5 of North London’s Best Theatres for Kids

Chickenshed

Chickenshed is a pioneering and inclusive company that makes beautiful and inspirational theatre. They bring together people of all ages and from all backgrounds to produce outstanding theatre that entertains, inspires, challenges and informs both audiences and participants alike.

Chickenshed runs children’s and youth theatres for over 800 young people, operates three nationally accredited education courses, engages in community outreach projects and has established a growing network of ‘sheds’ across the UK and two in Russia.

Need To Know

Address; Chickenshed Theatre, Chase Side, Southgate, London, N14 4PE

Contact;  Tel: +44 (0)20 8292 9222 | Email: info@chickenshed.org.uk

By Tube; The theatre is located approximately 10 minutes walk from Cockfosters Underground Station and 12 minutes from Oakwood Underground Station. Both stations are on the Piccadilly line.

Arts Depot

artsdepot is an award winning cultural hub. Their venue incorporates a 395 seat theatre, 148 seat studio theatre, gallery, café, bar, studios, and architecturally stunning public spaces.

They have been celebrating the arts since they opened in 2004. Every year, we welcome over 140,000 people who come to watch, learn or be inspired. With their vibrant programme of performances and exhibitions, they seek to surprise and thrill audiences of all ages.

Need to Know

Address; 5 Nether Street Tally Ho Corner North Finchley London N12 0GA

Nearest Tubes; North Finchley

Phone ; 020 8369 5454

They host kids parties too. Read more here

Family Friendly Facilities

  • Baby changing facilities are available in unisex toilets on levels 2, 3 and 4.
  • The cafe offers a range of tasty and nutritious food including meals for little ones. During family shows children’s lunchboxes are available. High chairs available
  • For most family performances, children under 18 months are considered ‘babes in arms’. They don’t need a ticket and are not allocated as seat as they can sit on the lap of their parent or guardian. They may be asked to leave if they become distressed and cause disruption to performers or other audience members. You are welcome to re-enter the auditorium once they have settled.
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by a grown-up.
  • The soft play area is now situated in a new space on Level 2, around the corner from the cafe. Created especially for our littlest visitors, this dedicated space features
  • Book corner, A chalkboard wall, Space for grown-ups to relax.

Little Angel Theatre

Little Angel Theatre is a home for puppetry. Since its doors first opened in 1961 the theatre has been dedicated to creating and sharing inspiring stories. Puppetry is at the heart of this innovative theatre, from igniting the imaginations of the youngest minds to equipping tomorrow’s puppeteers with the tools they need to succeed. As well as an internationally recognised theatre with productions touring throughout the UK and across the globe, Little Angel Theatre also has its roots in Islington, and works with its local, diverse community to break down barriers to arts engagement so all can benefit and enjoy this remarkable art form.

SLEEPYHEAD, By Michael Fowkes, A Little Angel Theatre production

Need to Know

Address; The Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, Off Cross Street, Islington, N1 2DN

Email; info@littleangeltheatre.com

Box office; 020 7226 1787

Family Friendly

The theatre and venue is very boutique, and has the sweetest shop, but no room for much else. They hold fantastic workshops at the weekends, and holidays, read more here. These workshops are not just for kids, they hold them for adults, and as the industry leader in puppetry, are always a haven for artists from across the meadows, to gather and learn, perform and become part of their family.

Travel information 

Parking
Parking is notoriously difficult in Islington and we strongly suggest to all our visitors that the easiest way to get here is by public transport. However on Saturdays after 1.30pm, and Sundays all day, you can park on a single yellow line.

Buses
To Upper Street alight at St.Mary’s Church: 4, 19, 30, 43, and 236a (Sundays only)
To Essex Road alight at Packington Street: 38, 56, 73, 341
For the Studios alight at Cannonbury Grove: 271

Tube
Nearest tube stations are Angel (Northern Line) / Highbury and Islington (Victoria Line)

Trains
Travel by train to Essex Road or to Highbury and Islington

Jacksons Lane

Jacksons Lane is the flagship arts and cultural venue in Haringey, creating a year-round programme that encompasses the best in contemporary performance, arts participation, cultural education and outreach work for both its community and the sector as a whole.

They are committed to leading the way in the creation, production, presentation and artist/audience development of and for contemporary circus theatre.

Need to Know

Address; 269a Archway Road , London N6 5AA

Box Office ; 020 8341 4421

Family Friendly

They have a cafe and bar, with healthy children’s menu on offer. They also run a kids comedy club at the weekends.

They are the UK’s leading venue and supporter for contemporary circus.

Travel

By Tube
Jacksons Lane is conveniently situated opposite Highgate Tube Station, on the High Barnet branch of the Northern Line.

By Bus
Numbers 43, 134 and 263 stop right outside as do the night buses N20 and N134.

The Pleasance

The Pleasance Theatre Islington has been one of the most exciting Fringe theatres in London since it opened its doors in 1995, providing a launch pad for some of the most memorable productions and renowned practitioners of the past decade and staying true to its mission of providing a platform for the talent of the future.

Pleasance Islington plays host to some of the biggest names in comedy and the likes of Michael McIntyre, Russell Brand, Micky Flanagan, Mark Watson, Adam Hills and Mark Thomas have all regularly complimented our comedy programme.

Need To Know

Address; Pleasance, Carpenters Mews, North Rd, London. N7 9EF

Non-ticket-enquiries; 020 7619 6868

Family Friendly

This theatre is the smallest of the bunch, in its offering for childrens theatre. It is known mainly for it’s comedy slate, and it’s connections with the Edinburgh Comedy Festival. Though they do show a Christmas show for kids each year, and the venue is intimate, local, and easy to access. There is a bar on site, again not aimed at families, but they will look after you.

Learning

Since 1995, the Young Pleasance has trained hundreds of performers, musicians and technicians who have gone on to further training and careers in the industry. Once involved in the company, the Pleasance continues to nurture an individual’s creative talent and ambition through our Pleasance Futures initiatives, including XYP – a programme specifically designed for Young Pleasance alumni. Find out more.

Travel

By Tube

Caledonian Road on Piccadilly Line (zone 2)

Turn left out the station and then take the first left up North Road. The theatre is then 100m up on your left.