to think a 7.30pm production of "oliver" is not appropriate for a 2yr old?

[kingsriver]

My brother-in-law has booked us tickets to join his family at a 7.30pm showing of Oliver. DS is in bed by 9 at the latest these days and I'm working on making that 8pm. I don't think the timing or the show is suitable for him. dh thinks Im being unseasonable and that ds should "get out" more. Its also an hours drive to and from the theatre.
If it was a matinee showing of a panto I'd be delighted to get him out more!?

YANBu. I wouldn't take my 2yr old for a showing that late. She'll be too tired and cranky. A 2yr old wouldn't enjoy that kind of show anyway. I'm taking my 4yr old to see Dick Wittington, but not even considering taking the 2yr old. She wouldn't want to sit through something like that, especially at 7.30pm at night!

Will the theatre let a 2 year old in? I've booked tickets lately for shows and the theatre rules said no children under the age of 3 will be permitted. It was for a more child friendly show as well.

Yeah, I'd be quite surprised if they'd let a 2-year-old in, unless it's a child/family performance.

Around here children are free to go to the daytime performances, but those that start after 7pm are adults or older children only. Sometimes younger children get in, but only if they are being very well behaved and the staff believe they will sit nicely. And they are quick to remove them if they start getting loud or restless!

What would your 2-year-old think of Oliver anyway? I'm sure it'll be a great production, it's a fantastic book, but it's not really bedtime viewing for a little one.

I would say he is a bit young, will be tired and cranky, wont really understand the show at all and a 2yo does not need to "get out more" at night time!

Get a babysitter and go with your DH though..

Let me know when it is - and I can avoid the inevitable fallout!

Not being daft but he's not called Oliver is he? Only my DS is, and when he was 2, the Oliver song freaked him out, and then made him cry hysterically. Wouldn't fancy that with an overtired toddler in a theatre.

Depends on your DS really. MyDd1 went to the theatre at 2, and she loved it. She was never up nor down with late bedtimes though. DD2 is a different kettle of fish, and would get overtired and grumpy. Could you give him a late nap/ extra nap, just for the day? It seems a shame not to go if your BIL has gone to the bother of getting tickets.

I wouldn't have taken either of my dcs to an evening show when they were 2. I certainly wouldn't take dgd (23.5 months) to one either since I can't see how she, or the rest of the audience, were likely to enjoy it. At this age they need to go to bed when they need to go to bed and it isn't fair too take an over-tired 2 year old who won't actually understand the show.

YANBU I'd make it a condition that if your DH is insistent that DS should 'get out more' then he can deal with any consequences. It might make him think twice.

Won't the bit where bill sykes murders nancy be a bit distressing for a tired 2 year old. Or will he not understand?

Thanks all. I just spoke to the theatre info. who say it's unsuitable for kids younger than 6. They won't admit children under 3 so that hopefully is that.