kids theatre shows Manchester 2026
There are loads of great kids theatre shows in Manchester. This post will be regularly updated to make sure all the kids theatre shows I can find are listed for you. I include as much detail as I can find about what age the show is best for, when and where you can see it and of course there are booking links included for you. Find more great Family days out North West England here.
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Our top picks for all ages
The best theatre shows in Manchester this year for under 5s
For this age group, I don’t think you can beat the Julia Donaldson stage shows and there are lots to choose from including:
- The Gruffalo at the Lowry from 3rd – 5th July
- Dear Zoo at the Lowry in August
- a tribute to Ms Rachel at Stockport Plaza in July.
The best Manchester Theatre shows for children aged 5 – 10 years
For children aged 5 – 6 years, some of the recommendations above still stand out.
Best Manchester theatre shows for teens and tweens
For this age group, I’d particularly recommend:
- Legally Blonde the musical at Opera House in November 2026
Kids theatre shows at Palace Theatre Manchester
Where – 97 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 6FT
Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show, Palace Theatre
When – 14th – 15th August 2026
Duration – Not clear
Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show is packed full of music, adventure and surprises for little ones and is the perfect introduction to theatre.
Book here – Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show
Kids theatre shows at Opera House Manchester
Where – 3 Quay St, Manchester M3 3HP,
Something Rotten! (musical comedy)
When – 16th June – 19th July 2026
Comedy, TV and musical theatre icon Jason Manford makes his highly anticipated return to the stage in fetching pantaloons, alongside star of stage and screen Richard Fleeshman and two-time Olivier nominee Marisha Wallace, as this UK premiere production opens at Manchester Opera House – bringing this award-winning show to the land where it all (most definitely) happened.
Age guidance: Something Rotten! includes a lively sense of humour, including some bawdy language. It is not tailored for young children, and parental discretion is advised. Children under 4 will not be admitted. This show contains strobe, flashing lights, and haze.
Book here – Something Rotten!
Piff & Pop’s Magic Shoppe, Opera House
When – 17th September 2026
Their brand-new show, Piff & Pop’s Magic Shoppe, promises a night of jaw-dropping magic, side-splitting comedy, and unforgettable showmanship. Split in two halves, Act one will feature a solo act from both Pop (Penn Jillette) and Piff The Magic Dragon along with Mr Piffles – the world’s only magic-performing Chihuahua.
Each will take to the stage to showcase their signature styles of magic, wit and wonder from Penn’s sharp storytelling and world-class sleight of hand to Piff’s eccentric comedy and offbeat illusions.
Act two will see the pair return to the stage as a duo, blending their unique talents into a one-of-a-kind double act. Expect the unexpected as the ‘Dragons’ combine forces into a larger-than-life finale.
Minimum age is 5 years old.
Book here – Piff & Pop’s Magic Shoppe
Legally Blonde the musical, Opera House
When – 3rd – 14th November 2026.
This ultimate feel-good rom-com, based on the award-winning film starring Reese Witherspoon, follows Elle Woods on her transformation from It Girl fashionista to legal ace at Harvard Law School, all in the name of love.
Suitable for 8+ years
Book here – Legally Blonde the musical
Kids theatre shows at The Lowry, Salford
Where – Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
The Gruffalo, The Lowry
When – 3rd – 5th July 2026
Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler – celebrating 25 years on stage in 2026.
Suitable for age 3+
Book here – The Gruffalo
In the night garden, The Lowry
when – 5th – 9th August 2026
You’ll see all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music. This show lasts just under an hour and your little ones will be amazed when they see a very special visit from the amazing flying Pinky Ponk.
Book here – In the night garden
Dear Zoo, The Lowry
When – 11th – 16th August 2026
See our characters write to the Zoo. Who will be delivered? A cheeky monkey, a jumpy frog and of course a perfect puppy.
Help your children learn as the book leaps onto the stage and share a magical experience as the story unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction.
Rod Campbell’s best-selling lift the flap book has delighted generations of young readers since it was first published in 1982. And has sold more than 8 million copies worldwide.
Book here – Dear Zoo
CBeebies House Party Live! The Lowry,
When – 29th – 30th August 2026
A family fun-packed stage show with sensational songs, stupendous surprises and mega moments.
Join the superstars of CBeebies – Mister Maker, Rebecca Keatley, Dodge, George Webster and Duggee – as they throw an epic party just for YOU!
Book here – CBeebies House Party Live!
The Selfish Giant, The Lowry,
When – 20th September 2026
The Giant is angry. He returns from Cornwall to find children – children! – playing happily in his beautiful garden!
Every day after school, they come and run about, laughing and playing games under the blossom on his peach trees, listening to the delightful songs of the birds! So he puts up a big wall and an even bigger KEEP OUT notice to put a stop to all that. Then winter seizes the garden in its icy fingers…
Will this grip ever be broken?
Through vivid, interactive story-telling, original music, puppetry and humour, Riding Lights Theatre Company brings you this brilliant story of transformation. Perfect for families. No one, not even the story-tellers themselves, can be left unaffected by this inspiring tale of love and generosity.
Book here – The Selfish Giant
Sherlock Holmes and The Curious Case of the Masked Magian, The Lowry
When – 20th September – 16th January 2027
It’s 1906 – the Golden Age of Magic. The Masked Magician bestrides London’s world of Magic like a colossus, UNTIL… one night, in mid-performance, the Magician vanishes. Dead? Kidnapped? In hiding?
After a month Scotland Yard is baffled (obviously) and call in Sherlock Holmes to solve the mystery of the Masked Magician’s disappearance. Holmes (with an excitable Watson in tow) plunges into the secret world of Edwardian Magic only to find that the Masked Magician’s identity is Magic’s best kept secret.
Book here – Sherlock Holmes and The Curious Case of the Masked Magian
Kids theatre shows at Waterside, Sale
Where – 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford M33 7ZF.
The Jungle Book – outdoor theatre – sold out
When – 21st July 2026
Filled with original music, audience interaction, and a host of larger-than-life characters, you are invited to join Mowgli and his friends, Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther, on a madcap jungle adventure as they meet and attempt to outwit a slithering snake, some cheeky monkeys, and the fierce tiger, Shere Khan!
Funny, exciting and wildly entertaining, this AOOO-some musical will have you howling with laughter: It’s the perfect treat for the whole family!
Book here – The Jungle Book
The tiger who came to tea, Waterside
When – 11th – 12th July 2026
Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. Don’t miss this stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem… expect to be surprised!
Recommended for children 3+.
Book here – The tiger who came to tea
kids theatre shows at Z-Arts, Hulme
Where – 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5ZA
We Will Rock You
When – 1st – 4th July 2026
Almost 25 years since it first exploded onto the West End, Queen and Ben Elton’s sensational smash-hit musical will be hitting our stage for the very first time! With a cast of 24, supported by a full live band – all local talent of the highest calibre!
Book here – We Will Rock You
Anastasia
When – 15th – 18th July 2026
A dazzling show transporting you from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.
Book here – Anastasia
The Clockmaker’s City
When – 31st July – 2nd August 2026
Mainspring is a city run precisely to the tick and tock of the Clock. The Clock controls time itself, and as it ticks along, the townsfolk go about their business entirely synchronised to it. But time is about to be pushed to its limits as more minutes are squeezed into each hour and mystery surrounds the Central Horologium and its gently glowing Meridicore, the source of The Clock’s power.
Book here – The Clockmaker’s City
Family theatre at HOME, Manchester
Where – HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester, M15 4FN
The Littlest Yak
When – 27th – 29th October 2026
This musical adaptation of the award-winning children’s book will delight audiences young and old with beautiful puppets, catchy tunes and an uplifting tale of self-acceptance for all the family. Gertie is great at being THE LITTLEST YAK, with the CURLIEST, WHILRLIEST wool and the GRIPPIEST of hooves for clip-clopping up cliffs. Only, Gertie doesn’t want to be the littlest. She’s in a rush to grow up and be just like THE BIG YAKS. But what if there are some things that only a GERTIE can do? A gorgeous story celebrating YOU being perfect … just the way you are! Kent-based theatre company, LAStheatre, bring The Littlest Yak to the stage in a spectacular fashion. Join them for a dazzling adventure, into the heart of the Himalayas, that is sure to get even the grumpiest of yaks into the festive spririt. Based on the book by Lu Fraser and Kate Hindley.
Book here – The Littlest Yak
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
When – 27th November 2026 – 2nd January 2027
Against the backdrop of the Northern Lights, a small town has been pushed to the brink of collapse in a bid for progress and prosperity. To rescue Midgard from certain destruction, the sorcerer and his apprentice must work out how to make magic together, and fast! This gripping family-friendly story sees brooms coming to life and love blossoming anew, as apprentice Eva discovers the explosive possibilities of her newfound magical powers, leaving havoc, catastrophe and joy in her wake.
Book here – The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
Family theatre, AO Arena
Where – AO Arena Manchester, Victoria Station , Manchester, M3 1AR
Gladiators live, Ao arena
When – 14th – 15th November 2026
This adrenaline-fuelled two-hour arena event sees the legendary Gladiators storm back into the arena to face fearless contenders in a heart-pounding live adaptation of the smash-hit television phenomenon. Expect iconic fan-favourite events, breathtaking stunts, epic head-to-head battles and the unforgettable Eliminator finale. With non-stop action, heroic showdowns and moments guaranteed to have the entire arena on its feet, Gladiators Live delivers edge-of-your-seat entertainment for the whole family.
Book here – Gladiators
Disney Descendants, ZOMBIES & Camp Rock: Worlds Collide Concert Tour
When – 10th February 2027
The “Disney Worlds Collide Concert Tour” is a full-scale arena pop concert bringing together three of Disney’s biggest live-action music franchises — “Descendants,” “ZOMBIES,” and “Camp Rock” — for the first time on UK and European stages.
Book here – Disney Descendants, ZOMBIES & Camp Rock: Worlds Collide Concert Tour
Stockport Plaza,
Where – Mersey Square, Stockport, SK1 1SP
Fun for little ones, a tribute to Ms Rachel, Stockport Plaza
When – 19th July 2026
Fun For Kids. Fun For Parents! The UK’s Premier tribute to Global Phenomenon… ‘Ms Rachel’. Bringing her character to life in a fun LIVE show!
With over 5 Billion Views and over 8 million subscribers on YouTube ‘Ms Rachel’ is the biggest viral sensational to hit our children’s screens since ‘Baby Shark!’
Book here – Fun for little ones, a tribute to Ms Rachel,
Fireman Sam Live! Stockport Plaza,
When – 1st August 2026
Brand new for 2026. Norman Price is determined to win the Pontypandy Treasure Hunt, but when he discovers clues to a real pirate treasure, he goes exploring deep into the caves. It’s up to Fireman Sam, Elvis and Ellie to save the day and find the treasure. With clues, pirate songs and plenty of swashbuckling adventure, Fireman Sam’s new live show is perfect for all budding pirates! Live Show Ahoy!
Book here – Fireman Sam Live!
Victoria Hall, Bolton
Where – The Victoria Hall, 37 -39 Knowsley Street, Bolton, BL1 2AS
The Jungle Book
When – 15th – 23rd August 2026.
Swing into the jungle this summer and join Mowgli and friends Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther, a gang of mischievous monkeys lead by King Louie in this enchanting new musical comedy adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s much-loved classic.
Book here – The Jungle Book at The Victoria Hall
The Miss Rachel experience
When – 17th August 2026.
Step into a sunshine-filled world of fun, music and learning with The Miss Rachel Experience – Summer Special! This interactive show will have your little ones singing, dancing and smiling from the very start.
Get ready to hop like a bunny, clap along, and dance to all your favourite songs in a bright, beachy adventure!
Book here – Theatre Events at The Victoria Hall
More things to do with kids in Manchester
Find loads of things to do with teenagers in Manchester here.
Find loads of things to do with toddlers in Manchester here.
