Taking children to the theatre?

[Tiredmum100]

Just wondering has anyone taken their dc to the theatre and what age were they if you did? Ds is 7 soon (ish) and would love to go to London as he's never been. I was thinking of taking him and his brother who will be 5 to see the lion king. I'm just not sure if they're a bit young?

I'd say 7 is fine for any age appropriate performance, 5 might be a bit young for an evening performance (depending on his stamina) and The Lion King isn't recommended for under 6yo's.

Depends on the dc. We tested it with local theatre then took our 3 to see Matilda when youngest 2 were 5.5 then Charlie and the chocolate factory a month later in New York. I love the theatre so my dc have been brought us with that love too. Some dc wouldn't sit through at that age.

Are there any local small theatre companies you could trial? We have some shows which are around £5 Each and 45 min long. Mine have been going since 18 months and earlier with the younger one, they have always loved it. Been to numerous pantomime etc which are hours long.

Maybe a trial for the younger one.

I would Imagine they would love it. The West end shows are expensive though, so if they got scared etc or unsettled.
My dd1 would have been fine, but dd2 prob would need the toilet etc

Depends entirely on the child. Both mine went to smaller theatres for age appropriate shows from about 3 and West End from 5, but they were both good at sitting still and concentrating. Lots aren’t.

I thought Lion King was 3+?

All of mine have seen the Lion King from a young age - dd1 was about 5 and dd2 not quite 3 when they first saw it. Ds saw it at about 3.5ish too.

OP, you know your children. Big theatre shows are long, and tickets are expensive, but if they’ll cope, go for it.

Try some of the kid focused theatres instead. The unicorn or tricycle have showa geared towards that age group, better pricing too

I’ve found that theatre is something that needs to be practised by young children! Short, daytime children’s shows where everyone is noisy are relatively easy. If you decide to take them to a three hour opera in the evening ( ) they (the five year old at least) will fall asleep on your lap after the interval. But, obviously, the more often you take them, the more stamina they’ll develop.

Thanks for all your replies. We have been to a 'show me, show me' live performance which they both enjoyed but it wasn't very long really. My nearly 7 year old would sit through it, the younger one might get a bit restless. Although we did see a short pirate show recently and he really enjoyed it. I'd just feel awful with us all going and leaving him behind, I couldn't do it. Maybe I should take them to a local panto first. I was showing dc 1 clips of the lion king on you tube, he loved it. It does look amazing.

There’s absolutely no reason not to take them!

Took my dd to a play at 3 she loved ut

I started around age 4 (children's performances) then started the ballet at age 5. I think that as soon as they are old enough to sit through a film they ate old enough for the theatre really. Maybe watch the lion King beforehand to help him follow what is going on if you are concerned?

I started taking dd at 4. She was mesmerised !

My children have seen children’s theatre productions from 1 year old, both in and out of theatres. Last year we took them to see Aladdin in the west end at 7 & 4 years. I don’t think my youngest was old enough for the Lion King. So yes, take them to the theatre they will love it but I wouldn’t take them to the lion king (is weep if I had to leave with 1 after paying all that money!!)

My youngest DC went to the Lion King at 3 and was enthralled. My experience of children at the theatre has been entirely positive although DS1 has a tendency to fall asleep in the dark which was a bit of a waste!

I first took my son when he was 2 to our local theatre. We saw the panto (which is always a big deal round here) and while he was a bit unsure at first he was really into it by the second half. I took his dummy for comfort and he sat on my lap but in the second half he was on his feet and dancing around in front of me. We've been tons of times since then and do the panto each year. He's 5 in a couple of weeks and I'm so pleased I introduced him early as he loves it just as much as we do.

We’ve been taking our dc since they were around 2. First to children focussed shows eg children’s ballet to train them up in theatre etiquette but now at 6 & 4 I’m happy they can cope with & enjoy (& not spoil the enjoyment of others!) pretty much anything age appropriate. We took them to see Wicked in the summer hols which was their first London show (though we have a couple of good theatres here anyway so they’ve seen big shows before).

Have you done the cinema with your dc? How do they cope with that? As that will probably give you a reasonable indicator.

Thanks again for the replies. Yes we go to the cinema regularly and they both always sit and watch the whole film without any issues. My biggest problem where we live is a bit quiet so not always a lot going on to see shows with out having to travel.

Yes. Ideally to a Matinee. Try to get aisle seats to minimise disruption if they need the toilet mid-Act, but put an adult in the actual aisle seat if you're in the stalls so there is someone between them and any characters in the aisle. Get there early and ask for booster cushions if you're not offered them on the way in. Expect them to fall asleep.

I'd choose something bright and visual with songs they might know, like The Lion King, rather than Maltilda or Charlie & TCF, which rely more on being able to follow the story.

Been taking DD since she was about 3 and she loves it! Much more engaging and stimulating compared to the cinema