Hi Theatre-goers
I hate to do this to you but February Half Term is just over 4 weeks away! I know, I know, you’ve only just packed the little darlings off back to school and already I’m talking about another holiday! Do not fear, TheatreBreaks.com can stop the panic rising and give you some great ideas of what to do with the family all week long!
Family Theatre Breaks
There are three main family shows that are permanently on in the West End.
The first and most recently opened is Tim Minchin’s wickedly funny musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book Matilda. After a sell-out run in Stratford upon Avon, it moved into the Cambridge theatre in November 2011 and has been entertaining young & old ever since. The laughs are a-plenty in this magical production that keeps minds of all ages occupied from start to finish!
Disney’s The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre is also a show for both young and old – although not for the under fives as its quite sophisticated and pretty long. This is a spectacular show to take the family to and that includes grandchildren and grandparents alike!
Wicked is the perfect show for teenage girls dealing with an identity crisis! Fortunately it is also a great show for Mum and Dad to enjoy as it’s the sequel to The Wizard of Oz – it’s the witches story; what made them “good” and “bad” and what choices they made along the way.
Other Shows for Half Term Breaks
Older kids will enjoy Billy Elliot too. There is some adult language involved, but it is almost all said by the kids in a funny way and that’s what makes it all the more enjoyable! The dancing in this show is amazing.
If you want to give your trip to London an educational slant, then how about taking the children to see the stage version of Michael Morpurgo’s number 1 best-selling children’s book War Horse. It’s an incredibly moving story of a horse’s experience in the deadly chaos of the First World War. Utterly brilliant!
Of course, showing your children that the West End isn’t just about song and dance opens up all manner of options for a half term theatre break. Introduce them to the classics, a bit of Shakespeare or maybe Chekhov… or what about The Mousetrap a very easy to follow “who-dunnit” that will keep everyone guessing to the end.
Family Breaks – without kids!
It’s fair to say that your school half term may not include any children. Perhaps you are a university student or a teacher, if so and you are planning a London Theatre Break in February with either mum and dad or the in-laws why not consider Jersey Boys, Kiss Me Kate, Top Hat or Singin’ in the Rain? All great shows without a child in sight!
UK’s Top Spot!
Not keen on a theatre break then why not go to the UK’s No. 1 attraction for families – the Harry Potter Studio Tour at Leavesden, Hertfordshire. The Making of Harry Potter is a super day out. As there is no time limit on how long you take to look around the studios, it means that booking the 10am entry time could allow you up to six hours in “Potter-land”. Save time for the shop at the end which is almost like another museum in itself.
Additional London hotel options are available from HotelClub.
So all that research should keep you busy for a while.
Have a great Monday everyone
Sara