Top ten children's shows to see this Easter

The Witches – Rose Theatre Kingston

One of Roald Dahl's scariest stories comes to the Rose Theatre Kingston in Nikolai Foster's retelling of the classic book. After a successful run in Leicester (you can read our four star review here), Londonders will now get the chance to experience the hit show. Just be careful, the High Witch can smell a child a mile off…

Recommended for children aged 7
Dates: 29 March to 10 April

Leaper: A Fish Tale – Lyric Hammersmith

Developed directly with marine biologists and school children, theatre company Tucked In have created a show which blends puppetry and music to help educate about nature, family and responsibility. Follow one fish's tough quest against the ever-growing natural and manmade challenges of the sea.

Recommended for children aged 4 to 8
Dates: 19 to 29 March/Greenwich Theatre 28 to 29 March/Little Angel Theatre 8 to 10 April

The Tiger's Bones – West Yorkshire Playhouse

A collection of short stories including a retelling of the nativity and a cautionary tale about eating the wrong person’s stew all feature in this new production from New Perspectives. Expect mayhem and humour as the group take audiences through stories of folklore and fable.

Bonus: Get your little ones to join in with a creative writing workshop after the show to create their own imaginative and funny tales. For ages 7

Recommended for children aged 7
Dates: 7 to 9 April

The Cat in the Hat – Leicester Curve

Dr Seuss' much loved book is bought to the stage in a version originally created by Katie Mitchell for the National Theatre. A fun and anarchic show, the play is a lively and engaging choice for all children.

Recommended for children aged 3
Dates: 28 March to 2 April

My Father, Odysseus – Unicorn Theatre

This new adaptation from British playwright Timberlake Wertenbaker aims to reinvent the timeless Greek myth to create a modern story and entice new and younger audiences. Telemachus' father has left on one of his many traveling trips and it is left to Telemachus to defend his mother against a host of suitors as his dad is trapped by the goddess Kalypso.

Recommended for children aged 11
Dates: Until 10 April

The Wondercrump World of Roald Dahl – Southbank Centre

This interactive storytelling piece takes place across foyer spaces at the Southbank Centre. Created in partnership with Wales Millennium Centre, audiences are taken over seven immersive worlds exploring Roald Dahl and his books. There will be exclusive archival material, including manuscripts, letters, drawings and photographs.

Recommended for children aged 7-12
Dates: Until 3 July and then running at Wales Millenium Centre

The War of The Worlds – Dominion Theatre

There is enough in this show to entertain the whole family – an alien invasion, a lot of singing, dancing, and strange red weeds writhing around the floor for longer than is strictly necessary. With minimal talking, a classic score and a lot of flashing lights and pyrotechnics, The War of The Worlds is guaranteed to thrill even the most sullen teen.

Recommended for children aged 8-plus
Dates: Until 30 April

The Magic Beanstalk – Little Angel Theatre

The lovely north London puppet theatre hosts visiting company Light Theatre and their sweet Jack and the Beanstalk story this Easter. It's a puppet version of the classic tale, where Jack, his mum and cow Daisy have nits while their house is in a total mess. It's only magic that could fix it.

Recommended for children aged 5-11, but children can be admitted from age 4
Dates: 2 to 7 April

The Lion King – Lyceum Theatre

Let's not forget the old reliable Disney musical The Lion King. It's a fabulous stage adaptation of the original movie and should delight the entire family. You'll recognise the winning formula of Elton John's music and Tim Rice's lyric too. It can't be beat.

Recommended for children aged 6 and up

Horrible Histories: Groovy Greeks and Incredible Invaders – The Lowry

The latest stage versions of the Horrible Histories brigade is on tour and Easter is the perfect moment to catch the shows. Groovy Greeks and Incredible Invaders head through Sparta, Athens and Britain in a rollicking adventure. Expect some crazy factoids, and lots of cheeky fun.

Recommended for families
Dates: 5 to 9 April