LONDON'S BEST KIDS' THEATRES

The Capital's Top Children's Theatres as Nominated by YOU for the Time Well Spent Magazine Awards 2025

You have been hurling virtual flowers and giving standing ovations to the capital's extraordinary children's theatres, in this year's awards.

London's mini-thesps are impossibly lucky with an array of imagination-sparking and inspiring theatres, lovingly made for little minds and eyes.

Below are your top picks - and the ultimate winner will be crowned this August.

_________________________________

Little Angel Theatre

The puppet alchemists at this magical North London destination have been delighting families since the Sixties.

Alongside their endless succession of inventive and inspiring marionette productions, they also offer fabulous puppetry workshops, the Children's Puppet Festival, tours, and community outreach programmes.

And they have pushed the boundaries of what puppetry is, and what it can inspire in young people.

Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, London N1 2DN

Unicorn Theatre

This is the UK's largest children's theatre, which creates innovative productions that encourage children to question and explore the world. They creatively collaborate with children in schools and communities, with a strong focus on equality, diversity and inclusion. And they also offer a Unicorn Online programme of free digital theatre experiences.

Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, London SE1 2HZ

Polka Theatre

This pioneering and welcoming destination has reimagined what a children's theatre should be, with a vibrant hub including an Adventure Theatre for Early Years, Main Theatre for young audiences, its fabulous Clore Learning Studio, play den, outdoor play area, multi sensory garden, cafe and dress-up and book corner.

Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, London SW19 1SB

Puppet Theatre Barge

The UK's only floating puppet theatre has been bobbing on the Thames, captivating families with critically-acclaimed marionette and animation shows for 42 years.

It offers a unique experience on a lovingly converted barge, which specialises in modern twists on classics in breathtaking productions, in which the puppeteers are never seen.

Puppet Theatre Barge, opposite, 35 Blomfield Rd, London W9 2PF

Half Moon Theatre

This theatre is passionate about giving young people the opportunity to experience the best in young people’s theatre, both as a participant and as an audience member.

Our activity includes a season of professional plays for young and family audiences, including teenagers, national touring productions and an extensive creative learning programme, including eight youth theatres.

Half Moon Theatre, 43 White Horse Rd, Greater, London E1 0ND