We recently booked tickets for Georgia to go and see In The Night Garden Live – she is almost 2 and In The Night garden has been quite a big part of her life as nana introduced us to it when she was around 5 months old. Every night before her milk we watch an episode of it regardless of where we are. It’s our thing and such a nice way to have a cuddle and end the day.
I wasn’t sure if she was ready for it after booking Panto tickets at Christmas and poor daddy spent the whole show in the restaurant with her as she didn’t get into it at all. I thought that as she was a few months older and this was going to be full of her favourite characters she may be more engaged. I was excited to see how Georgia would react to her favourite characters right there in front of her and larger than life, so booked the tickets and here’s how we got on.
You can still see the shows at 3 venues – we went to the O2, but this showing has now finished. It is now moving to Richmond Old deer park from 16 June until the 1st of July when it heads up to Birmingham (7-22 July) and Manchester (28 July – 19 August).
There are 2 shows, the Ninky Nonk show and the Pinky Ponk show. The show lasts around 50 minutes and each show follows a different story line – but don’t worry, they both feature all the characters.
There are 2 options when buying your tickets, Standard (from £12.50 pp) and Premium (from £20 pp). If you choose premium tickets you will get to sit in the first 5 rows. We booked standard seats and were seated in the 6th row. Its auditorium style seating so you can see from any row.
Georgia was a bit taken a back when it first started – the characters really are quite large so I think the standard seats were better for us anyway. She came around and was eventually smiling and dancing away to the songs she’s listened to every night before bed. The ticket price includes a souvenir activity book which Georgia loved.
When booking your tickets in advance you can pre book a Goody Bag worth over £60 for only £29 which is a great saving. If you don’t book it in advance you can buy one on the day for £39.00 – they really did look decent – here is what’s inside:
Another add on is to ‘meet a character’ – this happens after the show and you will have a private 2-3 minute meeting with your chosen character. A great opportunity to give your favourite character a cuddle or get a selfie. The cost is £15 per character – you can meet either Igglepiggle or Upsy Daisy. Looking back, i’m glad we didn’t book this as I don’t think Georgia would have cooperated. The slightly older kids were loving their meetings on the day and came out with smiles from ear to ear.
Upon arrival, your tickets are checked and you’re directed to collect your goody bag and then line up in Premium or Standard seating rows. The gates open 30 minutes before the show starts. There is a bar where snacks and drinks for both kids and adults can be purchased.
Sit back, relax and enjoy watching your little ones take it all in.
Before you leave the Showdome you have another opportunity to be persuaded by your kids to spend some money. Shirts, memorabilia and balloons are available to buy. My tip would be to bring your kids’ In The Night Garden character from home so that they don’t try and get you to buy them a new one before you leave.
All in all it is a very well run and organised event. We were emailed 3 days prior with instructions on how to get there, where to park, info on baby changing facilities and where to park your buggy. They even tell you the walking time (at buggy pace) from the parking area to the Showdome.
Georgia loved it and it really was a lovely family day out. I would highly recommend it to friends with little ones who like the show.
Don’t miss out – book your tickets here
