London Theater: Not Just for Grownups

Theater for Kids Aged 7-12

Need to know:

• Noise, action and oomph. You can’t really go wrong with that combo—something even Shakespeare respected

Best venue: Young Vic, London. The Young Vic is dedicated to giving a voice to young directors and writers, as well as supporting theater for young audiences. Winner of countless awards—including architectural awards following its makeover—the Young Vic has productions that will challenge and delight you as much as your children. Unreserved seating is on benches around a circular stage; there are no bad views so don’t worry about queuing. If there’s anything that sounds remotely interesting to your family—go!

Theatre for Kids Aged 12+

Need to know:

• Think theater-lite. Musicals and mysteries are great entrees; if these don’t appeal, be adventurous and follow your child’s lead.

• Consult, consult, consult. At this age if they haven’t been involved, they’re unlikely to go. I’ve found the most accurate reviews tend to be from Time Out and The Guardian newspaper (online at arts.guardian.co.uk).

• In 2006, the Young Vic reopened its doors to fans after a two-year renovation closure.
• Philip Vile

Your venues will run the gamut of London’s West End and fringe theater. As tickets for the best seats range from £30-£60 (US$60-$120), look for discounts such as theater/hotel packages. You can also buy half-price tickets to many same day shows at the ticket booth on the south side of Leicester Square. It sells only top-price tickets, so it’s not always as cheap as it sounds.

Seasonal

If you’re lucky enough to visit London during Kid’s Week (Aug. 15-29, 2008, www.kidsweek.co.uk), there is an array of free activities and events, from dancing to stage fighting to backstage tours. Children ages 5 to 16 go free to West End shows with a paying adult.

And should you visit during December to early January, don’t miss a panto (pantomime) at the Old Vic theater. The panto is a much-loved British institution: a farce with audience participation in time-honored fashion (“He’s behind you!”).

Contact Details

Polka Theatre: 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 (south London), tel: 020-8543-4888, www.polkatheatre.com. (Wimbledon is just 10-15 minutes on the train from Waterloo station).

• Amazonia at the Young Vic is a culturally diverse production that puts a Brazilian spin on Christmas shows.
• Courtesy of the Young Vic

Little Angel Puppet Theatre: 14 Dagmar Passage, Islington N1 (north London), tel: 020-7226-1787, www.littleangeltheatre.com.

Young Vic: 66 The Cut, London SE1, tel: 020-7222-1234, www.youngvic.org.

Old Vic: The Cut, London SE1, tel: 0870-060- 6628, www.oldvictheatre.com.

Leicester Square half price ticket booth: south end of Leicester Square, London WC2. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; must purchase in person and cash only.

For more venues and shows for kids, check out www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk.