Did you know that there are estimated 1,100 active theatres in the UK? This makes for a staggering amount of exciting live performances happening regularly all over the country. Whether planned months in advance, or right at the last minute, I believe that the theatre should be a space where children (as young as you like), can be fully entertained, and not a place that parents should shy away from. Exposing your child/children to the environment can only foster positive results i.e.). They get used to it and want to go again! Often there are last minute tickets available for shows if you are living locally to that theatre, and there is also a wealth of information on how to financially plan your trip in advance to make it possible.

So, without further ado, let me share with you my 5 top tips for making sure that children and the theatre really do work!

Choose something engaging: This is crucial to ensuring that your theatre experience with children is a positive one! I have witnessed 3-year-old children at the theatre sitting through a two-hour play; clearly that is what the parents wanted to watch, or perhaps they think the children will become more cultured this way (they absolutely won’t!) If children then associate the theatre as a place of boredom, then who can blame them? The one hour show of interactive Peppa Pig would have been perfect instead!

Constant dialogue: This shouldn’t be a shock to hear that creating a consistent dialogue with your child/children in general will help develop their own speaking and listening skills. This is even more important when at the theatre as it serves as a simple yet effective way to keep them engaged. Discussing what they can see on the stage, what they can hear, how they feel, which characters they like, or others that they don’t, all provide valuable conversation openers for an immersive experience.

Make the most of the interval: Even the shorter productions for children will have an interval, so use the time wisely to give them a ‘blast’ aka find a space and let them stretch their legs and play (don’t forget a toilet visit too)! The interval can also be a great time to get some snacks and a drink and these could also prove useful in the second half as a means of distraction if necessary!

Get involved: It is highly unlikely that a children’s theatre show won’t contain some form audience participation, so really make the most of this! Allow your child/children to sing, dance and shout as the opportunities arise (and adults; look around the theatre during these moments, because you will notice many excited children which is so lovely to see!)

Keep it easy: My final point is with reference to geographical location. The trip to the theatre doesn’t have to be London, so do some research to see what theatres are close to your home what they are staging so that you can plan your trip. Adding long drives or train journeys to your theatre experience is only going to create stress for you and extra tiredness for your child/children!

If you’ve never thought about the theatre with your child/children before then hopefully these basic tips will make you change your mind. Don’t forget that there are also many opportunities for children with Special Educational Needs to attend the theatre, one example is shown here. Ultimately, the theatre and the arts should be a place of inclusivity and excitement, where children feel they want to return time and time again! Children and the theatre really does work!

Children and the Theatre: Does It Really Work?

The Price of Behaviour: Findings from the Underprivileged to the Opulent.

Ted Hughes, the Chthulucene, and the Child Audience.