Top 10 shows for kids this Christmas

The Gruffalo's Child

Lyric Theatre, until 7 January

The Gruffalo said that no gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood… But one wild and windy night the Gruffalo's child ignores her father's warning and tiptoes out into the snow. Julia Donaldson's captivating sequel to life in a musical, magical adaptation. Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up, and their adults.

La Petite Soiree

Aldwych Theatre, until 3 February

Olivier Award-winning entertainment show La Soirée swings into the West End, bringing a dazzling new adapted version of their show to the Aldwych Theatre. La Petite Soirée is a truncated hour-long version of the cabaret extravaganza, which is perfectly family-friendly and features world-class talent performing some of their best tricks.

Read our review of the show's older sister La Soiree (definitely not for kids)

The Christmasaurus

Eventim Apollo, from 21 to 28 December

Based on Tom 'McFly' Fletcher's novel of the same name, The Christmasaurus is set on Christmas Eve and tells of the magical adventures of a boy named William Trundle and a most unusual dinosaur called the Christmasaurus. As well as a crack cast including Carrie Hope Fletcher, Harry Judd and Matt Willis, there's sleigh bells and singing elves, Santa Claus and flying reindeer, music and magic.

Watch our Facebook Live video of the launch of the show

Wilde Creatures

Vaudeville Theatre until 31 December

Part of Dominic Dromgoole's Oscar Wilde season at the Vaudeville is this new adaptation of Oscar Wilde's classic fairy tales. A live band of storytelling musicians bring characters from The Happy Prince, The Nightingale and the Rose and The Birthday of the Infanta to life, as they try to choose a new statue for the town square.

Read more about the Wilde season in the West End

Stick Man

Leicester Square Theatre, until 7 January

Scamp Theatre and Freckle Productions’ award-winning adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s novel returns! Featuring a trio of top actors and packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.

Read Matt Trueman on why theatres don't stage work for kids all year round

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Ambassador's Theatre, until 7 January

Eric Carle's book has delighted generations of readers since it was first published in 1969 selling more than 41 million copies worldwide. Now it's made its way off the page and onto the stage with 75 lovable puppets.

The Velveteen Rabbit

Unicorn Theatre, until 31 December

Purni Morell's gripping adaptation of Margery Williams' novel returns to the Unicorn for a fourth time following a Broadway transfer. The Velveteen Rabbit is a heart-warming story about a very shy toy rabbit who longs for nothing more than to become real.

The Snow Queen

Polka Theatre, until 4 February

Mike Kenny's adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen sees best friends Kai and Gerda reimagining the thrilling adventure of Andersen’s classic winter fairy-tale. Let your imagination soar as a dusty attic is transformed into the Snow Queen’s icy palace, and follow their epic journey of self-discovery, as they try to save Kai from the icy spell of the Snow Queen’s cold kiss. Can Gerda melt his heart before he forgets her forever?

How to Hide a Lion

Royal Exchange, Manchester, until 31 December

When a lion is chased out of town, a young girl helps him find somewhere to hide. Join Iris on a mission to squeeze and squash her furry new friend into a variety of sneaky spots, as Helen Stephens' magical book comes to life this Easter holiday with playful humour, dazzling puppetry and original songs.

The Hundred and One Dalmatians

Birmingham Repertory, until 13 January

As if adapting her Nativity films for the stage wasn't enough work for one Christmas, Isitt's adaptation of Dodie Smith's The Hundred and One Dalmatians runs at Birmingham Rep throughout the festive period. Tessa Walker directs this barking adventure as puppies Pongo and Missis do their best to evade Cruella de Vil.

Read our review of The One Hundred and One Dalmatians here

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