Following the success of my three-year-old’s first visit to the theatre a few weeks ago, I decided to take him to see the production of Wind in the Willows at Lincoln Theatre Royal. Armed with our supply of sweets, drinks and wet wipes we set off on Wednesday morning to see Ratty, Mole, Badger and Mr Toad.

The theatre wasn’t as full as it had been for the CBeebies production of ‘Show Me, Show Me’ which didn’t really surprise me as CBeebies is so popular. And the audience was mainly made up of schoolchildren – I would even say that my son was the youngest in the audience. Needless to say he was still excited, and when the lights dimmed for the curtain to rise I could hear his little gasps of excitement!

I on the other hand  was initially quite surprised – and a little disappointed. Don’t ask me why but I had been expecting to see actual animals – or rather people that were dressed as animals – so I was a bit taken aback to see – well just people !

However this didn’t bother DS who once again sat through the first half memorised by the characters, and the songs etc. And I have to say as the show got into full swing, my disappointment for non-animal costumes (!) began to wane.

For me the star of the show was Mr Toad, a charismatic, funny actor who brought the stage to life. Mole it has to be said reminded me of Daphne from Fraiser (or at least his voice did – think of an East Grinstead accent mimicking a Manchester one for the sake of a US comedy show!). However all of the cast played their parts very well and the audience seemed to be enjoying themselves.

When it came to half time we went out into the foyer to eat our packed lunch, but DS was anxious that we would miss the second part, so kept nipping back into the theatre hall to make sure it hadn’t started again without him.

The second half of the performance left the audience clapping for more, and all of the children were clearly delighted when the actors came into the audience to shake hands with everyone in the finale.

I was never a theatregoer before I started working for LoveLincoln.co.uk, but I have to say seeing my three-year-old son’s enthusiasm and sheer delight for both of the shows we have seen recently has got me thinking that this is a great way to spend time with young children. It’s far more interactive than the cinema or just watching TV. I shall certainly be taking him again – and would encourage other parents to try the theatre out too. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!