Sondheim Theatre
BEST FOR
Ages 7+
WHERE
London
What it’s like
A full West End staging of Les Misérables, nearly three hours long, best suited to kids seven and up who can sit still.
This is Les Misérables in the West End, not a watered-down kids' version, and that matters when you're deciding whether to bring the children. It runs about 2 hours 50 minutes including an interval, which is a long stretch for anyone under seven, and the venue's own age guide agrees, putting the recommendation at 7+.
Every seat needs its own ticket, baby on lap or not, so there's no sneaking a small one in for free. Anyone under 16 has to sit next to an adult, and under-3s aren't let in at all, so this isn't one for a night off with a babysitter-shaped gap in the plan. If your seven-year-old is already into big stories and can handle sitting through a proper interval-length show, this is the real thing rather than a taster.
There's no outside food or drink allowed in, so factor that into how you feed everyone beforehand, and latecomers get held until a suitable break in the action rather than shown straight to their seats. Performances run most evenings at 7.30pm with matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm. If you fancy making a bigger occasion of it, there are package options like a pre-show champagne reception, though that's clearly one for the grown-ups rather than the seven-year-old.
Booking ahead is essential here, there's no turning up on spec and hoping. Group bookings of 10 or more can get a decent discount on Stalls and Dress Circle seats, and schools get their own reduced rate plus a free teacher place per ten pupils, which is worth knowing if you're organising for more than just your own family.
What’s on here
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 7 and up, given the running time and age recommendation
- No outside food or drink is allowed in the theatre
- Under-16s must sit next to an adult aged 18 or over
- Group bookings of 10+ and school groups get reduced rates
- Accessible performances including captioned, signed and audio described shows are on offer
Plan your visit
How long is the show?
About 2 hours 50 minutes including an interval, so pack snacks for the queue rather than the seats since outside food isn't allowed in.
Is it suitable for young children?
The recommended age is 7+, and under-3s aren't admitted at all. Anyone under 16 has to sit next to an adult.
Do we need to book in advance?
Booking is required, there's no walk-up option beyond the box office window before the show starts.
Do kids need their own ticket?
Every single person needs their own ticket regardless of age, so there's no lap seats for a free ride.
What if we're running late?
Latecomers aren't let in straight away, you'll be held until a suitable break in the performance.
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