Globetrotting In High Heels: Theatre For Kids – More Than Just Panto
A trip to the theatre with the kids is an entertainment option that many people overlook once the annual ‘Panto’ trip has been enjoyed. However, if your little ones sat open mouthed through Cinderella or a nativity this Christmas, the time may be right to introduce trips to the theatre as a regular treat (and great alternative to the cinema).
If you take the time to look for them, opportunities to immerse little minds in some quality theatre are plentiful. Here’s a gentle shove in the right direction:
Look Local
We gave the panto a miss this year (too expensive!) and headed instead to our local Derby Theatre to see an excellent adaptation of Roald Dahl’s BFG. With trumping giants galore, flying helicopters and magical glowing jars, this show had my seven and nine year olds in fits of giggles, and my two year old sitting agog throughout.
Anything that can keep a two year old engrossed for two hours is a miracle, not only of theatre, but of life, in my opinion – and at just £8 per ticket this show cost just a few pounds more than our recent trip to see the Chipmunks movie. If you’re near Derby, the BFG is on until the 14th Jan – and I’d highly recommend it – as would the boys! Just beware of the roaming giants!
The Lakeside Arts Centre in Nottingham also has a full programme of children’s theatre – often including workshops to get the little one’s involved – as does Curve Theatre at Leicester. Wherever you are in the country there are sure to be great kid’s theatre productions going on at a theatre or arts centre near you – simply check out the programmes online.
Head to London
To give your kids a really eye-widening taste of the glitz and glam of the world of theatre however, why not treat them to a trip to our art and culture crammed capital?
At the moment you have your pick of Bagpuss, Beasts and Beasties (Carol Ann Duffy), The Chronicles of Bitter and Twisted, Island, Miki, Twist of Gold and The Ugly Duckling, but whatever time of year you choose to visit London you’re sure of a great choice of kid-friendly professional theatre shows at beautiful venues.
For my money, you simply can’t beat an immersive, magical theatre experience for children. A family theatre ticket is a great investment in exciting quality family time, which will hopefully cultivate a future love and appreciate of theatre and the arts. Not bad for £8 a ticket, eh?
If you’re considering a theatre trip for the family, in London or elsewhere, then keep your eye on Groupon for great value deals for theatre tickets, as well as hotels if you’re planning to stay away for a night or two.
Has been informed that Derby’s Christmas shows (panto and BFG) are both the same price – £8 – £24 per ticket. So it’s a win win! Try fiddling with dates for the best price – whichever show you are considering, be it a local show, or a West End wonder!