Pantomimes and Parties can relieve the stress of Christmas


by Victoria Brown


Going to a pantomime could be exactly what you need to relax over the festive period.


There is a lot of hustle and bustle at Christmas time, although, it’s supposed to be the season to be jolly, many people find this time of year very stressful. Busy shops, long to-do lists and racing against time to make sure Christmas fulfils everyone’s expectations.


So, what better way to take some time out and visit a panto. Not only for the laughter and giggles, but for the quality family time. Pantomimes are part of our British culture and if it’s not a tradition of yours as a family to visit one over the Christmas period, here’s the time to start. We are lucky enough in our area to have a range of theatres to choose from. They all feature a celebrity, whether it’s an actor/actress/singer/presenter, there’s always an opportunity to see


someone famous. The shows are always a much loved fairy tale or classic children’s book. Maybe you are going to visit family in another part of the UK but would still like to enjoy the jovialities of a pantomime, if you visit www.bigpantoguide.co.uk you can see what shows are happening, up and down the country.


What I love about pantomimes is not only the atmosphere and listening to the children get excited, but it’s also the jokes and innuendos that have us adults laughing. I also love it when the actors are thrown off by something, ending with the audience in tears of laughter. You may have heard the saying, ‘Laughter is the best medicine,’ this is a researched fact. So what better time of the year to give yourself some of that medicine? Get yourself to a panto so you can decrease stress, release endorphins, improve your resistance to illness … Yes, you can feel all these things with a bout of laughter.


However, maybe you need to just sit with a coffee and let the children release some pent-up excitement. Let’s face it, while us adults are juggling our to-do lists, our children can be like Duracell bunnies at the exhilarated thoughts of Santa coming. So why not visit one the local soft plays, where many are offering party days; from discos, face-painting, magicians, Santa visits and so much more, there’s something for everyone. There are indoor and outdoor


party events taking place across Tees Valley, so if you need your children to release some excitement, we are sure you can find something in our Christmas Party Guide


If you are making a booking be sure to let the company know that


you’ve heard about them from Primary Times!


Don’t forget to cut out and keep this guide so you can refer to it throughout 2019 too. It is also available all year round to view on our website: www.primarytimes.co.uk/teesside A Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year to you all!


www.primarytimes.co.uk/teesside 19th November 2018 – 3rd February 2019


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