Arts & Family

Experience the thrill of live entertainment with AXS. Laugh along with top comedians and improv acts, marvel at the skills of acrobats and circus performers, and be captivated by the magic of live dance.

Enjoy an unforgettable night at the opera, experience the magic of West End theatre, join fellow fans for a TV show viewing party, or bring the whole family to a festival or all-ages event.

Celebrate the shared joy of live theatre and explore a world of arts and family-friendly experiences for everyone.

AXS is your destination for discovering some of the UK's most popular arts and family events. From smaller touring productions to major West End hits like The Lion King, Matilda the Musical, and Wicked, you'll find tickets to some of the biggest and most celebrated shows.

You'll also find access to a wide variety of events, including musical theatre, children's entertainment, comedy, circus acts, and more. Whether you're looking for educational experiences, seasonal performances, or imaginative storytelling brought to life on stage, there's something for every age group.

If you're looking for popular arts and family events near you, AXS makes it easy to explore what's on and secure tickets for unforgettable experiences.

Across the UK, AXS provides access to some of the country's most iconic and family-friendly arts venues. Whether you're planning a theatre trip, a comedy night, or a fun day out with the family, these venues offer memorable experiences for all ages.

• Eventim Apollo (West London) – One of West London's largest and best-preserved original theatres, known for hosting comedy, theatre productions, live podcasts, and family-friendly shows in a stunning Art Deco setting.¹
• OVO Arena Wembley (London) – A major indoor venue that regularly hosts large-scale entertainment, including dance shows, comedy tours, children's events, and live performances.²
• SEC Armadillo (Glasgow) – A distinctive riverside venue that stages theatre productions, musicals, comedy, and family entertainment throughout the year.³
• first direct bank arena (Leeds) – first direct bank arena hosts a diverse year-round programme of live entertainment. The venue welcomes major touring acts, comedy shows, sporting events, and more.⁴

The tradition of theatre and comedy dates back thousands of years, beginning with the ancient Greeks, where playwrights like Aristophanes used wit and satire to entertain crowds.⁵ Over time, storytelling evolved — Shakespeare blended fantasy and humour in plays like A Midsummer Night's Dream, which continues to charm audiences today.

In the 20th century, comedy entered homes through screens, with legends like Charlie Chaplin and Lucille Ball pioneering family-friendly entertainment through visual gags and heartfelt humour. Their legacy lives on in the theatre and comedy shows families enjoy together around the world.⁶⁷

In the UK, theatre has long been a cornerstone of the arts, with playwrights such as William Shakespeare shaping the global stage.⁸ Explore tickets on AXS for today's top performances, from laugh-out-loud stand-up sets to enchanting theatrical productions — perfect for a fun night out with the whole family.