In the night garden live

[Bangonthedoor]

Taking 2 yr old DD to see in the night garden live at Richmond park on 30/06 and wondered if anyone had ever taken their little one to previous shows?

I'm secretly very excited! Just wondered what I can expect?

We took the DC a couple of weeks ago to the O2. I was really excited too (sad). DS2 (17m) especially was mesmerised by the whole thing. He stood and stared open mouthed at it all . DS1 (3.7) liked it too but he's on the upper age limit for it really. I think 2yo is the perfect age.

The show is inside the inflatable tent thingy and the background scenes are played out over the whole of one side with the stage in the middle. Lots of room in the seating area, air-conditioned and very easy access.

The souvenirs and meeting the characters were pricey of course, both boys were massively excited to meet Iggle Piggle and it was actually well worth the extra I think. (the souvenir bag, not so much, though the spinner things are good).

I would say get there earlyish as the seats fill up quite fast.

Yes, we've been. On a hot day at Richmond Park the big inflatable tent is a bit stuffy. Parking might take a few minutes, depending on which show you are going to - we had to wait for a space.

"Seats" are bench-style rather than separate seats.

The show - some of the characters are obviously puppets and some are people dressed-up. They like to mess with scale a bit, just like the TV show. The plot is very simple indeed (don't want to give away any spoilers, but a blanket is involved).

Your DCs will not notice the people operating the puppets. They will be sat open-mouthed in wonder you will cry. The staging is lovely.

Have cash ready on the exit for the balloon. Everyone buys a sodding balloon. A round one is cheaper, a shaped one costs more (think they were £8). They will try to sell you lighty-up-whizzy-round tat on the way in.

It's lovely.

P.S. Every kids' show seems to sell whizzy-round-lighty-up tat these days so if you have such a thing at home, smuggle it in your bag and give it to your DC once you are inside, and save yourself £5.

Yes. You will cry. The scene is set, the lights go down, the music starts, you look sideways at your toddler as they look open-mouthed in wonder at it all and you will cry a bit.

We did without the balloon but needed two lighty up whizzy round tats to stop the fighting in the car on the way home.

Make sure you head for Old Deer Park btw, not Richmond Park - they are at opposite ends of town.

Thank you for your comments everyone! And thanks for the tip ktay I better tell DP to avoid the usual sat nav related row!

I think you're probably right, I will cry. In fact I cried even when I booked the tickets! Eeek so excited now!

Shame that the goody bags aren't that great as I've ordered one too although I'm hoping it will be something to keep DD entertained after the show! I've also arranged for her to meet upsy daisy. She's going to love it!

Are there good children's toilet facilities in the dome?

They are fine, the stuff in there is nice, I would probably have not chosen to buy about half of it though. Its some wooden characters, a hand puppet, a dvd, spinny thing, a magazine, a swirly straw. I think thats it.

Loos were nice enough. Not grotty. Lots of stepstools. They provide wipes and bags in the baby changing area.