Once you’ve been to see our fantastic pantomime with the kids, what’s next? Keeping the magic alive can be lots of fun and also keep the children busy and excited about their experience. Here we’re looking at some fun post-show activities you could enjoy at home after your big night at the theatre.

Sleeping Beauty film night

Whether you opt for the Disney classic or another version of the story, you can get the little ones excited with your own home cinema enjoying the classic story once again. Setting it up can be really easy, you simply need to set it all up and then invite the kids in.

Invest in enough little tipi tents for the kids, set them up a snack station with sweets, popcorn and their favourite drinks, and then it’s time to get the film started. The perfect end to an amazing Sleeping Beauty inspired night.

Face painting & dress up session

What child doesn’t love a chance to dress up and pretend to be their favourite characters? Maybe you’ve got a household of little princesses, wanting to dress up as Princess Rose, or maybe there’s a Silly Billy in your home. You can invest in a few different costumes, set up a face painting station and hours of fun await. Take turns being different characters and see if anyone is brave enough to dress up and have their face painted like our outrageous dame Nursie!

Put on your own play

If you’ve got a family of little dramatists then maybe you can put on your own version of Sleeping Beauty too? Whether you go all out and put a script together or simply take turns trying out different characters it is bound to be lots of fun. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious you could even build an impromptu set, get the kids working on their very own props and of course, bring out the costumes once more. This helps to bring the fun of pantomime back to your home and keeps the magic alive a little bit longer.

Craft Up a Storm

If your children are more artistic than dramatic then you can take your Sleeping Beauty inspired activities in a more crafty direction. The three fairies in the story bless Princess Rose on her birthday, so why not make your own Blessings Jar? Simply get a glass jar, some coloured card and write down kind messages, thoughts and compliments and fold them all up in the jar. Whenever anyone in the family is feeling down or unhappy, bring out the jar for a reminder of all the lovely thoughts and feelings you share with each other. Another fun and craft activity is decorating and designing your own pillowcases. We all know Princess Rose was cursed into a lifelong sleep, and a comfy pillow is essential for such a long snooze. Similarly, your little ones can design their own pillowcases for bedtime, using stencils, markers and fabric paint you can decorate with roses, thorns, crowns and knights on horseback.

Panto-inspired feasts and bakes

While you’ve probably had plenty of sweets at the theatre, there’s no reason not to continue to the feast when you get home, with the chance to try out some fun new treats inspired by the night at the show. Maybe don’t start with the custard and cream pies but consider some fun panto-inspired snacks that add to a great night’s fun. You can combine your favourite festive bakes with a bit of panto cheer from tasty star-shaped cookies to cupcakes adorned with roses, thorns and snoozy princesses, depending on your creative talents.

Classic story time

We all know the story of Sleeping Beauty did not begin on the stage or the silver screen, it’s a traditional and classic fairy tale. Sleeping Beauty or Little Briar Rose has been a tale in the tradition of storytelling since the 14th century. The earliest published version of the tale appeared in Giambattista Basile’s The Pentamerone in 1634.

You’re unlikely to be reading this story with your children but getting hold of a beautifully illustrated version of Sleeping Beauty and cuddling up under the duvet is a wonderful way to continue the magic of the show. You can read through the story, point out the differences and even tie this in with the film night we’ve discussed and add even more Sleeping Beauty inspired fun once the show is over. If your little ones enjoy audiobooks you could even download the story for them to listen to at bedtime.

The magic of the panto does not have to end with the final curtain. The excitement can easily continue once you get back home and enjoy any one of these great activities.