We don’t get out much as a family, so when I suggested taking three-year-old Cyrus to his first pantomime, H gave me that look – the one that says, “Are you mad? He’ll be asleep halfway through.” Maybe. But Christmas without a panto? Impossible. Not when I grew up utterly mesmerised by David Jason as Buttons. Now I’m the one watching my toddler stare at smoke, bubbles, and a flying carpet with amazement.
A feast for the senses
This year’s Aladdin at Tyne Theatre, running until 5th January 2020, is a feast for the senses. Hannah Wales sparkles as Jasmine, Nic Westaway (Home and Away) charms as Aladdin, David Easter (Hollyoaks) skulks delightfully as the wicked Abanazar, and X Factor runner-up Marcus Collins shows off some serious moves as the Genie. Tiny C barely knew where to look first.
Chris Casserly as Widow Twankey is everything a panto Dame should be: loud, brash, glittery, and utterly unbothered by my midlife judgmental stares. I spent half the show thinking, Will my wardrobe ever reach this level of fearless fabulousness? Spoiler: no chance.
Charlie Richmond, now a Tyne Theatre veteran in his 11th year, plays Aladdin’s hapless brother Wishee Washee who was full of Geordie wit. He had little C convinced he was a scruffy Mr Tumble. Together, Chris and Charlie deliver pure, unadulterated silliness: laundry scenes, monster battles, and audience interaction that left both toddlers and parents doubled over in laughter.
Moments to remember
The best bit was Marcus Collins’ pop-up panto dance to Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk (I may have attempted a discreet shimmy), the Home & Away scene with Aladdin, Jasmine and Wishee, and the magic carpet ride to Take That’s Rule The World. There were goosebumps, smoke, lights, bubbles, and glitter everywhere.
The show doesn’t shy away from cheeky humour. Gags like “salam, salam, false salam” and a host of Brexit jokes will make adults chuckle while toddlers cheer, oblivious. Sure, there’s the occasional toilet joke too which midlife me winced at, while Cyrus stared in awe – but slapstick and silliness are the point, and really, I cheered right along with him.
Panto is the one time of year it’s perfectly acceptable to let your child gorge on sweets, cake, and brightly-coloured orange juice.
Panto with toddlers: a survival guide
- Timing is everything – matinees or early evenings are a blessing.
- Snacks are magic – cake, sweets, and orange juice are essential.
- Expect sensory overload – bubbles, lights, smoke, flying carpets. Parents, breathe.
- Let them join in – wave, boo, shout. Toddlers love being part of the action.
- Bring comfort – hoodie or small blanket for sensitive little ones.
- Laugh at the chaos – slapstick and glitter are for you too.
- Capture memories – photos before or after, no flash during the show.
Have you taken your toddler to a pantomime? How do you survive sensory overload and sugar highs?
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