Today we were off to Newcastle’s beautiful Theatre Royal to see the play of one of Ava’s favourite books, The Tiger Who Came To Tea! We went a little earlier and stopped off at Blake’s just opposite the theatre for an early lunch. It’s the first time I’ve been in and I will definitely be back! There was a great range of sandwiches and a lovely all day breakfast menu. I ordered a jacket potato with beans for Ava, which is one of the few things I can always rely on when we go to cafes for lunch that is safe for her allergies. Sandwiches are often pre-made with butter so they are a no-no. But luckily she enjoyed it so I didn’t mind having to order an adults portion. I didn’t see any childrens menus in there but I didn’t ask either as it was very busy and we wanted to be quite quick. The food arrived very quickly. I had the American pancakes with bacon and maple syrup. I got four big thick pancakes with two thick rashers of bacon which was loads even for me. The service was friendly and efficient and everything tasted really fresh. I’m keen to try some of the cakes next time when I have a bit more time. 

Anyway, after lunch it was across the road to the theatre. Ava was very excited and a little nervous going in to the theatre. We got her a tiger on a stick which I didn’t think was too pricey at £4. They had lots of booster cushions stacked at the side ready for all the little ones so we were soon in our seats ready for the start. It started with Sophie and her mummy and daddy walking through the audience onto the stage set up as the kitchen scene. 

There was some nice little songs throughout and it felt like it was aimed at exactly the right level for Ava who was completely enthralled. She shouted along at the right bits and joined in with the songs and actions. They had some clever little tricks to make the food disappear when the tiger was eating it and she just loved the tiger taking a very grand bow and wiggling his bum. They got the whole audience to join in with a simple song about sausages and chips at the end which all the kids loved. In total it lasted about 55 minutes which just felt like the perfect length. She didn’t take her eyes off the stage once, and I thought she did really well sitting in her own seat despite being a little nervous by it all initially. So hopefully that’s the first of many theatre trips for me and my girl, and fingers crossed she inherited my love of the theatre. Judging from this first trip I think she has. ♥️