Children and Pantomimes

durhamjen - chance would be a fine thing - she went to her second dance class this week and although this time she stood and watched happily (last week clung on lap throughout) she still didn't join in!!! I will take ear defenders and her nursery class have already been reading Aladdin so she knows some of it - I will have to explain to generous friends that I may have to make a bolt for the exit!!! I think going with Granny rather than mother might make it easier.

Our whole family (Myself two dads, one partner and five DGC) went to a pantomime last year. Admittedly it was the local school teachers, PTA and governors but very professional nonetheless. All the children (8 and under) loved it including 3 year old DGD. Once they saw me joining in the booing, singing and 'Oh no he isn't!' They soon relaxed and took part too! One of them even went on stage.

The pantomime was a traditional Aladdin and though the 3 year old loves the Disney DVD plus songs she seemed to accept it was different and was mesmerised throughout.

I do appreciate that all children are different though and I did tell the DGC in advance that it would not be the same as the DVD!

Yes, it so depends on the child. Is she only just 3 or nearer 4? Can she sit and concentrate for long periods? Is she easily frightened?

I've refused to take any GC to staged events until they were at least 4, but that's because I tend to take them en masse so would hate to have to drag the older ones away if it all went pear-shaped.

However you could always leave if it's just the two of you and it's not going well. There again, she might love it.

Took my little gd to the panto last year when she was 3. She loved it - she was a bit scared at times (but that's all part of the fun.) She enjoyed all the shouting "behind you" etc.,

We're going again this year and she's really looking forward to it.

This is when it can become scary-this 4 metre dragon flew over the stalls and eyeballed the dress circle.

I feel about pantos the way some people feel about clowns - absolutely loathe them and am hoping not to have to take my grandchildren to one - ever! Am taking my 3 year old granddaughter to the Stick Man and hope that will be ok. She was a bit scared when we went to the Gruffalo - was ok till the Gruffalo came into the audience and then she was on my lap in a flash!

Started taking both my Grandchildren when they were 3yrs old to the Panto. It has now become a regular outing just after Christmas every year. Granddaughter is now 9yrs old and Grandson 4years old. They love it and really look forward to it. So do we!!!!

We were given free tickets last year and our (just) 2 year old DGS1 sat spellbound for the first half. He loved the noise and the lights and watching the excitement of other children, and was gobsmacked by the special effect car flying over the audience (so was I!). We didn't take him in for the second half as he was getting tired and we thought it would be too much. But on the whole, it was a great success!

Nvella I took my 3 year old GD to a local play centre for a Gruffalo themed morning as she adores the books and the DVDs. I was a little bit concerned about how she would react to an adult in a Gruffalo costume but she ran up to him and cuddled him (I suppose it might have been a her).

"Oh Nana," she exclaimed "He was really soft!

She also followed the "Big Bad Mouse' around with great delight!

Maybe I have desensitised her by encouraging her to handle worms, spiders, ladybirds etc (but not slugs - yuck).

I'm with you Nvella I hate pantomimes and clowns with a vengeance! My late MIL loved the pantomime and insisted myself she and her sister went with all the children ? I was so glad when they didn't want to go any more when they were older. I do think it depends on the child though rather than their age. .give it ago and leave if you need to

I like the Panto. I think it's a great time to de - stress - all the shouting and laughing etc.,

I'm not at all keen on Circuses though and felt really miserable at my first Circus when I was about 7. I worried about the animals and the tight rope walker.

I hate pantomimes !!!
aka Grumpy Old Woman ?

At the other end of the spectrum my DGD and her friend, both aged 17 are taking both grans ( me and Kath aged 83 ) to our local panto and I am so thrilled at their thoughtfulness. I can't wait.

I took my two year old daughter to an amdram panto, it was in rhyming couplets and ran to three hours! She was entranced. The rest of the two year olds bailed at the interval but despite being fed chocolate and becoming hyper she stuck it out to the end. I suppose it just depends on the child, you will know if they will enjoy the experience but if they will you will have the joy of introducing the to the thrill of live theatre. That is something that will enrich their lives forever. I suggest ,going for it ,unless you think their not ready yet

well I am encouraged and apprehensive in equal measure! I will report back. At least Aladdin is apparently one of the easier ones for littlies. I can always retreat to the exit if need be!!!!! Fingers crossed

Ok. Did it today. Fabulous. She was entranced. More transfixed than taking part ! Then we met Aladdin afterwards as his father was with us and gave us the tickets ! She definitely understood he was Aladdin tho he had changed into jeans. He was so sweet with her and all the was home she asked questions about the story line. She had to sit on my lap as she was too light to avoid getting trapped in the seat. A wonderful afternoon. Phew what a relief.

Forgot to say Milton Keynes is a huge theature and the noise was horrific.

I went to pick up my granddaughter after the panto on Wednesday. It was the second of the day, and she does two more tomorrow, lasting two and a half hours each.
On her first one last Sunday, apparently she fell off the toadstool, but only a couple of others noticed.
As I was walking out with her, past the queues of schoolchildren, you could feel the envy from the little girls who also wanted to do it.
All three of my granddaughters have done dance. She is the only one who has actually been on stage doing panto. She loves it, and dances everywhere all the time. I am really worried that she will fall over and hurt herself on the way to school and not be able to last until the end of the month.
Very proud granny.

Pleased for you and your granddaughter, Granarchist.
Every year from now on, you realise.

My DD did Panto both professional and amateur for some years; it was tiring and stressful (for me) but I so miss it now!

yup durhamjen - I've just realised I am doomed - DOOMED! It got worse that night as she cried her eyes out when her mother said Aladdin could not come for Christmas. But I do think it the least scary of pantos. I would not dream of Peter Pan!! Captain Hook AND a crocodile!!!!!!! No way.

Saturday was stressful. There were two performances at Consett, one at three p.m. and the other at 6.30.
Storm Eva decided otherwise. It took me an hour to drive there in the snow (a journey which usually takes ten to fifteen minutes) mainly because of other cars not having winter tyres. All roads blocked, including one by a removal lorry across the road, trying to turn into an opening.
We arrived at three p.m. to find the show had been cancelled, but the 6.30 one was still going ahead because the principals were still on their way.

I drove back home, and her dad went to pick them up at 9.30, by which time it was a lot better. It only took half an hour each way as there were no cars blocking the roads.

Getting her there for 9.15 this morning was a doddle; just thick fog to drive through, all snow gone.
It's Jack and the Beanstalk, by the way.