9 of the best family shows for the Easter holidays
© Nick Rutter
9. Honk
Union Theatre until 22 April
Stiles and Drewe's take on The Ugly Duckling gets a revival production at the tiny Union Theatre in its 20th anniversary year. It's a lovely show for the young ones with a lot of imaginative puppetry and a story that celebrates diversity and difference – one for these times, then. Ages 6-plus.
8. The Lion King
Lyceum Theatre, currently booking until 1 October
If you're looking for a big West End classic to entertain the entire family over the holidays, then you can't go wrong with Disney's hit musical. Expect all your favourite tunes written by Elton John, plus some superb design and costumes thrown in. There's a reason it's been running for 18 years: it's great. For ages 6-plus.
7. Rapunzel and the Tower of Doom
LIttle Angel Theatre from 13 to 15 April
The Little Angel Theatre is a gem in the heart of north London which has built up a reputation for excellent shows for kids with puppetry is at their heart. This show is from Theatre of Widdershins, and the company has taken the show back to its roots. It's only on for a few days over Easter so don't miss it. For ages 4 to 9.
© Pamela Raith
6. The Twits
Rose Theatre, Kingston, until 16 April
This hilarious and gruesome adaptation of Roald Dahl's bestselling book will delight any of your naughty youngsters. Max Webster's production for the Curve Theatre revels in its nastiness and the set is really something to behold. Expect a bit of audience participation too. Ages 6-plus.
© Manuel Harlan
5. The Velveteen Rabbit
Unicorn Theatre until 15 April
This lovely classic is back over Easter and if you haven't seen it already then it's one not to miss. It's for the younger audiences, but if you've ever read the book, you can imagine how enchanting this excellent production is for all ages. The show is back, after a Broadway transfer no less, and is filled with magic and charm. Suitable for everyone aged over 5.
© Johan Persson
4. An American in Paris
Dominion Theatre, London, currently booking until 30 October
This is one for the whole family, although very young ones might find it hard to sit through. But for older kids, it is visually stunning, with songs and movement that will inspire any young heart. Christopher Wheeldon's production has finally arrived in London, having opened in France and in New York and it is a very welcome addition to the West End. Not suitable for children under 4.
Read our review of An American in Paris here
© Dan Tsantilis
3. Running Wild
The Lowry until 22 April and then touring
Running Wild is a puppet-based adaptation of that great story-teller Michael Morpurgo's classic. It follows Will who is in Indonesia with his mum when a Tsunami hits and is forced to travel deep into the jungle on a big elephant. The production is currently touring the UK and is at the Lowry over Easter. We loved it when we saw it last year at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Ages 6-plus.
© Robert Day
2. La Strada
Bristol Old Vic 11 to 22 April and then touring
Excellent director Sally Cookson has taken Fellini's Oscar-winning film and turned it into a new stage adaptation. We had a sneak peek into rehearsals and it looks like it will be full of DIY magic. It's on a big tour of the UK before heading into London, so catch it in its early days this Easter. Ages 12-plus.
1. Aladdin
Prince Edward Theatre currently booking until 30 September
Let's not mess about: if you're in London and you want to entertain the family, then Disney's Aladdin is a great place to start. It's colourful, funny and features some superb songs from a crack cast. And you'll see some flying carpets! What more could you want to entertain the kids? Ages 6-plus.
