What are the best West End shows for teenagers?
This guide will help you find the plays and musicals that are perfect for families with teenagers or parents who travel with their teenage kids.
When you take your teenagers along to a West End show, you may have all sorts of concerns, like will they actually enjoy it? Will they spend the whole evening on their phone? Will they remain indifferent to spectacle?
Not every show on the West End is an equal bet for a teenage audience, but several are almost guaranteed to win them over.
This guide cuts through the options and points you towards the West End shows teenagers will enjoy.
My top picks: West End shows for teenagers (TL;DR)
Not sure where to start choosing West End shows for teenagers? These three are the ones most likely to win a teenager over.
The pop concert: Six the Musical
Henry VIII’s six wives retell their own stories as a pop concert.
It uses familiar pop styles to teach Tudor history, but from a feminist perspective and with a lot of sharp humour.
The one they’ll already know: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
If there’s a Harry Potter fan in the family, this is a straightforward choice. The show features impressive special effects.
This is a long show, but it’s fascinating in every way.
The guaranteed crowd-pleaser: The Play That Goes Wrong
Simply brilliant physical comedy.
This hilarious show follows an amateur dramatics society whose performance descends into magnificent chaos.
Table of contents
What makes a West End show work for teens?
The shows that land best with teenagers tend to share a few things:
- A strong storyline
- A visual or musical wow factor to hold their attention
- Humour
Selecting West End shows for teenagers is easier when they know something about the story. A show connected to something they already love, like a film, a soundtrack, a cultural reference they recognise) lowers the barrier considerably.
Involving them in the choice makes a big difference.
The best West End shows for teenagers: my curated list
Here’s a focused list of West End shows suitable for teenagers.
I’ve grouped them loosely by what they offer. Pick the category that fits your teenager best.
Shows they already know
The Lion King is known for its breathtaking puppetry and iconic Disney songs that kids will remember from the movie.
It’s a coming-of-age tale of courage that families love.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child picks up the story 19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts, following Harry’s son Albus at Hogwarts.
It has some seriously impressive magical effects and a thrilling story.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow
This is a stage prequel to the series, so if your teenager is a fan of the show, they’ll be gripped from the start.
One of the most popular musicals on the West End with teenagers, particularly those who’ve seen the recent film.
The friendship story at its heart lands well with this age group, and the production is exceptional.
West End crowd-pleasers
Matilda the Musical is a witty tale of a brilliant girl defying cruel adults.
Clever songs and high-energy performances that are easy to enjoy at any age.
This is a pop concert musical that consistently wins over teenagers. The score is very sharp, with quick humour.
It’s one of the most brilliant shows I’ve seen in recent years.
The score is original but full of references to famous pop divas.
A party atmosphere with famous ABBA songs, a feel-good story. The energy in the theatre is hard to beat.
It works brilliantly for families with teenagers of almost any age.
An exciting hip-hop retelling of American history. If your teens love hip hop, this is an easy choice.
Funny shows
Arguably the funniest show in the West End right now.
The chaotic physical comedy is hilarious and the energy in the theatre is just great.
I’d recommend it to anyone.
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
This one is a bit different. It’s a completely improvised musical created entirely from audience suggestions on the night.
It’s extremely funny and often quite silly. I found myself pretty amazed at how talented the improv actors were, coming up with both the lyrics and the music on the spot.
No two performances are ever the same.
A good choice for teenagers who appreciate comedy.
It only runs about once a month, so see if you can catch a show when you visit.
Quick tips on taking teens to the West End
Ask them first
There are quite a few West End shows suitable for teenagers, Involve them in choosing the show they’d like to see best. It’s obvious but worth saying. You can watch short videos from the show online and decide together.
Evening or matinee?
If you know your kids’ energy levels drop in the evening, take them to a matinee. They normally start at 2:30 pm
Get good seats
I many West End shows there are seats with restricted view and seats in the upper circle very far from the stage. I recommend you avoid them when you book, because it’s harder for teens to hold their attention if the view isn’t great.
Age guidance
Most West End shows allow teenagers but each show has age guidance content warnings. Check before booking.
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