THE SCHOOL summer holidays have finally started and if you have kids, you’ll definitely be looking for things to do.
One of the best ways to keep kids entertained – and in gloriously cool air-con – is a theatre show, and many cost less than the cost of a cinema ticket.
According to research conducted by SeatPlan, families can still see some of London’s biggest productions from as little as £12 this summer – less than the price of a medium Domino’s pizza.
So here are the best they’ve found for all ages, ranging from two to 13.
Age two and older
Be Like Blippi – from £24 per ticket
Blippi is a well-known children’s TV character and this summer, in London, you can catch them on stage with a new interactive show.
Read more on travel inspo
The show boasts music, learning and audience participation.
Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show – from £12 per ticket
What kid doesn’t love Peppa Pig?
Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show features the TV show’s most-loved characters including Peppa themself.
The show is also interactive.
Ages three to four
The Tiger Who Came to Tea – from £12 per ticket
The Tiger Who Came to Tea is a much-loved children’s book, so what better way to enjoy it more than seeing the theatre adaptation?
You can expect songs and audience interaction throughout.
The Gruffalo – from £12 per ticket
Another show based on a children’s book is The Gruffalo.
Bring Julia Donaldson’s character to life, the 55-minute show features three characters that the audience interacts with including singing songs.
SeatPlan recommends for the smaller shows, including plays and dramas, it is better to sit closer to the stage so you can see all the performers.
Ages five to six
Matilda The Musical – from £24 per ticket
For kids a little older, Matilda is a great option – with a powerful story about imagination and courage, it remains one of the capital’s most popular family shows for a reason.
Travel reporter Cyann Fielding, who recently saw the show, said: “I have to admit – while I loved Rah Dahl growing up, Matilda was not my favourite story of his.
“But, any excuse to see one of his stories on stage, and I’ll be there.
“And now I take everything back – the stage show is better than the film and does the book justice, with an amazing stage set and catchy songs that will get your hips moving in your seat.
“The fact that most the performers in this show are children just make it all the more impressive.
“Definitely will be loved by both parents and children alike.”
For bigger productions, SeatPlan advises sitting further back so you can fully take in the stage and sets.
The Lion King – from £40 per ticket
The Lion King is consistently dubbed one of the best stage shows in London and follows the classic story you know and love from the Disney movie.
And it isn’t one just for the kids, adults who grew up with the films will love it just as much.
Cyann also recently saw the show and said: “Mindblowing is the first thought that comes to mind when I think of The Lion King stage show.
“The costumes, the songs, the dancing, the sets – are all simply breathtaking.
“You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll be inspired and you’ll leave wanting to immediately watch it again.”
Despite being the most expensive show on this list, the team at SeatPlan states: “The cheapest seats aren’t always the worst seats.
“In many West End theatres, moving back just a few rows can save £30-£60 per ticket with very little difference in the overall view.”
Ages seven to eight
Wicked – from £25 per ticket
Thanks to the recent films, there is no better time to go and see Wicked on stage.
The show has amazing visuals, memorable songs and a story which both kids and adults can enjoy.
Cyann said: “Wicked was the very first West End I ever watched and it did not disappoint.
“Not knowing what to expect from a West End show, Wicked blew me away with its breathtaking sets, detailed costumes, emotional and inspiring songs and dramatic effects that will leave your mind blown.
“To date, it is still one of the best West End shows I’ve seen.”
Disney’s Hercules – from £29 per ticket
Full of humour, known songs and outgoing characters, Hercules is perfect for children ready for bigger productions.
Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill said: “Zero to Hero, Go the Distance, I Won’t Say I’m in Love – I was hit with a wave of nostalgia when I went to see Hercules at Royal Drury Lane.
“The production of the Disney film has everything you want from a musical, fabulous dance routines, comedy, tragedy and a bit of cheese too.
“The highlight has to be The Muses, a group of five goddesses, and they have the voices of them too.
“Their incredible outfits dazzled with every number – and each time they took to the stage, they were met with rapturous applause.
“I’d go back purely to see them sing A Star is Born.”
Ages nine to 10
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – from £31 per ticket
For younger Harry Potter fans, this magical stage production has spectacular effects, surprises and adventure throughout.
Cyann said: “As a massive Harry Potter fan, I had been wanting to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for years.
“I eventually then won the lottery for cheap tickets and saw both parts – though it is soon being merged into one performance.
“It is a must for Potterheads and will leave you smiling, crying and feel inspired.
“The onstage tricks also help to make it feel as if you are one of the students at Hogwarts.”
Horrible Histories – from £19 per ticket
What kid didn’t watch Horrible Histories when growing up?
And now kid can re-live it through its stage performance, complete with jokes, song and educational moments.
When it comes to picking a show, the bigger names might be tempting but SeatPlan advises: “Look beyond the biggest show – everyone heads straight for the biggest blockbuster musicals, but many newer productions offer outstanding entertainment with much lower ticket prices.”
Ages 11 to 13
Hamilton – from £24 per ticket
One of the biggest theatre phenomena in the world. Older children and teenagers studying history or interested in music will be completely hooked by its unique blend of storytelling, rap and musical theatre.
Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens said: “There’s a reason the Hamilton soundtrack is the most streamed musical theatre soundtrack of all time.
“Watching the show on the West End will have you uncontrollably moving to its 90’s R&B and Hip Hop-inspired songs, plus the harmonies of the Schuyler sisters really scratch that itch in your brain.
“It’s the history class you wish you had been taught: fast, funny, and heart-wrenching all at once.”
Mamma Mia! – from £18 per ticket
Perfect for families wanting a theatre trip that everyone can enjoy. Older children and teenagers will love the ABBA soundtrack, while parents get the nostalgia factor.
Cyann said: “Mamma Mia! is the ultimate feel-good film and the show is the same.
“You can expect all the iconic songs to sing along too, as well as vibrant sets and costumes that transport you to Greece.”
Extra tips from SeatPlan
HERE are some other tips from the team at SeatPlan:
The front of the Dress Circle is often the best-value seat in the theatre
For large musicals, the front row of the Dress Circle often offers the best views.
From these seats, you can see the stage in full, including the choreography and set design, and sometimes these tickets cost less than premium Stalls seats.
Don’t always book in the middle
Many people immediately choose the centre of the Stalls, but slightly off-centre seats are often much cheaper while offering an almost identical experience.
Premium seats aren’t always worth the extra cost
Seats immediately behind the premium section can usually deliver virtually the same view for significantly less money.
Always check real audience photos before booking
A seat marked as ‘restricted view’ isn’t always as restrictive as people expect.
To check, look at real seat photos, which you can do on SeatPlan’s website.
Book midweek if you can
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday performances are usually noticeably cheaper than Friday and Saturday evenings.
Compare before you buy
Prices for exactly the same seat can vary between ticket sellers.
Taking a few extra minutes to compare prices can save a surprising amount.
SeatPlan compares prices from four leading ticket websites automatically
Use seat reviews, not just a seating plan
A theatre seating plan only tells you where a seat is.
Real audience reviews tell you what it’s actually like to sit there, helping you avoid overpaying.
Be flexible with dates
If you can swap your visit by a day or two, you can find much better ticket availability and lower prices than on the busiest performances.
You can see last minute price drops on SeatPlan’s website.