THEATRE DELIVERS BENEFITS FOR KIDS

a trip to the theatre is a great family outing – particularly if you can grab a few cut-price tickets too.

However, new research shows nearly a third (30%) of parents say their child has never been to the theatre. Meanwhile, of the 70% of parents whose youngsters have seen live performances, 90% say their children get excited about going, and nearly one in five (19%) say they talk about the performance for months after seeing it (for years, in fact, in some cases).

The research by Encore Tickets (encoretickets.co.uk), also found that 46% of parents enjoy going to the theatre with their child, because they believe it’s good for their development, and two-thirds say they enjoy it because it’s a family experience they can share together that brings happy memories.

Experts are in full agreement. Going to see live theatre shows can help aid children’s understanding of emotions, according to Univer- sity of London developmental psychologist Dr Natasha Kirkham.

Kirkham, a researcher at Birkbeck’s Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, also says there’s clear evidence that attending theatre performances can help enhance social bonds, and play a useful role in helping children develop emotional intelligence.

Here’s a closer look at how going to the theatre can be great for kids... Research by University College London shows those who attend the theatre together will synchronise their heart rates, which is shown to promote affiliation (close connection) and social bonding.

Kirkham explains: “When people behave similarly, they perceive each other as more alike, which in turn creates a sense of connection or attachment.

“Going to the theatre with family