10 Iconic Summer Musicals

When the summer heat kicks in and the kids are off school, it can be tricky to find an activity that keeps them busy and brings a bit of creative joy. That’s where theatre steps in, jazz hands and all. 

Whether you’re planning a family theatre trip to see one of the award-winning West End musicals or looking for a fun way to get your child into something more active than sitting by a fan all day, summer musicals are the perfect excuse to embrace the season with songs, story and sparkle.

From showstopping West End productions to classic movie musicals that make you want to leap off the sofa and start belting out big dance numbers, here are 10 iconic summer musicals full of sunshine, stage magic and good old-fashioned summertime fun.

10 of the Best Summer Musicals

Looking for the perfect way to channel your child’s energy this summer? Spotlights’ holiday classes are the ideal warm-up act – packed with singing, dancing and confidence-building fun before you settle down to enjoy one of these iconic summer musicals together.

1. Mamma Mia!

No summer musical list would be complete without Mamma Mia!. Set on a dreamy Greek island with sea views, sun-drenched songs, and more summer love than you can shake a pair of flares at, it’s a London theatre staple – and for good reason.

With iconic characters, a playful mood and lyrics packed with ABBA’s biggest hits, Mamma Mia! is full of energy, heart and holiday vibes. The perfect escape for a hot day, it’s a feel-good theatre trip for the whole family – and often the spark that inspires kids to give singing, acting or dancing a go themselves.

At Spotlights, we see loads of students arrive after being inspired by a West End show like this – full of enthusiasm, rhythm and a strong sense of community. Who needs a Greek island when you’ve got a stage and a spotlight?

2. The Lion King

From the opening chords of Circle of Life, The Lion King transforms the stage into a jaw-dropping journey across the African savanna. A long-running favourite at the Lyceum Theatre in London, it’s a true example of theatre as an art form – and still one of the best introductions to musicals for children of all ages.

This award-winning show is filled with stunning puppetry, a powerful score full of the best musical theatre songs for kids, and unforgettable scenes that will leave even the most reluctant theatre-goer wide-eyed. It’s an excellent introduction to big stage storytelling and a brilliant idea for a family outing over the summer holidays.

Bonus: if your child walks out humming the songs, you might just have a future Simba or Nala on your hands.

3. Grease

It’s got Summer Nights, catchy tunes, slicked-back hair and more teenage drama than a school WhatsApp group – Grease is one of those musicals that just feels like summer.

Perfect for older kids (and parents who still know every lyric), this high-energy classic is pure fun. It’s also packed with rock ‘n’ roll style, big group numbers, and that end-of-term mood we all know so well.

When our students perform scenes from Grease, it’s often the first time they realise how much fun theatre can be. It’s not about perfection – it’s about energy, expression and owning your moment on stage. And that’s something we can all get behind.

4. Into the Woods

Stephen Sondheim’s clever, complex twist on classic fairy tales might not scream summer, but don’t let the enchanted forest setting fool you – Into the Woods is a brilliant show to explore themes of adventure, life, family and growing up. And isn’t that what summer is all about?

It’s packed with iconic characters, sharp lyrics, and more plot twists than a kids’ sleepover. And if you’ve got a budding storyteller at home, this is the kind of musical that will absolutely spark their imagination and give them plenty of ideas for making their own character in theatre.

Whether you catch it at the National Theatre or watch the film version at home, Into the Woods opens up a whole new side of musicals – and shows children that not every story ends with a happily ever after… but that’s not always a bad thing.

5. The Music Man

Full of heart, humour and a little bit of mischief, The Music Man is one of those golden-age musicals that just works. Set in small-town America during a sweltering summer, it’s a charming tale of transformation, trust and – yes – the power of music.

With marching bands, heartfelt ballads and cheeky choreography, it’s a brilliant one for introducing younger children to the world of musicals. If your little one loves to sing or move, they’ll feel right at home in a world where music brings people together.

And let’s be honest – on a hot day, nothing beats sitting down to a musical full of catchy songs and heartfelt moments. It’s the kind of show that makes you want to join a community choir or take up tap dancing. Or both.

6. Hairspray

Big hair. Big dreams. Even bigger dance numbers. Hairspray is a celebration of joy, inclusion and letting your true self shine – which makes it the perfect summer mood booster.

Set in 1960s Baltimore and packed with toe-tapping tunes, it’s a colourful, fast-paced musical that gets audiences clapping along from the first number. And with themes of equality, friendship and standing up for what’s right, it’s a brilliant conversation starter for families, too.

Our performing arts students often choose Hairspray songs for auditions or showcases because they’re fun, energetic and full of character. If your child is interested in theatre but not sure where to start, this one’s a solid place to begin.

7. Once on This Island

If you’ve never seen Once on This Island, it’s time to change that. This Caribbean-inspired musical is a hidden gem, combining folklore, music and love stories into one vibrant production.

With rich storytelling and a setting drenched in heat, sea breeze and tradition, it’s a summer musical through and through. It’s a little less known than some of the others on this list, but the music, message and movement are absolutely unforgettable.

We love introducing our students to shows like this – productions that aren’t always in the spotlight but bring something special to the stage. And if you’re looking for something to spark creativity over the summer season, this is it.

8. High School Musical

You might roll your eyes, but hear us out. High School Musical is a generation-defining favourite for a reason – it’s packed with relatable characters, catchy tunes and enough drama to fill three lunchboxes. And as one of the many musicals that have kids in them, it’s one of the first musicals that feels like theirs.

It’s also a great introduction to the idea of theatre as a team activity. When you’re in a cast, you’re not just learning lines, you’re building friendships, confidence and a sense of responsibility. That’s something we see time and again at Spotlights.

Plus, it’s got Bop to the Top. Enough said.

9. South Pacific

An older classic, but one with serious summer vibes. South Pacific is all blue seas, warm nights, and sweeping romance – with powerful songs and serious undertones that still hold weight today.

It’s not always one we recommend for younger children, but for older teens or families with an interest in classic musicals, it’s a brilliant piece of theatre history. The themes of acceptance and love across cultures are still incredibly relevant – and the songs? Timeless.

If you’re looking to broaden your child’s musical knowledge over the break, a musical like South Pacific is a smart choice.

10. Spring Awakening

Yes, technically it’s about spring – but Spring Awakening has become a bit of a purple summer anthem, especially for older teens discovering theatre for the first time.

With music by Duncan Sheik and lyrics that tap into all the mess, energy and hope of youth, it’s an emotional rollercoaster with powerful performances and themes that stick with you long after curtain call. This one’s definitely for older teens, but if your child is exploring their identity and passions through the arts, this musical will speak volumes.

And for any parent looking to understand what theatre means to their teenager, this one will give you all the insight you need – no awkward chats required.

Looking for Musical Theatre Holiday Classes for Kids in London?

Summer isn’t just about beach days and BBQs – it’s also the perfect time to try something new. With school out and routines a bit more relaxed, musical theatre classes offer a brilliant break from screens and sofa-sitting.

At Spotlights Theatre School, we run performing arts holiday classes across London for children aged 4 to 18, giving young people the chance to sing, dance, act – and discover what they’re capable of. Musical theatre teaches more than just stage skills – it boosts confidence, builds community, and helps children of all ages express themselves. And after all, isn’t that what summer should be about?

Book your free trial or get in touch for more information!

Summer Musicals FAQs

What are the best London musicals to see with kids during the summer holidays?

Family favourites like The Lion King, Matilda, and Frozen continue to wow audiences with their vibrant staging, catchy songs and iconic characters. These London musicals are ideal for a summer treat, especially if your child’s been taking part in a musical theatre class and wants to see all that singing and dancing brought to life on the big stage.

Are there any outdoor theatre shows in London during the summer?

Yes – summer in London often brings exciting open-air theatre shows to parks and outdoor venues. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is a great example, often staging family-friendly productions in a truly magical setting. It’s a brilliant way to soak up the summer season while enjoying top-class performances.

How can theatre inspire kids during the summer break?

Watching musicals during the summer break can spark a real love for performance, storytelling and music. After seeing a theatre show, many children feel inspired to act, sing or dance themselves – which is why our holiday classes at Spotlights are so popular! They’re a fun and creative outlet that keeps children engaged and confident during the long summer holidays.