The packed schedule of West End shows makes it hard to pick what to see. These five shows offer great benefits for school groups including discounts, workshops and a range of resources.
1. Hercules - Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Booking at Theatre Royal Drury Lane until 18th July 2026, Disney’s Hercules is inspired by the 1997 animated film of the same name and is a high-energy, foot-tapping musical story of Greek mythology directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw (Book of Mormon, Aladdin). The production tells the story of Hercules and his quest to find his true identity, with unexpected surprises along the way.
School groups can take advantage of discounted education rates for groups of ten or more pupils, plus one free teacher place for every ten pupils. Educational workshops provide pupils with the opportunity to perform scenes, songs and choreography from the stage show whilst developing communication and team building skills. Free curriculum-linked resources are also available for Key Stages 2 and 3.
2. Paddington The Musical - Savoy Theatre
Everyone’s favourite bear from Peru will appear on stage for the first time ever when Paddington The Musical opens at the Savoy Theatre, London on Sunday 30th November, where it is currently booking until 25th May 2026. Adapted from the much-loved books written by Michael Bond, and STUDIOCANAL films, the show has a musical score written by McFly’s Tom Fletcher and is directed by Luke Sheppard.
The production is based on the first few Paddington books and is packed with singing, dancing, mischief and marmalade sandwiches as it tells the story of the small, lost bear Peru who arrives in London in search of a new home.
Educational tickets are available for school groups of ten or more for band C and D tickets for Monday, Wednesday, Thursday evenings and Thursday matinees from 7th January 2026.
3. Matilda The Musical - Cambridge Theatre
Booking until January 2027, Matilda The Musical offers discounted ticket rates for groups of ten or more for Tuesday to Thursday performances, plus one free teacher place for every ten pupils.
Educational workshops, led by Royal Shakespeare Company practitioners are available on Wednesday mornings during term time for pupils aged six plus and are designed to introduce pupils to the story of Matilda, the key characters and the creative process on stage.
Based on the beloved book by Roald Dah, Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind who dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.
4. Oliver! - Gielgud Theatre
Cameron Mackintosh‘s production of Lionel Bart‘s iconic musical, Oliver! is booking at the Gielgud Theatre until 4th October 2026, offering pupils the opportunity to experience the stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel featuring well-known songs such as Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two and I’d Do Anything.
The show tells the story of orphaned Oliver Twist, who escapes the harsh Victorian workhouse and takes refuge in London’s murky underworld with the wily gang leader Fagin and his team of resourceful pickpockets led by the Artful Dodger. He finds a friend in the kind-hearted Nancy and when he’s wrongly arrested for stealing, Oliver meets an unexpected saviour.
Schools can take advantage of education rates for Tuesday to Thursday evenings and midweek matinees performances. One free teacher place is available for each ten pupils booked.
5. Witness for the Prosecution - London County Hall
Running at London County Hall until 4th October 2026, Witness for the Prosecution places audiences in the centre of the courtroom drama for Agatha Christie’s story of justice, passion and betrayal.
The production tells the story of the case of Leonard Vole, with audiences experiencing the court case play out around them as the prosecution faces up against defence.
Accused of murdering a widow to inherit her wealth, will Leonard survive the sensational witness testimony? Will he be able to convince the jury, and you, of his innocence and escape the hangman’s noose?
Education rates are available for groups of eight to 50 including teachers for Tuesday to Thursday performances, with parking bays available for coach pick up and drop off on Belvedere Road. Teachers can also download education packs including lesson plans and activities.
