The best family-friendly shows to book with LOVEtheatre this summer

If you’re looking for ways to keep the family entertained, live productions offer an exciting, screen-free way to spark their imaginations. Think, fun-packed, pacy shows with interactive elements, singalongs and plenty more to keep little ones engaged.

When it comes to shows to book for this summer, LOVEtheatre offers an excellent array of options spanning different interests, themes and formats. Whether you’re interested in iconic musical theatre spectaculars or reimagined storybooks, here are the best family-friendly shows for the diary this season.

Brainiac Live is an explosive science lesson packed with the weird and the wonderful, returning to the West End at Garrick Theatre with more mischief than ever. Expect to have everyone’s mind blown as the cast carries out eye-popping experiments, bringing the likes of liquid nitrogen clouds and spinning CO2 chairs to the stage.

Whether or not the classic picture book is a favourite in your household, the musical adaptation of The Gruffalo is returning to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary. A clever mouse makes up a story about a scary Gruffalo to ward off predatory woodland creatures, but there’s a twist in the tale when he discovers this big scary beast isn’t so fictitious after all.

Experience the award-winning musical sensation that’s been bewitching audiences for two decades. A telling of the untold story of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Wicked flips the classic on its head, exploring unexpected friendships, power, and what it is to be good and to be evil.

For a bedtime story favourite brought to life, The Tiger Who Came to Tea sees the beloved picture book by Judith Kerr adapted for the stage. Get ready to sing along and be entertained as mayhem ensues when an expected stripy visitor turns up at teatime in this charming production.

The stage adaptation of the 1988 Studio Ghibli film, My Neighbour Totoro sees sisters Satsuki and Mei move to the countryside where they discover a world of spirits, sprites and magical creatures – or do they? From the Royal Shakespeare Company and executive producer Joe Hisaishi, audiences can expect their hearts to be warmed by this spell-binding production.

Looking for ways to keep little ones entertained? Whether they’re new to Blippi or already a big fan, the Be Like Blippi could be a hit. This interactive, lively show combines fun with learning through music and play. Laugh, sing and spark their imaginations at this family-friendly production.

Inspired by the well-loved Disney film, Disney’s Hercules is a high-energy coming of age packed with laughs, tunes and tunics. In Ancient Greece, Hercules, who is neither god nor mortal, finds his place and discovers what it means to be a hero.

Step into a prehistoric world with Dinosaur World Live! at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. This interactive production introduces a host of Jurassic giants like the Giraffatitan, the Tyrannosaurus Rex and more. Followed by a dinosaur meet and greet – for those who dare, this production is sure to be an eye-opening experience that little adventurers will love.