Make the most of a summer city trip with one of our London theatre breaks for the whole family
Words Helen Brown
Explore the sights and sounds of London along with one of the city’s top musical offerings. From family favourites to the newbies on the theatre scene, there is an endless roster of fantastic family fun to be experienced. These London theatre breaks include sleep, eat and show. Here are a few to book this summer…
THE LION KING
What: Disney’s musical phenomenon The Lion King combines dazzling staging and highly imaginative costumes, masks and puppets to tell the story of Simba. Join him in his epic journey to reclaim his kingdom.
Where: Lyceum Theatre, tickets from £39
Stay: The Radisson Blu Edwardian has a prime location for families wishing to stay in the heart of theatreland and the bustling city. Within walking distance from Covent Garden and Leicester Square, as well as the wealth of shops, restaurants and bars, the Radisson is perfect for a London weekend break.
Eat: Homage at the Waldorf is an all-day dining restaurant with a warm ambience. The modern European menu includes a wide selection of steaks, burgers, fish dishes and sides. Available for an additional £23 per person via Telegraph tickets.
42ND STREET
What: This all-singing, all-dancing bonanza follows young Peggy Sawyer fresh of the bus from small-town America and just another face in the chorus line of Broadway’s newest musical. But opportunity knocks when the leading lady gets injured and Peggy might just have a shot at stardom after all.
Where: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, tickets from £15
Stay: The ME London is a 2 minute walk from Theatre Royal and offers a lavish hotel experience for families looking to push the boat out. Guests can also enjoy on-site features such as state of the art fitness centre and the STK restaurant.
Eat: Cafe Rouge Wellington Street is a firm family favourite. They offer an authentic take on classic French with a good selection for little ones.
ANNIE
What: Starring the nation’s favourite comedienne – Miranda Hart – this production of Annie is a brand new incarnation of the original. Annie’s iconic music score of course remains the same. Sing along to unforgettable numbers including “It’s the Hard Knock Life” and the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”
Where: Piccadilly Theatre, tickets from £45
Stay: The newly opened Arbor Hyde Park boasts a convenient central location just minutes from Lancaster Gate underground station, and a stone’s throw from its namesake park. Popular tourist attractions such as the V&A and Science Museum are conveniently placed pit-stops before enjoying your West End show. Plus, enjoy an ultimate London shopping trip when you make the Arbor Hyde Park your base camp. It’s a great place to tackle nearby Oxford Street and Regent Street.
Eat: Planet Hollywood re-opened in London’s vibrant Haymarket district and is ideal for theatre-goers. Its quirky Hollywood style décor and American menu make it a firm favourite amongst families.
MATILDA THE MUSICAL
What: Roald Dahl’s magical story is brought to life in this anarchically joyous and ingenious musical production from Tim Minchin. This beloved tale tells of a small girl with a big imagination who soon learns she has special magical powers.
Where: Cambridge Theatre, tickets from £48
Stay: For a brilliantly located stay in the heart of central London, the Strand Palace Hotel makes an ideal choice. The West End is on your doorstep and Leicester Square two minutes walk away. The cosmopolitan bustle of Covent Garden is just along the road.
Eat: Families can discover the vibrant tastes of Mexico at Cantina Laredo. The menu includes dishes from across the whole Mexico so kids can enjoy a culinary trip throughout the regions.
THE BOOK OF MORMON
What: This uplifting and satirical story tells of two Mormon missionaries who are sent from the comfort of Salt Lake City to Uganda in Africa in order to spread the word of the Mormon church.
Where: Prince of Wales Theatre, tickets from £52
Stay: Situated just off Drury Lane and five minutes walk from fashionable Covent Garden Piazza, Kingsway Hall is at the heart of London’s entertainment, theatres and restaurant scene. The shopping on Oxford Street and the Strand are both within a short ten minute walk as is Trafalgar Square and the National Portrait Gallery.
Eat: Gaucho Piccadilly is a gem amid the cosmopolitan throng of the West End. The pre-theatre menu offers a host of Argentinian specials including grilled prawn skewers.
WIND IN THE WILLOWS
What: Join Ratty, Badger, Mole and the impulsive Toad as they embark on a series of riotous adventures spiralling from Toad’s insatiable need for speed.
Where: The London Palladium, tickets from £15
Stay: Covent Garden Hotel is just a short walk to the Royal Opera House, Soho and within easy reach of the city’s business centre. It is surrounded by some of London’s best restaurants and bars, vibrant cafes and most exciting theatre, nightlife and shopping.
Eat: The Ivy Soho Brasserie serves contemporary British menus in a stylish, laid-back Parisian setting. Set a stone’s throw away from the theatre, The Ivy Soho Brasserie’s newest pre-theatre offering consists of either a set two-course or three-course menu, alongside the bespoke ‘Toad Hall Tipple’ cocktail.
