Credit: Mark Douet
Grace Hatchell here – and let me tell you, there’s nothing like the smell of petrol, a sticky carburettor, and the sound of a spluttering moped to remind you that London transport takes many forms. Mine broke down again this morning just outside Covent Garden, so while the lovely chap at the bike shop fiddled with my spark plug, I popped into the London Transport Museum and stumbled upon something far more exciting than waiting on the pavement: Transport Explorers: A Live Show.
This half term (25–26, 28 October – 2 November) is your last chance this year to catch the fast-paced, interactive adventure that’s been winning over families since May. Performed in the Museum’s Cubic Theatre, it stars trainee engineers Jesse and Kai, who race against time to solve transport challenges from London’s past, present and future. Expect live experiments, slapstick comedy, and plenty of moments where the kids get to shout out, join in, and help the characters earn their Planner, Fixer and Dreamer badges.
Aimed at children aged 7 and up, it’s one of those rare shows that keeps the grown-ups grinning too – so while your little ones are helping fix imaginary trains, you can enjoy the fact they’re learning about real-life engineering without even noticing. (Meanwhile, I’m still waiting for someone to award me a badge for coaxing my poor moped back to life.)
And there’s more: the whole Museum is celebrating the centenary of art deco design, so alongside the show you can try mosaic-making, join storytelling sessions, and take part in workshops run with RIBA experts. Kids can even clamber aboard a vintage 1938 art deco Tube train or play driver on the Elizabeth line simulator in the Future Engineers gallery.
As Elizabeth McKay, Director and CEO of London Transport Museum, says:
“Transport Explorers has been such a joyful way to engage young audiences with the amazing history and future of London’s transport system. We’re thrilled to welcome families back for its final performances this year during October half term, when the Museum will be buzzing with art deco-inspired storytelling, crafts and design activities.”
The cast features Hattie Manton as Jesse, James Georgiou as Kai, with Kirsty Jackson understudying. Behind the scenes are writer Rachel Barnett-Jones, director Nicola Shepherd and designer Damien Stanton, with production managed by Dan Colman Creative.
Tickets for Transport Explorers are on sale now – and the best bit? Kids go free with a paying adult. Book yours at ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/family-events/transport-explorers.
So if your little engineers fancy an adventure (and you fancy avoiding the drama of roadside repairs like me), this half term might be the perfect time to make tracks for Covent Garden.
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