How Long Does Family-friendly Shows Take in London?
By Editorial Team · Last updated 16/08/2026
- Best season
- Year-round
- How to get there
- Multiple international airports and Eurostar
- Avg. visit duration
- 3-5 days
Let’s talk about how long family-friendly shows typically run in London! We offer 43 different options for you to choose from, providing a really diverse range of performances. The duration of these shows varies considerably, offering something for everyone within your family.
The most common show lengths we cater for are between 60 and 300 minutes. Generally, shorter shows, around the 60-90 minute mark, will be quicker paced, focusing on a key story element or performance piece. Longer productions, stretching to 240-300 minutes, usually include more complex narratives, extended musical numbers, or elaborate stage setups.
Several factors can influence the length – the complexity of the storyline, the number of performers involved, and whether there are multiple intermissions for refreshments. Shows with larger casts or intricate sets tend to run longer than those focused on a smaller group.
To help you plan your day, we advise allowing approximately two to three hours for a show that’s roughly 180-240 minutes long. This allows enough time for travel between locations and perhaps a quick bite to eat before or after the performance. Booking a show with a slightly shorter duration, around 90-120 minutes, might be beneficial if you have limited daylight hours.