Panto - is it worth it?

[crazykat]

I'm thinking about getting tickets for the panto for DCs but I don't know if it would be worth it given their ages. We've got DSD 11, DDs nearly 6 and 3, DSs nearly 5 and 1.

Youngest DS would be too young but do you think the others would be okay? I've never been so not sure. If we ask DSD she'll say she wants to go even if she doesn't just so the others don't get something she doesn't. It sounds awful saying that but it's how she's been since we had DCs, I'd rather send her and a friend to the cinema instead of being miserable at the panto.

Does anyone have an opinion / recommendation ?
We're in West Yorkshire if that helps.

Pantos can be good fun for the right age group.

My DD was rather scared when she was 3-4 (giant in Jack and the beanstalk); loved it for the next couple of years but then it was a bit young for her. If you can arrange it I'd make it a treat for the 5 and 6 yo and maybe the 3yo (you know her character) and then give your DSD a more grown-up alternative - so if she chooses the panto its because she really wants to go.

Pantos are brilliant! I've just booked for this year. What I did was looked at the various ones in the city I will be in and chose the one I like the story of the most. Usually there will be a big panto and various smaller ones. There were about five where I was looking (newcastle)

Yes definitely. We go every year from aged 2. Last year my oldest dd was 11 but she still enjoyed it.

I would rather eat slugs than go to a theatre. Cinema every time for me

I've taken my DD at 7 weeks, 14 months, and 2 years 2 months and she's been fine each time... This year I'm taking her aged 3 and a 6 month old!

Do it, I love panto very Christmassy!

I love pantos! An amateur one is best for younger kids but bigg productions are for all ages. Ok actually think over 6-7 is best as they can actually follow what's going on.

Dsd 11 is a better age IMO than your younger ones!

No, it isn't.

Oh, yes it is!

(Sorry, couldn't resist )

I love panto but I hate with a passion the bit when you have to sit through some one else's kids on stage doing a song with Buttons and then getting prizes.

Thanks for the advice. I'll ask DSD which she would rather do as I'd rather she enjoys it.

My eldest two have been asking to go since last year when they had a short one at school. I'm not sure about DD2 being able to sit through it if its too long as she'll only just be three. It's DH idea of hell so if I take DD2 I can get him to pick her up if I need to.

Yes yes yes, my 2 love it. We go every Xmas eve and its the real start if our Xmas. We've been taking them since DC2 was 1 so never too young. However we do sit in the Circle so we aren't too close to the baddies

I'm hoping to make it a tradition and part treat for DD2 who is almost 3 as her birthday is just before Christmas. Especially when she starts school I'm thinking of letting her take a friend instead of a party like DD1 & DS1 share just after Christmas.

Assuming they like it and don't get scared.

Some are great fun and others are terrible. You need to look at reviews of your local one, often they have the same actors and plot variation each year.

Went last year when my DS turned 3 & he loved it! Going to make it a birthday tradition now as a treat since his birthday is so close to Christmas!