Kids Week: Take Your Child to See a West End Show for Free Every August

How Take Your Child to See a West End Show for Free Every August

As you probably know, I’m a big fan of musical theatre, and I totally get how pricey it can be, especially if you’ve got kids who love the theatre. The good news is that there’s a brilliant scheme called Kids Week, run by Official London Theatre, that helps you save a ton of money.

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about this promotion and how it’s now stretched over a whole month, making it easier for families to enjoy theatre through London theatre Kids Week. 

Key Takeaways

• Free Theatre Tickets for Kids: During Kids Week, children aged 17 and under can attend West End shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. You can also buy up to two extra kids’ tickets at half price, with no booking fees.
• Official London Theatre Kids Week: This promotional event allows children 17 and under to attend London theatre performances for free when accompanied by an adult with a full-priced ticket. The event has grown in popularity and includes various activities planned during the Kids Week promotion.
• Extra Activities: Many shows offer special Kids Week Curtain Calls, where kids can stay after the performance for a Q&A session with the cast, and some include extra activity sessions.

What is Kids Week and How Does It Work?

Kids Week is a fantastic initiative that lets kids aged 17 and under see top West End shows for free when they’re with a full-paying adult, as part of the broader theatre kids week promotion.

Originally just a one-week event, it has now grown to cover the entire month of August, giving families plenty of time to plan and enjoy a trip to the theatre. Kids Week encourages young people to engage with theatre through free or discounted tickets and exclusive activities.

For every adult paying full price, one child gets in for free. You can also buy up to two extra kids’ tickets at half price, with no booking fees to worry about.

My Top Show Recommendations

If your child is new to theatre, here are a few of my top picks that are perfect for first-timers:

• Sister Act: This feel-good musical is full of energy, catchy songs, and a lot of fun, making it a great introduction to theatre for kids. The lively performances and upbeat story will keep them engaged from start to finish.
• Mrs. Doubtfire: Just like Sister Act, this is a fun musical that’s great for both kids and adults. It’s filled with big dance numbers and will definitely leave you smiling.
• Back to the Future The Musical: If your child loves a bit of adventure, this show is perfect. It’s based on the classic film and features an exciting storyline, amazing special effects, and memorable music that will make their first theatre experience truly unforgettable.

Full List of Participating Shows in Kids Week 2024

There are loads of fantastic shows available during Kids Week. Whether your kids are excited to see the magic of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child or the classic songs of The Lion King, there’s something for everyone.

Here’s a list of all the shows participating in Kids Week 2024:

Participating Shows
The 39 Steps
Amaze
Back To The Future – The Musical
Beauty And The Beast
Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour
Brainiac Live
Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book
The Choir of Man
The Comedy Of Errors
Dreamworks’ Shrek The Musical
Errol’s Garden
Fangirls
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World
Fireman Sam – The Great Camping Adventure
Frankie Goes To Bollywood
Fuerza Bruta: Aven
The Gruffalo
Guys & Dolls
Hadestown
Harry Potter And The Cursed Child
Hello, Dolly!
Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudors
Kathy And Stella Solve A Murder!
Kiss Me, Kate
Lily And Bear
Milkshake! Live On Holiday
Ministry Of Science Live
Les Misérables
MJ The Musical
The Mousetrap
Mrs Doubtfire
Next To Normal
Peanut Butter & Blueberries
The Play That Goes Wrong
Sam Wu Is NOT Afraid Of Ghosts
Shifters
Sister Act
There’s A Monster In Your Show
The Tiger Who Came To Tea
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical
Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York)
Why Am I So Single?
Wicked
The Wizard Of Oz
Your Lie In April
Zog And The Flying Doctors

Booking Tips for Getting Kids Week Tickets

When it comes to getting the best out of Kids Week, timing and preparation are everything. With tickets selling out fast, especially for the more popular shows, it’s important to have a game plan. Below are a few key tips to help you secure the tickets you want:

• Be Ready on Sale Day: Kids Week tickets go on sale at 10am on a set date in June, so be prepared to book as soon as they go live, especially if you’re interested in popular shows.
• Check the Age Guidelines: Some shows have age restrictions, so make sure the one you’re interested in is suitable for your child.

Enjoy Extra Activities and No Booking Fees

One of the best parts about Kids Week is that there are no booking fees. The price you see is the price you pay, making it easier to budget for your theatre trip.

In addition, many shows offer special Kids Week Curtain Calls, where kids can stay after the performance for a Q&A session with the cast. Some shows even include extra activity sessions, though these are limited and separate from the ticket booking.

Final Thoughts

Kids Week is a brilliant way to introduce your kids to the magic of theatre without spending a fortune. With so many West End shows participating, and the chance to enjoy extra activities like interactive curtain calls, it’s an experience your family won’t forget.

FAQs

When is Kids Week 2024?

Kids Week 2024 runs from 24th July to 6th September. This extended period allows families to plan their theatre visits at a time that best suits them during the summer holidays.

What week is Kids Week?

Despite its name, Kids Week isn’t just a week-long event. It actually runs throughout the whole of August, from 24th July to 6th September 2024, giving families plenty of time to take advantage of this fantastic offer.

How does Kids Week work?

Kids Week allows children aged 17 and under to attend participating West End shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. Additionally, up to two extra children’s tickets can be purchased at half price, and there are no booking fees. It’s a great way to make theatre more accessible and affordable for families.

Which shows are included in Kids Week 2024?

There are over 50 shows participating in Kids Week 2024. Some of the popular ones include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Lion King, Wicked, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Back to the Future The Musical. These are just a few of the many shows available.

Is Matilda part of Kids Week?

No, Matilda the Musical is not included in Kids Week 2024. However, there are plenty of other fantastic shows to choose from during the event.

Is The Lion King part of Kids Week?

Yes, The Lion King is included in Kids Week 2024 and is one of the most popular shows among families. However, tickets for this show can go quickly, so it’s a good idea to book as soon as they become available.