Budding young theatregoers are in for a treat this August. In the annual initiative run by Society of London Theatre, kids can experience the thrills and magic of the West End at no cost.
In an attempt to inspire the next generation of drama-lovers, Kids Week are offering a free ticket for under-16s when accompanied by a paying adult. If the kids want to bring a friend, you’ll get half price tickets on other children’s tickets, meaning that brothers, sisters, cousins and classmates all have the chance to get involved.
There are no fees to pay and no pesky postage costs, and everyone has the same opportunity to nab a seat. But act fast! The 21st instalment has seen an impressive demand, and some shows are already sold out.
Over 40 hit productions are taking part this year, and there’s one for everyone. From well-loved heavyweight musicals like Wicked and Chicago, to the toddler-friendly We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, kids young and old will be spellbound by top-class performances. Stretch your paws at big-cat aerobics in The Tiger Who Came to Tea, or channel your inner dancing queen at Mamma Mia! Whatever you choose, little ones are guaranteed to have a fun-filled first encounter with the world of theatre.
The entertainment continues even after the curtain falls. Alongside the spectating, participating shows will be offering workshops, meet-and-greets with the cast, backstage tours – even the chance to step foot on the world-renowned stages themselves. The West End experience doesn’t get much more interactive than this.
A hearty day of culture needs food to match. With a Kids Week ticket, families can take advantage of a whole host of deals, with children eating for free at selected restaurants. Planet Hollywood is just a stone’s throw away from the theatres and is offering 20% off food, soft drinks and merchandise. Enjoy tangy lemon chicken, a crispy pizza oozing with mozzarella, or a sizzling plate of fajitas, all in the company of memorabilia from some of the world’s most iconic movies. Thanks to the eye-poppingly generous American-sized portions, the deal will give you fantastic value for money – that’s if you can finish it all!
If Planet Hollywood leaves you craving more cinema, head over to Leicester Square during the first two weekends of August. The famous gardens will be taken over by Summer Screenings – an outdoor film event showing a line-up of family-friendly films, from The Incredibles to Finding Nemo. With this, and the many Kids Week events, August is shaping up to be an exciting month for entertainment.
When?
Kids Week is running throughout the month of August. Check the Kids Week website for information on specific shows.
Where?
Different theatres around the West End, depending on the production.
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