The Magic of Taking your Child to Their First Pantomime or Theater Performance

The Magic of Taking your Child to Their First Pantomime

The Magic of Taking your Child to Their First Pantomime or Theater PerformanceIt might be hard to believe, but it’s nearly time to dust down your Christmas decorations and start planning your festive celebrations. There’s no better way to get your family into the holiday spirit than by planning a trip to see a pantomime. If your kids haven’t yet experienced the magic of these performances, they’re in for a real treat. However, bear in mind that there’s a knack to getting these family adventures right. The following guide should help to ensure that you and your brood have a successful trip.

 

Choose the Right Panto

Firstly, you’ll need to choose the right pantomime. In the run up to Christmas, there’s generally a selection of these shows to choose from and it’s worth putting some thought into which would suit your family best. You can visit websites like Gigantic to check your options. Read the descriptions carefully before you commit to buying tickets. A classic example is Jack and the Beanstalk. This is a favorite of mums, dads and kids across the land.

Decide if your Children are Up To It

Some parents jump the gun when it comes to taking their kids to pantomimes. Bear in mind that these performances often last for two hours or longer. Even with an intermission part way through, this is a long time for youngsters to concentrate. If your little ones can sit through a whole movie without getting restless, this is a good indication that they’re ready for the thrills and spills of pantomimes.

On the other hand, if your children lose interest in films within a matter of minutes, it may be best to hold off until next year. Even though you might find this frustrating, there’s no point in going to the effort and expense of seeing a show only to have to leave part way through.

Get Prepared

To help ensure your kids get the best possible experience when they’re in the theatre, it helps to do some preparation. For example, children can get more involved in the story if they know what to expect. Reading through the relevant fairytale with your youngsters once or twice before the big day arrives will ensure they’re familiar with the characters and the plot. OK, pantomime plots may not quite be in the same league as the likes of movies such as Memento, but tales like Jack and the Beanstalk and Aladdin can be complicated for kids to follow when they’re watching events unfold on stage.

Another top tip to get your children geared up for what may be their first theatre experience is to buy them special costumes to wear. It’s easy and cheap to get fairy tale fancy dress outfits online and you shouldn’t struggle to find suitable ones for your little ones.

Before setting off to see the pantomime, it’s a good idea to check the theater’s policy on snacks too. Some theaters will let you take in munchies that you’ve prepared at home and this is a healthier not to mention cheaper alternative to stocking up on snacks at the venue itself.

Make Sure you Have Plenty of Keepsakes

Taking your children to their first panto is a momentous occasion and so you’ll no doubt want some keepsakes to remind you of the event. Your kids will love to have their own reminders too. Remember to buy a programme when you enter the venue and try to take some good photos as well. This way, you’ll be able to look back at this family milestone for years to come.

By bearing these simple tips in mind when you’re gearing up for the pantomime season, you can help ensure your kids’ first experience of one of these live shows is something they’ll cherish.

Image Credit: Flickr via Creative Commons


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11 responses to “The Magic of Taking your Child to Their First Pantomime”

  1. Rosey Avatar

    We always get a program as a keepsake wherever we go. 🙂 You’ve got good tips here, I’ve never seen one but I’d love to. 🙂

    1. Christy Avatar

      Great idea, thank you for sharing. I know that some performances don’t allow photography so keeping the program is a great keepsake.

  2. Jassica Bella Avatar

    This is a Great post , and Wonderful idea really Good Work , i am First Time Visit Your Wbeiste , and My First Comments Your Blog post , I like It Thanks a lot For SHaring me keep it up , Great Stuff ,

    Regard
    Jassica

  3. Czjai Reyes-Ocampo Avatar

    My son hasn’t been to a panto show before, but I would love to take him to one someday. I’ll keep these tips in mind when we do. 🙂

  4. Stephanie Pass Avatar
    Stephanie Pass

    I've never thought about taking my kids to a show like this. I bet my youngest would love it.

  5. celebbabylaundry Avatar

    I have never been to a panto performance myself, this seems like such a good idea to do this holiday!

  6. Amanda McMahon Avatar
    Amanda McMahon

    My kids haven't been to a mime before but I'm sure they'd love it. Perhaps we can find one for the next birthday coming up.

  7. Christy Garrett Avatar

    I hope you get a chance to go to a mime or some other type of performance.

  8. Christy Garrett Avatar

    I think it would be fun or even take them to see a production at Bass Hall in Fort Worth, Tx.

  9. Christy Garrett Avatar

    I haven't seen one either but I think it would be fun. The arts kinda get pushed aside when we try to plan events for the family.

  10. Christy Garrett Avatar

    I haven't been either but I would love to go.