On Wednesday I took Esther, William and Bea

To Richmond

To see In The Night Garden

I was so worried about the journey

But actually it was lovely

And all three children were wonderfully behaved

William picked up a Network Rail map

At the station which kept him busy

For the entire three hours we were on trains

Esther had a colouring book

And Bea was busy with stickers

We also had breakfast on the train

Plenty of food always fuels our travels

We got to Richmond in plenty of time

Which was just as well

As I took us the wrong way from the station on the bus

Despite William repeatedly telling me we needed to go the other way

I should have listened

He had seen and read a sign that I had not

He was right and I was wrong

I realised the minute we were on the moving bus!

We still made the show dome in plenty of time

Time for wees and for cuddling characters on posters

As you do

I think Bea thought the wonderful, colourful banners

Were what we had come to see

I could not wait for her to see inside the dome

For them all to see the show

Esther and William have actually seen The Ninky Nonk Show before

When they were one

But of course they have no memory of it

On Wednesday we saw The Pinky Ponk Show

And all three children were entranced throughout

Esther and William have loved The Night Garden

For the longest time

And the music is very special to all of us

Because of Matilda Mae

As we settled down in the auditorium

We started on our snacks

While waiting for the show to start

Waiting for the magic to begin

I knew that the start of the show was going to be emotional

The opening music was played for Tilda

As we said our final goodbyes

At the crematorium

I cried

At the show

As I did at the crem

And I held my living children close

Especially when Iggle Piggle’s boat appeared

Just at the point in the music

When the curtains closed on Tilda’s casket

I was able to tell William at the show why I was crying

And I am glad I had that chance

It was lovely to remember Tilda

On our very special family day out

I need to plan a special time to tell Esther now

And one day Bea

As the show started

And the night garden came to life

The faces of my three children were a picture

William offered a running commentary of the entire show

He also talked a lot about why the characters

Were different sizes to one another

And different sizes themselves at different times

Esther and I talked about the dancers and puppeteers

At her drama school she has been learning about dancing

With her face as well as her body

And In The Night Garden had some wonderful examples of this

Bea watched carefully

Curiously

Intently

Naming characters and things

Saying ‘Look Mummy. Look!’

And all three

Joined in with all the songs, rhymes and dances

Twice!

It was a really lovely way to spend 45 minutes

Engrossed

Enchanted

Excited

It was a really enjoyable show

With such memories

Happy and sad attached to it

William cried when the show was over

And kept asking if we could stay to see the second show

It really was a magical experience

If you get the chance to see it

And your children love In The Night Garden

Even half as much as mine do

Please take them

You will make memories that will last a lifetime

I know our day will always be etched in my heart

Thank you In The Night Garden Live

Thank you

If you would like to see the show you can find more information

And tour dates here

You can also like the Facebook Page

We were given our standard tickets free of charge in return for an honest review