What's a good age for pantomime?

[Ratbagcatbag]

My dd will be approx 20 months old in December and I want to do panto but think it may be too young?

What's a fab age to do it, or the earliest you can get away with it?

Disclaimer - I know it's April, but I'm posting in the correct topic so if you hate Christmas threads this early don't reply

I think about age 3-4 personally. any earlier than that and i find they just dont get it.

I honestly wouldn't bother taking a 20 month old TBH. Mine were 5 and 6 the first time and they loved it. I agree 3-4 is a good age.

At 20 months, she won't appreciate it. As long as you take at least two adults (or are happy to leave older children alone in the auditorium for nappy change or grizzing breaks) you should be OK as long as you book end of row seats so you don't make other people stand as you to and fro.

My youngest was about 36 months when we took her- she was on the cusp tbh, and some of it scared her. My eldest was three when she first went, she loves it. Wait another year is my opinion.

Man, I'm so impatient.

Ok with you experts on hand ill wait another year. :)

Any thoughts on what great Christmassy stuff I could do with a 20 month old?

I'd also say from about the age if 4 onwards

A nice Chrustmassy thing might be the Santa & Steam train rides many ofvthe steam railways do.

I did a panto for dd 6 birthday this year , they all loved it.
Dd has been going since she was 3 but this was the best year yet.

Yeah, I would say 3-4 as well, I took DS 4 and DD 2.5 to the local am dram panto of Cinderella recently. DS loved it and really joined in, DD did get quite restless and was really only manageable because she adores Cinderella and understands the story. It made her year when the girl who played Cinderella came out the front afterwards and DD got to meet her and try on her tiara

The church in my city ( Cardiff ) does free nativity plays with the am dram lot- perfect for little toddlers. There's usually a Christmas market as well which is colourful and they've enjoyed since young. The Santa train is also great.

Mine have been going since they were 4 and 2.

We booked our panto tickets in January. The date we wanted was already nearly sold out!

DD went to her first when she was 2 years 10 months and loved it. She had her first cinema trip to room on the broom when she was 2.5 and also loved this. I guess it depends on the child. Thing I would be worried about is if it's too noisy/scary for them

Ok. Its almost that time of year again & I have a couple of topical questions. I would really appreciate feedback as I spend most days working at home so am relying on online replies.

1. Do you believe in Santa?

Tbh my parents never enlightened me, I just figured it out from my friends. As a result we chose not to 'tell' our daughter; she stopped asking ' is he real' questions when she reached 9 or 10.

Having grown up in around actors and actresses, I really am drawn on keeping that 'magic' of Christmas alive.
What's your take on this?

1. What age group is a good panto for?

I've booked panto tickets for December. When I told my wife, she was hesitant. She said she felt our 11 yr old daughter was too old for panto. I feel that any exposure to theatre is a good thing and can only help to instil and promote creativity.

What do you think?

Thanks