CATEGORY · RAINY DAY APPROVED

Pantomime & Family Theatre in Plymouth

Panto in Plymouth means Devonport Playhouse, a community theatre with doors open well before curtain up, good if you like to settle in without a scrum. For classes rather than a one-off show, Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts Plymouth runs weekly singing, dancing and acting sessions split by age, for kids aged 4 to 18. Out at Callington, Tamar Arts and Drama Association puts on pantomimes, plays and film nights at its small theatre on Biscombes Lane, worth the trip if you fancy something more local to that side of the county. For a proper old theatre experience, it is a longer trip out to Paignton for the Palace Theatre, where Saturday morning kids' shows run from £5 a ticket, and there is a cafe, party rooms and wheelchair access if you need it. Devonport suits a quick, close-to-home evening, Callington suits families already out that way, and Paignton is the one to save for a day when you can make an occasion of it. Ages 4 and up are well covered across all of them.

✓ 4 places✦ From £5