5 of the Best Children’s Theatres in London

1. Discover Children’s Story Centre (Stratford, near the new Westfield)

Discover Children’s Story Centre is a place where children (aged 0-11) and their families can enjoy time together playing, reading, and get fully immersed in the ‘Story Room’ hands on exhibitions all aimed to support literacy and thinking skills through creative play (supporting the school curriculum).

In a very relaxed and stimulating environment the story centre offers a range of events, from on site workshops, a book shop, cafe, family art activities, a literature programme led by children’s writers and illustrators, lots of community and education projects, and artist residencies in schools as well as training for professionals that work with children and families.

Once inside you will be surrounded by the indoor trail, where you can explore a secret cave, make a spoon puppet, have a tea party, find the giant’s legs, slide down a magic tower, dance on noisy polka dots and dress up in a weird and wonderful costume. There is also a huge outdoor adventure play area where you can slide down a monster’s tongue, climb on a space craft, sail away in a pirate ship, enjoy a story in the story glade and play with giant musical instruments.

Now in the know, you can even book a birthday party (these get booked up weeks in advance) with their experienced Story Builders. You can choose from a Hootah, Jungle, Fairies and Elves or Space parties (from Saturday 7 April). Prices are £9.50 per person. Don’t forget to check what exhibition is showing at their Story Studio when you visit. The exhibition is always designed in conjunction with a children’s author or illustrator and theatre performers.

Discover : 383-387 High St, E15 4QZ : 020 8536 5555

2.  Artsdepot (North Finchley)

One of the leading venues in North London for the arts for families and adults. They offer fantastic touring theatre for young kids, as well as puppetry, craft sessions workshops and courses. They have a permanent soft play area just outside the theatre for the toddling kids that need to jump around, art installations, book swaps, drawing events, art activities, and even free street circus workshops for 14-19 year olds every Friday night (ends 4/April 2014).

ArtsDepot : 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, London N12 0GA : Box office : 020 8369 5454

3. Unicorn Theatre (London Bridge)

Unicorn Theatre: 147 Tooley Street: Southwark, London SE1 2HZ : BOX OFFICE: 020 7645 0560

4. The Little Angel Theatre (Islington)

A UK institution that even I was part of back in the (ahem) 1970’s, when we would make the pilgrimage from Clapham in my Mum’s well-loved ruby-red mini to see the best, most warming and breathtaking puppet shows.

Little Angel Theatre is ‘the Home of British Puppetry’ and one of only three building-based puppet theatres in England. The venue itself is set behind uber-cool Upper Street, yet feels like you could have found it at the back of red riding hoods forest, on an island in Norway. The 100 seat theatre stands side-by-side with the workshop, where their puppets are developed, carved and constructed. They offer an imaginative Education Programme working with schools, youth and community groups, particularly in Islington and the surrounding boroughs. They also run participation activities such as our Saturday Puppet Club, Crafty Kids Club and Youth Theatre, and regular Kids Fun Days and holiday clubs. Read more about the kids courses and their annual puppetry festival Suspense here.