Top tips on enjoying panto magic as a family
Christmas time is the traditional season to take children to the theatre, particularly because it is pantomime season (oh yes it is!). However, theatres that do not run pantomimes usually run a child-centric production. Many of these can be found in small towns and throughout Greater London. Theatre tickets or vouchers can make fantastic Christmas presents for family and friends, as the experience can be educational as well as entertaining and unforgettable. There is evidence to suggest that attending a live performance, of any kind, is educationally enhancing. This means that a child does not have to be on the stage themselves to enjoy it.
This is worth remembering for children who are shy, or uninterested in taking to the stage. They can benefit from being an audience member.
What are the benefits to children of live theatre?
* Addresses social and cultural themes by transcending daily barriers through physical, musical and dramatic performance
* Promotes creative thinking
* Is visually stimulating
* Introduces live music – get them to peer into the orchestra pit for a real thrill
* Increases vocabulary
* Improves communication and listening skills
* Develops interpretation skills
* Encourages self-discipline, memory and concentration
* It can be a family activity that will generate meaningful discussion for weeks afterwards
How to give children an enjoyable theatre experience:
* Make sure it’s the right show – research something age-appropriate and entertaining, but not too long.
* Travel time – the nearer home the better and time it to perfection so there is no unnecessary sitting around.
* Prepare ahead – make sure your child is rested, fed and calm. Take ‘quiet’ snacks!
* Sit on the aisle – in case you need to make a quick getaway or leave for unexpected toilet breaks.
* Prepare and discuss – start introducing the themes and topics from the show ahead of time, and talk about them when you can. Use other mediums if they are available.
* Lay down the etiquette of going to the theatre well in advance so there are no surprises.
Where to find local live theatre for children
Kenton Theatre, Henley (kentontheatre.co.uk)
The Corn Exchange, Wallingford (cornexchange.org.uk)
The Unicorn Theatre, Abingdon (abingdonabbey-unicorntheatre.org.uk)
Norden Farm Centre for Arts, Maidenhead (norden.farm)
South Hill Park Performing Arts Theatre, Bracknell (southhillpark.org.uk)
Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe (wcyombeswan.co.uk)
The New Theatre, Oxford (atgtickets.com/venues/new-theatre-oxford)
The Hexagon, Reading (readingarts.com/hexagon)
Pictured Wycombe’s panto stars. Photo by Ian Olsson
Panto magic at Wycombe Swan
Wycombe Swan’s Christmas pantomime is proving to be a hot ticket this year as Love Islander and ballroom dancer Curtis Pritchard takes to the stage in the title role of Dick Whittington. Speaking of his appearance in the panto Curtis said: “I’m so happy to be making my professional pantomime debut this year, and am delighted to be part of such an important part of so many families’ Christmases”. The 23-year-old ballroom dancer and choreographer joined the cast of the Irish TV show Dancing With The Stars as a professional dancer in the debut series in 2017. It was also announced that he will appear as a guest choreographer on the current BBC series RuPaul’s Drag Race UK while also joining BBC One’s The Greatest Dancer. He’ll be joined in Wycombe by funny man Adam C Booth and Milkshake star Kiera-Nicole Brennan in what is promised to be a Christmas spectacular with special effects, live music, sensational dancing and panto magic galore. Kiera-Nicole plays Alice Fitzwarren, the love interest to Dick Whittington.
The youngest presenter ever to anchor the popular Channel 5 children’s show Milkshake, Kiera-Nicole made her television debut aged just eighteen years old. Speaking about her role as Alice she said: “I am so excited to be starring in Dick Whittington at Wycombe Swan, I absolutely love pantomime and I know we’re going to have so much fun. I can’t wait to get out on stage and help make everyone’s Christmas even more magical by joining in all the festive fun.”
Starring as her brother Idle Jack will be musical theatre actor and comedian Adam C Booth. A regular on Keith Lemon’s Sketch Show, his other TV appearances include Keith Lemon’s Lemon La Vida Loca, Pearly Gates, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks. Joining the show this Christmas as Dame Sarah Fitzwarren is screen actor Thomas Howe. Thomas is perhaps most famous for his role as William Mason in series one and two of the hit ITV series Downton Abbey.
Guided by the magical Fairy Bow Bells, Dick sets out on an adventure from London town to the high seas headed for Morocco. Will he defeat the evil King Rat, free London from his team of revolting rodents and win the beautiful Alice’s hand in marriage? Book tickets for you and your family today and find out in the ultimate magical pantomime adventure.
Dick Whittington, Wycombe Swan Theatre, Friday 13 December 2019 to Sunday 5 January 2020. Tickets £15.50 to £41. Discounts are available for schools, groups and families www.wycombeswan.co.uk
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