Not sure you need a quiet session? Not to worry, you can browse our other times and sessions here

We are hosting two sessions this year designed for children with special educational needs and disabilities, such as ASD or sensory processing disorders, to enjoy our Christmas panto in a more relaxed environment. 

Some changes to expect include:

1. The music which forms a part of the show, and which is played as children come into the Hall will be kept significantly quieter. The interactive elements of the show which involve singing and dancing will still be included to help provide a multi-sensory experience.

2. Our elf, where possible, will be signing the show for any children who understand BSL.

3. We have allocated more time at the end of the show for children to meet Father Christmas and have a photo with him. We understand some children may be very chatty and others may want to leave the show as soon as it's over. If children are uncomfortable with speaking to Father Christmas but would still like their Christmas wishes passed on, Mother Christmas and her elf can come to them or a parent/ guardian instead.

4. Capacity for these shows have been decreased from 80 tickets, to 50 tickets. 

5. This is not a formal panto, if any one needs to stand up or move around, please do. 

 
Your Journey to The Panto

Knowing what to expect can often help children to feel more prepared, and you may therefore wish to discuss, ahead of time, what they are likely to experience throughout the event

1. We generally advise families arrive no earlier than 20 minutes before the beginning of your booked performance. This will give you plenty of time to make your way to the Garden Room. 

2. Arrival and parking for the Panto is at our usual Visitor Car Park using postcode TN11 8DG

3. Once parked, please head to the Visitor Entrance which is found just inside the doors to our Gift Shop (children will be able to see the Gift Shop as they go in)

4. Our staff will sign you in and you will head towards the Lime Walk which is a gravel path with a slight incline, about 100 metres in length. At the end is usually a set of stairs but for the duration of the Panto, a ramp is installed. 

5. You will enter the Garden Room from the Stableyard into a long winding path. There may be a member of staff collecting tickets, or you may be greeted by Mother Christmas.

6. Follow the winding path through festive decorations and at the end, the seating area will appear.

An alternative entrance is available for wheelchairs or buggies used as wheelchairs.

7.    There will be Christmas music playing whilst everyone is entering and seating themselves. The remaining cast members may be wandering around the audience areas as you arrive.

10. The theme of this year's panto is centred on Mother Christmas's evil twin taking away all the world's toothpaste

12. The performance will last approximately 25 minutes, after which children have the opportunity to take a chocolate bar from the Elf and have a photograph taken with Father and/or Mother Christmas. Should children not feel comfortable going up to see Father Christmas, the Elf and Mother Christmas can come to them, or give their chocolate to a parent/ guardian to ensure they don’t miss out.

 13. You will exit the Garden Room via a different door and then head back down the Lime Walk to the Visitor Entrance, Gift Shop, and if it's safe to be opened (weather dependant, the Playground.

Some Other Things To Be Aware Of:

1. Children are welcome to bring along anything that may help them regulate and feel comfort, including sensory/ fidget toys, ear defenders, teddies/ toys.

2. Weather permitting, the Adventure Playground will be open for your use after the performance. We may need to close it without warning should we deem conditions unsafe.

3. Both the Gift Ship and Porcupine Pantry Café will be open from 9am – 5pm, with warm lunches such as paninis served until 3pm.

Full Event Information, Booking Terms & Plot!

Did you know Mother Christmas had an evil twin?
Gather at the Penshurst Place Mini Panto this year and discover her plan to scupper Christmas by causing a cavity calamity!
Can Mother Christmas and Father Christmas intercept this dastardly dentistry before it’s too late?

This year's Panto-style story is ideal for children aged 0 - 12, or anyone who simply loves Christmas!
Performed in the Garden Room

• Tickets £9.50 per person plus a small booking fee. ALL attendees require a ticket each with the exception of babies-in-arms (up to 1 year old) who can sit on the lap of an adult
• Adult Only groups will not be permitted entry.
• All tickets are non-refundable
• Performances last approx. 25 minutes, with plenty of time at the end to take a family photograph with Father Christmas if you wish.
• Tickets include access to the Mini Panto only. The Adventure Playground will be open on days we deem it safe to do so. All other attractions at Penshurst Place, to include the House and Gardens, will be closed. We may need to close the Adventure Playground with no warning if weather conditions (heavy rain for instance) deem it unsafe.
• Please arrive no earlier than 20 minutes before the start of your booked performance
• Please note performances take place in the Garden Room which is a 5 - 10 minute walk from the Visitor Entrance. A ramp will be installed on the Lime Walk stairs for buggy and wheelchair access.
• The Garden Room may be cold, please wrap up warm
• The Gift Shop and Porcupine Pantry Cafe will both be open daily from 9am until 5pm.