From The Box Office | Family Theatre

Top 10 Things To Do With The Family In Summer 2020

July 30, 2020July 30, 2020From The Box Office

If you have kids to entertain during the school holidays, you’ll be pleased to hear that a number of family-friendly activities are up and running throughout August! From chilled drive-in movie nights to thrilling theme park rides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this summer. Here are our top 10 picks.

1. Take a trip to Thorpe Park

Head to Thorpe Park for a day of infinite thrills with over 30 rides, immersive events and exhilarating attractions. The park is open now – book one day entry tickets for just £33.

2. Enjoy live kids’ shows at The Drive In

No theatre? No problem! Thanks to The Drive In, you can enjoy the iconic drive-in experience, with live actors, classic cinema refreshments, and great entertainment – all from the safety and comfort of your vehicle.

Dinosaur World Live: 7 – 30 August.
Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in a roarsome interactive show.
Book now & save up to 42%.

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain: 19 – 23 August.
It’s the horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in – to entertain the whole family!
Book now and save up to 38%.

3. Watch a film at The Drive In cinema in London

From family favourites such as Dirty Dancing and Grease to modern day hits such as Frozen 2 and Zootropolis, The Drive In offers a movie night to remember.
Read a complete list of what’s on at The Drive In.

4. Take on The Crystal Maze

The hit 90s TV show is brought to life in both London and Manchester. You and your team will run around madly, shout yourself silly, complete all sorts of tricky challenges and finish up in some lovely satin bomber jackets.

Book London tickets for £66
Book Manchester tickets for £36

5. Visit Chessington World of Adventure Resort

Take your kids on their first wild adventure at Chessington World of Adventure Resort. Book one day entry tickets online for just £29.50 (includes entry to the theme park, zoo & SEA LIFE Centre).

6. Embark on Shrek’s Adventure

Your whole family can journey through Far Far Away as the stars of the show in this brilliantly bonkers interactive experience. Shrek’s Adventure reopens on 1st August. Book tickets from £20.

7. Explore the Sea Life Centre in London

Dive in and explore an underwater world of glittering scales, waddling feet and razor-sharp teeth at the UK’s flagship SEA LIFE aquarium located on London’s popular Southbank. Reopening 1st August. Book tickets from £23.

8. Brave the London Dungeon

Treat your family to the ultimate day out at the London Dungeon…if you dare! The home of scary fun invites you to live and breathe your way through London’s darkest history via a selection of scream-drenched stories and fear-inducing immersive experiences. Reopening 1st August. Book tickets from £24.

9. Experience Madame Tussauds

Get up close and personal with more than 250 lifelike figures of your favourite celebrities at Madame Tussauds, reopening 1st August. Book tickets from £29.

10. The lastminute.com London Eye

The London Eye is the most popular paid attraction in the whole of the UK. And no wonder – it’s the only view of the city that moves. Reopens 1st August. Book tickets from £28.

Top tip: save up to £99 per person with Merlin’s Magical London Pass.

Create your ultimate day out with up to 5 of London’s unmissable attractions for one incredible price!
Experience 3 attractions for only £50 and 5 attractions for only £90. Book tickets.

From The Box Office reviews The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice

March 19, 2019April 15, 2019From The Box Office

This sensational production is a treat for children and parents alike, guaranteed to have you singing to your favourite classic Disney songs and have little ones dancing along with much-loved characters.

From the energetic warm-up dance to the final incredible ensemble performance, The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice is a stunning demonstration of awe-inspiring ice skating. The masterful stunts and tricks will leave your jaw on the floor, as characters from Elsa and Anna to Jessie, Buzz and Woody glide across the ice performing fun, charming and daring routines. Looking around at the children’s faces throughout the performance, it was amusing to see that their amazement was mirrored in their parents’ expressions as well!

The show is the perfect balance for a great family day out – with a run time of just 2 hours (including a 20 minute interval), children were engaged and enjoying themselves from start to finish. Dancing to the songs, singing along and waving to their favourite characters, the joy and excitement was palpable, with anticipation building after every routine as we wondered which characters and songs we’d be treated to next.

The best part of this experience for me (because this is far more than just a show), was seeing the wonder in my 5-year-old niece’s face as the cast skated around, performing dazzling stunts while special effect fireworks and lighting lit up the arena, and the joy and excitement that she felt as her favourite characters waved to her in the crowd. Disney holds a special place in the heart of many children (as well as many adults, as was evident from the parents around me!) and this production is merely another example of what makes Disney so very special. With such a wide variety of characters, both from the older classics, such as Aladdin, and new favourites, such as Frozen, there is something in the show to please every generation that grew up watching the heart-warming films.

Note: if you’re worried that you can’t book tickets to see the show because you don’t have children – don’t! I saw a number of groups who had decided to leave the kids at home and have a day of child-like joy with their friends.

The tour still has dates available in Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool and Cardiff – book tickets at your nearest arena now from £20.70.

Fun February Half-term inspiration!

February 15, 2019Kennedy Porter

We know it’s February and it’s freezing, but half term is going to roll around nonetheless and you certainly don’t want to be stuck inside all week. Lucky for you, London is host to a kaleidoscopic range of fun-fuelled and fascinating activities to keep you on your toes for the week! Check out our top picks below…

Musical magic…

Disney’s Aladdin

From award-winning Disney movie to smash hit musical comedy, Aladdin is an exuberant West End spectacular, featuring all the unforgettable songs from the much-loved Disney film, such as ‘A Whole New World’ and ‘Friend Like Me’, as well as some brand new musical numbers for you and the kids to fall in love with. Book tickets for half-term now from £29.75.

Disney’s The Lion King

Disney’s The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre

So we have a bit of a Disney theme going on right now, but we can’t help but spread the magic! What could be more special this half-term than seeing Disney’s longest running musical? Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, this multi Tony and Olivier award-winning musical will redefine your expectations of theatre. Book your tickets to experience the magic now.

Matilda The Musical

Hailed as a musical triumph and recipient of over 85 international awards, including 16 for Best Musical, this fantastic piece of theatre continues to delight audiences. Matilda doesn’t just copy Roald Dahls’ classic tale, it adds new depth and is the perfect half-term treat for children of all ages and adults alike. Book tickets now from £23 and prepare to be blown away.

Exciting discoveries…

Body Worlds

Half-term is jam-packed with interactive activities across education, science, fun, health and wellbeing. Body Worlds have also partnered with The British Red Cross to offer guests CPR interactive workshops! There will be Medical Guides throughout half-term (12pm to 4pm) to answer questions on Mind, Body and Soul. Kids are also welcome to pick up and follow the brand-new Family Trail – all at no additional cost! Book tickets for a family-fun and fascinating day out now.

Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery

Take a trip to London’s Science Museum and explore the incredible wonder of Wonderlab. Kids can become scientists, fuel their imagination and immerse themselves in a world of wonder at this one-of-a-kind interactive gallery. A wonderful exhibition with several daily 20 min shows, this is a great experience for the whole family! Book tickets now.

Plays galore…

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

A perfect theatre trip for older children (recommended age is 11+), this story of discovery is funny, heart-warming and features an adorable treat at the end! Winner of 7 Olivier Awards and 5 Tony Awards® including ‘Best Play’, don’t miss out on this unique play before it leaves the West End in April. Book selected tickets now with no fees.

The Wider Earth

Join a 22-year-old Charles Darwin on HMS Beagle’s daring voyage to the far side of the world, and discover the gripping story behind one of the most important discoveries in history. A perfect theatre trip for families this half-term, book tickets now from £23.50.

Opening soon…

February half-term may be just around the corner, but it’s never too early to start planning family activities! Read on for our top upcoming family shows!

The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice

Back on the Disney theme, but now with the added incredible element of ice-skating! Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on an inspiring walk down memory lane in celebration of magic and family fun. With a national tour, this is the perfect trip for all the family! Book tickets now for a venue near you.

Where is Peter Rabbit?

Hop onto your seats and immerse yourself in the magical world of Beatrix Potter. Watch with delight as your favourite stories and most beloved characters are brought to life in this theatrical spectacular, with beautifully handcrafted puppets, enchanting original songs and a sprinkle of magic. Save up to 30% when booking for a family of four!

Beasts of London

Opening in April, Beasts of London explores the fascinating role animals have played in shaping the capital. Be guided through time, from the Roman era through Medieval London and right up to present day, narrated by the beasts themselves. Discover how animals – from lions and elephants, to horses, rats and pigeons – have shaped the city and its beastly history. Tickets start from just £8.80 – book now!

Cirque du Soleil’s OVO is coming to London! Here is all you need to know: Dates, tickets and what it’s about

April 28, 2017May 24, 2017From The Box Office

What Is Cirque du Soleil: OVO about?

After the record-breaking success of Amaluna earlier this year, Cirque du Soleil returns to London’s Royal Albert Hall in January 2018 with its never seen before in the UK show, OVO.

OVO (meaning ‘egg’ in Portuguese), is a celebration of nature and co-existence, where insects work, eat, play, fight and search for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement.

After a mysterious egg appears in their midst, the insects become intensely curious as they work to uncover what this iconic object represents. When a quirky insect arrives in the bustling community, a fabulous ladybird catches his eye and it is love at first sight.
Since premiering in Montreal in 2009, OVO has thrilled more than 5 million people worldwide, and is sure to have the same effect in London in 2018.

Who’s Performing In Cirque du Soleil: OVO?

50 performing artists from 17 countries, each specialising in various acrobatic acts, make up the cast of OVO. Amongst the artists is Alanna Baker, a gymnast from Greater London, who plays the Black Spider and has travelled to countries as far-reaching as Australia and Japan with the show. Having trained since the early age of five, she was crowned Gymnastics European Champion in 2011, and won Bronze in the World Championships in 2012.

When Is Cirque du Soleil: OVO Playing in London?

Having toured North America and set to make its European debut in Zurich in October 2017, Cirque du Soleil will be performing OVO at London’s Royal Albert Hall for a five-week run from Sunday 7 January 2018 until Sunday 11th February 2018.

And so the UK’s longstanding relationship with Cirque du Soleil continues; this is the eighth time the group has debuted a show at the Royal Albert Hall since it was founded 22 years ago.

Where Can I Buy Tickets for Cirque du Soleil: OVO?

Tickets are now available at www.fromtheboxoffice.com/OVO from £44.

View the trailer:

Kids Go Free to London Shows this summer – our Kids Week top tips!

June 16, 2015July 12, 2016katherineewood

Now in its 18th year, the Kids Week promotion just gets bigger and better… Throughout August, Theatreland will be full of families enjoying theatre for less, thanks to Kids Week, the Society of London Theatre‘s summer promotion which enables a child aged 16 or under to see a show for free with a full paying adult, plus two additional children can go for half-price.

More than 40 shows are taking part, including The Gruffalo, Aliens Love Underpants, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Railway Children, Hetty Feather, Let It Be, Memphis The Musical, War Horse and Wicked. Even new shows in town such as Bend It Like Beckham and Sinatra at the London Palladium are participating!

Booking is now open at www.kidsweek.co.uk or you can purchase tickets by calling the dedicated ticket hotline on 0844 248 5151. There are no booking or postage fees!

Kids Week has produced a special video to celebrate the Kids Go Free offer. How many show characters can you spot?

Here are our Kids Week top tips: