ballet that’s redefining classical dance. Watch as dancers in illuminated costumes twirl and glow across the stage, breathing new life into this beloved fairytale. Whether it’s the hilarious antics of the evil stepsisters, the opulence of the Royal Ball, or the heartwarming romance between the Prince and Cinderella, each magical moment is brought to life through dance, colour, and light. Be part of the magic—get your tickets for Ballet of Lights: Cinderella in a Sparkling Show in London!
Fri 13 Nov - Fri 13 Nov
18:00 - 19:00
Theatre Show • 5 years+ • From £32.00
NW1, Shaw Theatre
Rebel Rebel
Willow’s campaign to become class president has landed her in trouble with the bullies at school. After a playground bump to the head, she wakes up lost… in 1913, face to face with Suffragette, Emily Davison. With over a century of history and women’s rights between their worlds, there’s a lot they have to discuss, and it’s far from plain sailing. With a dose of healthy debate and accepting that you can’t change the past, Willow must discover the confidence to use her voice for change, in her own unique way. Polka presents a brand-new production, celebrating female voices of the past and present and the importance of standing up for your beliefs. About Polka Theatre We opened our doors in 1979 as the UK’s first theatre venue dedicated exclusively to children. We deliver a year-round programme of exceptional and exciting new theatre and creative learning opportunities for 0-12 year olds. Alongside this, we showcase international productions, offer a home to touring children’s theatre companies and support diverse artists to develop new work for children. We produce between 7-10 productions each year, with selected shows touring to children across the UK and internationally in schools, libraries, community and theatre spaces. Polka has always led the way in inclusive practice. We were the first venue to create what we now widely know as a Relaxed Performance back in 2006 and continue to include a range of accessible performances in our year-round programme.
Sat 30 Jan - Sun 31 Jan
14:00 - 15:00
Theatre Show • 9-13 years • £11.00
SW19, Polka Theatre
Legally Blonde
The iconic international West End and Broadway smash hit musical comedy Legally Blonde The Musical is back in fashion with a huge new production starring Amber Davies (Pretty Woman, 9 to 5 The Musical) as Elle! This ultimate feel-good rom-com, based on the award-winning film starring Reese Witherspoon, follows Elle Woods on her transformation from It Girl fashionista to legal ace at Harvard Law School, all in the name of love. Elle must prove she is more than blonde ambition, swap the changing rooms for the courtroom and learn that ‘being true to yourself never goes out of style.’ This must-see show is from the creative team behind Director Nikolai Foster’s phenomenally successful Kinky Boots. Bend and snap up your tickets today.
Tue 20 Oct - Sat 24 Oct
18:30 - 20:30
Theatre Show • 8 years+ • £15.00
SW19, New Wimbledon Theatre
Mean Girls
Winner of Best New Musical (WhatsOnStage Awards) and direct from the West End, MEAN GIRLS is the hilarious smash-hit musical comedy from an award-winning creative team including writer Tina Fey (30 Rock), composer Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon). Meet The Plastics – Regina, Gretchen and Karen. They rule North Shore High and will burn anyone who gets in their way. Home-schooled Cady Heron may think she knows a thing or two about survival of the fittest thanks to her zoologist parents, but high school is a whole new level of savage. When Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a queen bee without getting stung. Expect iconic characters, razor-sharp wit, and killer songs. Grab your friends, this is going to be fetch – and YES Wimbledon, we’re making it happen!
Tue 24 Nov - Sat 28 Nov
19:30 - 22:00
Theatre Show • 10 years+ • £15.00
SW19, New Wimbledon Theatre
The Amazing Bubble Man
Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences around the world for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. He is a favorite at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where he has enjoyed 14 years of sell-out success. Louis explores the breath-taking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized. From square bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, fog-filled bubbles, giant bubbles, bubble volcanoes, tornados and trampolines to people inside bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages.
Thu 29 Oct - Thu 29 Oct
14:00 - 15:10
Theatre Show • 2-13 years • From £15.00
N12, Arts Depot
The Magic Flute
Step into Luca Silvestrini’s acclaimed new dance-theatre adaptation of Mozart’s opera, The Magic Flute. Join the fun-loving bird-catcher Papageno and the lost Prince Tamino as they set out to rescue Princess Pamina, uncovering the truth about the mysterious Queen of the Night and the powerful leader Sarastro. The Magic Flute is brought to life with Protein’s playful mix of dancing, storytelling, singing and stunning visuals, featuring rearranged Mozart alongside original music by composer Frank Moon. Following the award-winning The Little Prince, this enchanting tale of love, courage and friendship is for children aged 7+ and their grown-ups. This production features integrated Creative Captioning by Douglas Baker at every performance. Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, Royal Borough of Greenwich and Woolwich Works. Co-commissioned by DanceEast and The Place, with creation support by Pavilion Dance South West and Dance City.
Sun 1 Nov - Sun 1 Nov
14:30 - 15:40
Theatre Show • 7-14 years • From £15.00
N12, Arts Depot
Baby Broadway Family Concert, Chichester
Baby Broadway is a lively, interactive concert experience for the whole family, featuring songs from classic musicals and films performed by talented West End singers. Designed with both young children and adults in mind, the show creates a relaxed, welcoming space where little ones can move freely, join in, and play as they listen. Bubbles, charming puppetry, and simple actions and dance moves keep children engaged, while grown-ups can enjoy an uplifting singalong filled with timeless tunes. Created for families with children aged 0 - 7 (but open to all ages), Baby Broadway is as entertaining for adults as it is magical for little ones. “Tip-top show tunes that worm their way into ears of all ages” according to Time Out London. The 45-minute concert is fully interactive, with plenty of audience participation, and is presented as an informal concert rather than a staged theatrical show. “So much fun! A lovely activity for you and your littlies” — Sevenoaks Mums “One of the highest calibre baby events we have been to” — ★★★★★ Google review “Absolutely brilliant. Actually entertaining for adults and simply magical for the kids.” — daddyshortlegs
Fri 23 Oct - Fri 23 Oct
10:15 - 11:00
Music • all ages • £8.00
PO19, Chichester Festival
Matilda The Musical
Winner of over 100 international awards, including 24 for Best Musical, MATILDA THE MUSICAL has been playing at the Cambridge Theatre in London’s West End for more than 12 years, where it continues to delight audiences of all ages. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by comedian Tim Minchin, MATILDA THE MUSICAL is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. MATILDA THE MUSICAL is the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl.
Thu 8 Oct - Sat 19 Dec
18:00 - 21:35
Theatre Show • 6 years+ • £24.00
WC2, Cambridge Theatre
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Where are the best theatres for teenagers in London?
The West End has the most shows for teenagers. About half of the teen-friendly shows we list play in this part of the city.
Beetlejuice at the Prince Edward Theatre and Into the Woods at the Noël Coward Theatre are both recommended for ages 12 and up.
Into the Woods is Sondheim's darker take on what happens after "happily ever after". Older teens who think fairy tales are for kids may be pleasantly surprised.
For the best-value London shows, though, we recommend looking further out.
Shakespeare's Globe, on the South Bank, is a cheap way to see Shakespeare at an iconic venue. Standing tickets in the yard cost under £10.
Further south, New Wimbledon Theatre hosts touring musicals. Legally Blonde and Mean Girls both play there in autumn 2026.
Polka Theatre, also in Wimbledon, was designed with children in mind. Some of its shows suit younger teens, though.
If you're still undecided, use the Loopla search tool to filter by age and location.
References:
- The West End: The Theatre Capital of the World - Society of London Theatre
- The 20 longest-running West End musicals - Official London Theatre
FAQ: How to find the right shows + musicals for teens in London
What are some good musicals for teenagers?
Good musicals for teenagers include SIX, Beetlejuice and Mean Girls. SIX tells the stories of Henry VIII's six wives in just 80 minutes as a pop concert.
Beetlejuice follows a teenage misfit who can talk to ghosts. It includes strong language and adult references but is recommended for ages 12 and up.
Mean Girls brings the classic school-based comedy to the stage and will be relatable for many teens. The age guidance for this London show is 10 and up.
What are some good theatre shows for 13-year-olds in London?
You can find good theatre shows for 13-year-olds in London at Shakespeare's Globe on the South Bank. It's a cheap first taste of Shakespeare in a famous venue. Standing tickets in the yard at the Globe cost under £10.
To see up-to-date listings of London shows for teens use the Loopla search tool and filter by age.
Can teenagers go to the theatre on their own in London?
Teenagers can go to some London theatres on their own, but the rules vary by venue. At the Dominion Theatre, for example, children aged 15 or under must be with an adult. It's worth checking the venue's terms before you book.
What's the cheapest way for teens to see a show in London?
The cheapest way for teens to see a show in London is often standing at Shakespeare's Globe, where yard tickets cost under £10. Touring musicals can also be cheaper than the West End. Legally Blonde and Mean Girls at New Wimbledon Theatre start at £15.
How can I find shows for teenagers near me?
You can find London shows and musicals for teenagers near you using Loopla's search tool. Filter by date and area to see the closest options.
