A family trip to the theatre can feel like a luxury, says Stewart Dymock – but London Theatre Kids Week changes the equation. It’s really an opportunity for families to experience some of London’s best theatre, often at much more accessible prices, and leave your kids with indelible memories of the magic of live performances.
As a father of three young children (10-year-old twins and a 13 year-old), finding things to fill the long six weeks between terms can sometimes be a bit of a challenge – there’s only so many times you can go to the park after all.
Thankfully, I have a solution in the slightly mistermed ‘Kids Week’ which is actually six weeks worth of special discounts for those of us with little people in tow. It’s a chance for you and your family to bag tickets to the majority of the big West End shows either free or at heavily discounted rates – and the best thing is, it’s open to all.
The official line is ‘A child aged 17 and under goes free when accompanied by an adult paying full price. Plus, an additional two children can attend for half price.’ What’s not to like?
This means that you see the likes of Hercules, The Gruffalo, Oliver!, Wicked and more at a fraction of the usual cost. Or for something for the older kids; it’s the last couple of weeks of that curriculum classic To Kill a Mockingbird – a must see in my opinion.
Children can experience live theatre
I genuinely believe that seeing a show that you love is a transformative experience. The levels and layers of expertise that it takes to make a show happen are mind-boggling, especially for a young person. And, it ticks that huge box, getting them away from their screens! There is something uniquely exciting about watching a story unfold a few metres away from you.
It’s an experience, not just a day out
The other benefit is that it basically occupies a whole day, especially if you’re going to the matinee. Make getting dressed up a part of the occasion and don’t rush your travelling into London.
Depending on your show time, maybe grab lunch or dinner beforehand – the choice of cuisines and also price-points across the West End is nearly endless (look out for ‘Kids eat free’ places).
Why not have a bit of a walk around the area and don’t forget to buy a programme; this will be a physical reminder for years to come of the day out they had – you might even be able to get it signed at the stage door.
Theatre has benefits beyond entertainment
One of the reasons I love theatre is the immersion in another world or an emotion that’s not your own. It opens your mind in a way that I don’t believe any other art-form can do. There are studies that show the educational and developmental benefits of theatre and I for one am fully onboard– if not only for the kids then for myself as well.
It helps to develop imagination and encourages us all, whatever our age, to see worlds beyond our everyday experience. It allows empathy to grow as we experience different characters, perspectives and emotions. It helps build confidence and leans into a world of creativity.
And maybe, if it does spark the imagination of your kids, it’s an opportunity for them to find their tribe – something I feel is especially important for my 3 children. It can also open the door to a lifelong love of theatre – looking at the longer term, a first theatre experience can lead children towards a number of different career paths, from acting, singing and dancing to writing, directing and producing.
The final act
You may not remember what you spent on a family day out years from now. But you might remember the look on your child’s face when the lights went down, the curtain rose and the stage suddenly came alive.
If you’re ready to make theatre part of your family’s summer then explore the shows available through London Theatre Kids Week, find one that suits your family and book the experience.
Because Kids Week isn’t just about getting cheaper theatre tickets. It’s about giving children their first taste of the magic of live performance – and perhaps starting a love affair with theatre that lasts a lifetime.
