Best stage shows and musicals for children to stream online
Get the family together and watch these brilliant productions

Even though the curtains are currently down for theatres in London’s West End and New York’s Broadway some of the shows are still going on… in the digital world.
Parents can keep the kids entertained during the lockdown with a number of family-friendly stage shows and musicals which are available to be streamed online.
Here we pick out some of the best ones to watch...
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Shrek The Musical
Where to watch: rent for £2.49 or buy for £5.99 on YouTube Shrek, Princess Fiona and Donkey hit the stage in this award-winning Broadway musical based on the movie. There are 17 all-new songs for the family to enjoy.
#CirqueConnect: Cirque du Soleil
Where to watch: free on YouTube Through its #CirqueConnect platform, Cirque du Soleil is publishing a weekly 60-minute special production during the lockdown. Spectacular moments feature from shows such as Alegria, Kooza and Kà.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Cinderella
Where to watch: free on YouTube At Easter the Mercury Theatre in Colchester shared a recording of this classic panto that kids will love.
The Wind in the Willows the Musical
Where to watch: £2.99 at willowsmusical.com Rufus Hound stars as Mr Toad in this production captured live from the London Palladium. The cast also includes Denise Welch as Mrs Otter and Gary Wilmot as Badger.
SNOW MOUSE from lindsay baker on Vimeo.
Snow Mouse
Where to watch: free on Vimeo Wrap up warm (on the sofa) and get cosy for 30 minutes of mousey bliss. Join two new friends on an adventure in a magical forest full of play, puppetry and music.
I Want My Hat Back
Where to watch: free on YouTube Jon Klassen’s beautiful picture book is adapted with puppetry by Ian Nicholson and Samuel Wilde.
The Paper Dolls
Where to watch: free on YouTube Co-produced by PolkaTheatre and Little Angel Theatre, The Paper Dolls stars Jane Crawshaw as Rosie and Samantha Sutherland as Mum and Tommy.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Gandhi arrests: Narendra Modi's 'vendetta' against India's opposition
The Explainer Another episode threatens to spark uproar in the Indian PM's long-running battle against the country's first family
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
-
How the woke right gained power in the US
Under the radar The term has grown in prominence since Donald Trump returned to the White House
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK
-
Codeword: April 24, 2025
The Week's daily codeword puzzle
By The Week Staff
-
7 new and long-established musicals to see on tour this spring
The Week Recommends Even 'Les Misérables' is back on the road
By Scott Hocker, The Week US
-
Clueless: 'irresistible' musical is a lot of fun
The Week Recommends 'Charming' stage adaptation of the hit film features 'infuriatingly catchy' songs by KT Tunstall
By The Week UK
-
Oliver! – triumphant revival with a 'flash of panache'
The Week Recommends Matthew Bourne's 'exuberant' production of Lionel Bart's classic musical can consider itself a success
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK
-
2024: the year of movie musicals
In the Spotlight 'Wicked' is merely the latest in a run of musical-minded films this year
By Scott Hocker, The Week US
-
'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' ignite holiday box office
Speed Read The combination of the two movies revitalized a struggling box office
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
These 7 touring theater productions are ready to carry you through the holidays and into the new year
The Week Recommends Your favorite movie-turned-musical might be coming to a city near you
By Scott Hocker, The Week US
-
Movies to watch in November, including 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II'
The Week Recommends A major musical adaptation, a Roman Empire sequel and a movie where Santa gets kidnapped
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US
-
Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular – an 'exhilarating and life-affirming' show
The Week Recommends 'Showstopping' set-pieces have audience in 'raptures' at Glasgow Hydro
By The Week UK