Has all this talk of Wicked made you want to see a musical theatre show? (Click to see my review!) Perhaps you are sick of spending every night sitting in front of a TV screen, making the idea of seeing a live show oh-so tempting. Though, there’s just one question stopping that craving to experience live theatre: who will look after the kids? This is where family-friendly musicals come in.
Before all the parents roll their eyes at this blog post, it’s no secret that family outings can be chaotic. And who wants to, as an adult, sit through a one-hour, twenty-minute show about a family of talking pigs? (hi, Peppa!).
The theatre scene is currently bubbling with family-friendly musicals that children and grown-ups alike will enjoy. So, if you are still with me, I have picked out five shows that will guarantee to amuse you and have the little ones tapping their toes.
(Or, just get a baby-sitter, no one’s judging!)
Matilda the Musical
We’re starting with a timeless classic. Based on the book by Roald Dahl, which later became a family-friendly movie of the same name, Matilda has now been transformed into a multi-award-winning musical that continues to dazzle audiences. It’s still authentic to the original book, just with a song dotted here and there!
Matilda the Musical follows an often misunderstood “extraordinary little girl.” Her intelligent mind and fierce courage become her greatest allies as she battles against the not-so-forgiving Miss Trunchbull for a brighter and kinder tomorrow. The score includes “Revolting Children”, “Naughty”, and “When I Grow Up.”
Recommended for children aged 6 and up.
https://uk.matildathemusical.com
Oliver!
Arguably one of the most adored musicals of all time (and a personal favourite of mine). Cameron Mackintosh has once again knocked it out of the park with his latest revival of Lionel Barts’s “Oliver!” which has received stunning reviews from the likes of London Theatre and The Telegraph.
Based on Charles Dicken’s classic book of the same name, “Oliver!” follows an orphan and ex-workhouse boy in gritty Victorian England who gets taken under the wing of the charismatic and cunning Fagin and his pick-pocketing gang. Including a classic and foot-tapping score of “Food Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself,” “I’d Do Anything”, and so much more, what’s not to love?
Recommended for ages 7 and up.
The Lion King
Fancy a Disney classic? “The Lion King” has been made into a multi-award-winning musical show since its debut in 1999. It has been roaring through theatres in London for over 23 years, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
The Lion King transports audiences to the “Pride Lands of Tanzania,” ruled by a group of Lions. It tells the story of the next king in line, Simba, who follows in his wise father’s, Mufasa’s, footsteps. When Mufasa’s treacherous brother vows to avenge him, Mufasa and Simba must fight to save their rightful kingdom. The score features Disney classics, including “The Circle of Life,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”
Recommended for ages 6 and up.
Mary Poppins
The ultimate family-friendly (and not to mention Disney!) favourite has transformed into a “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” stage musical. What’s more, you don’t have to trek to London, as they are visiting a theatre near you!
Based on the stories of P.L. travellers and, of course, the smash hit Disney Film, this award-winning musical transports audiences into the lives of a flying Nanny who is tasked with caring for Mr. Bank’s troublesome children, Jane and Michael Banks. The score includes “A Spoonful Of Sugar,” “Feed The Birds” and, of course, the classic song “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”
Recommended for ages 7 and up.
Wicked
The show that everyone’s talking about at the minute. “Wicked” has been transformed into a live-action movie musical, but there’s nothing better than live theatre.
The story takes place in the universe of “The Wizard of Oz” before Dorothy skips down the yellow brick road and explains the dynamics between Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda the Good. The score features songs such as “No One Mourns the Wicked,” “The Wizard and I,” and the ultimate belter, “Defying Gravity.”
https://www.wickedthemusical.co.uk
As always, have a lovely day! x
