THERE’S just a few weeks left where you can get FREE kids tickets for some of the UK’s top shows.
London Theatre’s Kids Week is running until August 31 where kids can go for free – ideal for school summer holiday fun.
Kids Week runs until the end of August across a number of London West End showsCredit: Getty
Any child aged 17 or under will go free to the theatre when accompanied by an adult who pays for a full- price ticket and two additional children can then also attend for half price.
In total, there are 54 shows participating in Kids Week and here are some of the top offers remaining before the promotion ends:
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Wicked
These include Wicked with amazing visuals and heartfelt songsCredit: Alamy
Wicked has been around in the West End for a while, but thanks to the recent Hollywood blockbuster adaptations, there is no better time to go and see Wicked on stage than now.
You can expect amazing visuals, memorable and heartfelt songs and a storyline that is great for both kids and adults.
Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding said: “Wicked was the very first West End show I ever watched, and it did not disappoint.
“Not knowing what to expect from a West End show, Wicked blew me away.
“It has 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.”
Adult + child ticket costs from £46
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Younger will enjoy The Tiger Who Came to TeaCredit: Alamy
Little kids will love The Tiger Who Came to Tea, adapted from the popular book of the same name.
You can expect songs and audience interaction throughout the show.
Adult + child ticket costs from £17.46
Six
History lovers should check out Six The Musical, which is based around Henry VIII’s six wivesCredit: Getty
Based on the six wives of Henry VIII but with a modern twist, Six The Musical is ideal if you love catchy songs.
The musical transforms the 500-year-old rhyme ‘divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived’ into a competition about which of the wives deserves to be the group’s lead singer.
Adult + child ticket costs from £54.50
Matilda
A classic is Matilda, with catchy songsCredit: Alamy
Matilda is a great family option that will be loved by both kids and adults alike, with a powerful storyline about imagination andcourageg, and 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 Roald 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 of the performers in this show are children just make it all the more impressive.
“Definitely will be loved by both parents and children alike.”
Adult + child ticket costs from £52.50
The Hunger Games
One of the newer productions you could head to is The Hunger Games: On StageCredit: Getty
The Hunger Games: On Stage is one of the newer theatrical productions on this list.
The immersive show brings Suzanne Collins’ dystopian world to life, and you can expect special effects as well as aerial stunts.
Adult + child ticket costs from £36.88
Disney’s Hercules
Disney fans should catch Hercules before it leaves the West End on September 5Credit: Alamy
You’ve not got long left to watch Hercules, as the West End production will end at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on September 5.
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 Disneyfilm 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.”
Adult + child ticket costs from £41.66
Beetlejuice The Musical
Beetlejuice The Musical only debuted earlier this yearCredit: Alamy
Debuting earlier this year, Beetlejuice The Musical combines comedy with the storyline of Tim Burton‘s 1988 film.
You can expect a load of dark humour, neon sets and vibrant costumes.
Dog Man is one of those cultural phenomena restricted to certain ages – if you’ve had a primary school kid in the past 10 years you’ll know the graphic novels, if you haven’t you won’t.
But trust me, it’s massive – the funny series by Dav Pilkey, about an American cop with a dog’s head and human body has sold more than 70 million copies worldwide, and even had its own box office hit movie last year.
Dog Man: The Musical is touring the UK for the next year, kicking off at London’s Southbank Centre, where it had its opening night this weekCredit: Mark SeniorPetey – the world’s most evil cat, who is Dog Man’s nemesisCredit: Mark Senior
Dog Man: The Musical is touring the UK for the next year, kicking off at London’s Southbank Centre, where it had its opening night this week.
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The show features best friends George and Harold – who also feature as fictional writers and illustrators in Pilkey’s other famous comic book series, ‘Captain Underpants.’
Together, they create their Dog Man character and dream up his adventures with Petey the evil cat and loveable offspring Lil Petey, alongside the police chief and Flippy the cyborg fish.
It has to be said that you need to have read the books to make sense of the stage show – it’s chaotic and relies on the audience knowing the plotline and the characters.
But that’s ok as we had – it’s precisely why we were there. And if you don’t know the plotline, there are plenty of other shows out there for you and your child.
While aimed at kids, they’ve designed a decent chunk of the gags to be funny for adults too, so I laughed along with my seven year old son throughout the 1hr15min-long production.
The musical numbers are impressive and funny – I chuckled along with the opening number, which just went into detail about what an opening number should be.
A number of the cast have excellent, West End-calibre voices too – especially the actors who play Petey the evil cat and Flippy the cyborg fish.
Yes, the show is chaotic and quite disjointed, and at times nonsensical… but so are the books and that is exactly why kids love them. If your child loves Dog Man books, they’ll love this too.
The musical numbers are impressive and funny, and while aimed at kids, they’ve designed a decent chunk of the gags to be funny for adults tooCredit: Mark SeniorYes, the show is chaotic and quite disjointed, and at times nonsensical… but so are the books and that is exactly why kids love themCredit: Mark Senior
I’d add that after kids hit 6 years of age, there are distinctly less stage shows targeted at them.
Unlike the preschoolers and reception kids, who have scores of Julia Donaldson adaptations to pick from.
This is a really nice, quite low-budget, piece of theatre that is a great way to get your child interested in theatre – especially if, like mine, Dog Man was already responsible for getting them interested in books.
Dog Man: The Musical is aimed at ages 5+ and showing at London’s Southbank, with a UK tour afterwards. Find out more at www.dogman.live
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.
There are a number of West End shows for different age groupsCredit: ITV Press Release
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.
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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.
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
If you have little kids, then The Tiger Who Came to Tea! is a great optionCredit: Pamela RaithOr for even younger ones you could see Peppa Pig on stageCredit: Butlins
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.
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
Sticking with the Disney theme, there is also WickedCredit: AlamyAnd Hercules, which Travel Reporter Alice Penwill said is full of nostalgiaCredit: Getty
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
For Harry Potter fans, head to Harry Potter and the Cursed ChildCredit: GettySoon the performance will be merged from two shows to oneCredit: Manuel Harlan
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
For pre-teens, Hamilton is a good choiceCredit: ITV Press ReleaseOr you could sing along to all the songs at Mamma MiaCredit: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
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.
IF YOU are looking for activities to do this summer holiday, look no further as you can get free theatre tickets for kids.
London Theatre‘s Kids Week will return between July 20 and August 31 where kids can go for free – ideal for school summerholiday fun.
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Kids Week allows families to get free tickets to some of London’s biggest shows, including The Lion KingCredit: Getty
Any child aged 17 or under will go free to the theatre when accompanied by an adult who pays for a full price ticket.
Two additional children can then also attend for half price.
Shows include the new Beetlejuice from £40 for an adult and a child or the new Hunger Games production from £36.88 for an adult and child.
If you are more of a Disney family, you can head to The Lion King from £45 for an adult and child or experience Hercules from £50.16 for an adult and child.
A NEW Wetherspoons – set to be one of the biggest in the capital – will open in a historic West End building.
The first-ever Wetherspoons in the capital’s Theatreland will open in the London Trocadero, at 30 Shaftesbury Avenue.
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The new Wetherspoons in London is set to be one of the biggest in the cityCredit: JD WetherspoonIt will be inside the Trocadero building, which gave Piccadilly Circus its nameCredit: JD Wetherspoon
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Named Piccadilly Hall, the boozer will take its name from the historic 17th century Piccadilly Hall mansion, which once occupied part of the Trocadero site and gave Piccadilly Circus its name.
Inside, the pub will be inspired by the history of the Trocadero and surrounding theatre district, but an opening date is yet to be announced.
One feature will include a glass hanger, with a detailing that references the piccadill collar, which was created in the area and led to the name ‘Piccadilly’.
It is also set to be one of the largest Wetherspoons in central London, spanning 334.5-square-metres.
It will be open seven days a week, from 7am to midnight and of course serve all you’d expect from a Spoons, including full English breakfasts and cheap pints.
Details inside relate to the history of the areaCredit: JD Wetherspoon
The Trocadero originally opened in 1896 as a restaurant and then in the 1990s, it became the home of SegaWorld – an indoor theme park, thought to be the world’s largest, spread across seven floors.
Already in the Trocadero building is Zedwell Hotel Piccadilly Circus and the new Wetherspoons will be located directly underneath the hotel, with direct access between the two.
Those staying at the hotel will be able to join the Zedwell & More guest membership programme, which allows guests to get exclusive discounts and offers across shops, restaurants and tourist experiences across London.
Tim Martin, Founder and Chairman at JD Wetherspoon, said: “The West End is one of the world’s great hospitality destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year, and we believe this site is exceptionally well suited to the Wetherspoon model of offering good-quality food and drink at reasonable prices in well-managed and historically interesting buildings.
“The scale of Piccadilly Hall, together with its connection to the wider Zedwell hotel network, makes this one of the most significant openings for Wetherspoon in London for many years.”
