Entertaining the hobbits - London show question
 

Have two small people (one of each type, 9 and 7) who primarily resemble the wife traveling with us to the UK. Considering taking them to a show/play/musical whatever while we're in London. More than a bit lost on what to pick. Attention spans are commensurate with ages, therefore dramas be da-ned and long musicals (read: Les Mis length, even if funny and not dreary) not preferred.

Suggestions?

Thanks.

Aladdin, The Lion King and Annie all seem like reasonable choices.

My daughter loved Annie at that age.

https://www.timeout.com/london/kids/...atre-in-london

http://www.whatsonstage.com/childrens-theatre/

Not looking for kids theater/re, but for more of what Tuscanfeedlit was knocking on.

Matilda (fabulous)
Lion King
Aladdin
Wicked
The Play That Goes Wrong
The Wind in the Willows

A pint at the Green Dragon?

Lee Ann

www.theatremonkey.com
Lots of advice, including comments on seats with restricted views.

NOT Wicked!

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Stomp
Annie
Lion King

Will check the suggestions above. Thanks all. If more suggestions, fire away.

Does Wicked have some dirty bits? Kids can handle scary - the girl used to relax watching Lord of the Rings movies when she was 2+ and her go-to book at bedtime is an anthology of monster stories.

To the best of my recollection (and I saw it most recently in March of this year, in New York), no, Wicked doesn't have dirty bits. I am not a huge fan of the show, not because there is anything wrong with it (and I do like the design) but because it just doesn't "grab" me in the way it clearly does others. I do think it's entertaining and they are clearly doing something right, as it still sells out in NYC all these years after opening, and my 14 year old niece loved it. However, it wouldn't be my first choice unless one or both hobbits really wanted to see it.

If Matilda suits your dates, that would be my choice. Good writing, clever, funny, moving, excellent music, very good design, and satisfying theatrically for adults and children alike. This is a very, very good show.

I have also seen the Lion King and again, while not personally engaged by the story, the production/design is outstanding. You could not go wrong with this, but I'd still see Matilda instead.

I hope you find something that suits.

I put Matilda first on my list because it is wonderful.

Re Wicked -- maybe these kids are a tad young, but I know 10 and 11 yo's who LOVED it.

re: Wicked
I didn't care for it at all; I couldn't make sense of it and was bored silly. A bit scary but a big yawn.

>>re: Wicked
I didn't care for it at all; I couldn't make sense of it and was bored silly. A bit scary but a big yawn.<<

Many of the nearly 30,000,000 (and I think that number is old) who have seen it would disagree. Not my favorite musical for sure -- but one of the mosts popular of all time.

Most everything recommended is always a matter of personal taste, as always YMMV.

I have taste similar to the OP's hobbits age group; LOL.

<<A pint at the Green Dragon?>>

We're going to Scotland first. Will introduce them to the local drams so that they'll get to sleep at a decent bloody hour and give the old man some peace.

Matilda was awesome and it's a brisk, entertaining romp. Really one of those rare musicals that would hit the right notes with all ages and still manage to feel fresh. I think you could argue the same about Annie, but the Trunchbull is by far and away a better villain than ms Hannigan. So I think your monster lover would enjoy Matilda.

I enjoyed Wicked but not sure if your hobbits would. I think it's got some deeper themes and dramatic moments that teens and adults would get more out of than kids that age. But the music is catchy.

Haven't seen Aladdin, and might do that if they're more into princesses. Saw the lion king and it's fun but not my thing- I prefer comedy, though.

Mousetrap
Harry Potter if they have read the books
The play that goes wrong
Wicked
Lion King ( parents were bored and children felt it was a let down after the movie)
Matilda (me 6/10, daughter 3/5)
Have not seen Aladdin or Annie

Harry Potter is a two part play so you would need to book it two days to keep from being too overwhelmed
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