NotaPushyMum.Com

Hi, My son is only 7 but it would be his absolute dream to appear in the West End. There's no indication this is going to happen in the near future - he's doing very well in his drama and dance classes... but I'm wondering how people manage time/travel if you're kids are in the West End. We are a good hour's train ride from London - I work and have other kids. So, I can't see how this would ever be possible.

At the moment DS is happy to look forward to appearing in the local theatre next year. But, as far as I can see, there would be no point auditioning for the West End until he's old enough to travel there himself (probably at least 16).

It is big.
We are lucky that husband works in London so often he will work late and collect DD after the show. I work term time only which helps.We are also lucky in that she is allowed to leave at the interval on a school night. Bows are at the weekends only and that can be hard waiting around until 10. We will all go on those nights and make some time for the rest of the family to be together over a meal or a movie.
My tesco vouchers have proved incredibly useful paying for meals in Pizza Express etc!
BUT the experience dd is having is amazing and she is having the time of her life. It is not forever and may be a once in a lifetime experience so we are all happy to do this for her. I would not have wished it any other way. Tough but worth it.

Its very very tough,dd did it for six months,we are quite a distance so a train ride and tube getting us home at gone mid-night when she was performing-I had to work the next day too mostly-worked through lunch at work to get her there on time-looking back,I am glad she did it as a most incredible time for her,but you have to consider your own situation,I had no other children to worry about,Touring was easier as she went away,but still the initial dropping off to chaperone in Kings Cross-don't want to sound negative she was very fortunate to be chosen,and learnt a million things about life by doing it,but it isn't a walk in the park!

Hi, the hardest part is the rehersal period because then you are usually in about five days a week and this can sometimes go on for 6 weeks!!!
Once the show is up and running it is easier because then its usually 3 days a week with every third week off or other shows have been 2 days a week.
I'm lucky that my dd is the youngest and the older ones can look after themselves and actually they have helped out taking her up to London when I've needed them to ( for a small price of course!!!)
Despite all the hassle though it is so worth it

Thanks everyone,
I'm glad things went so well for you. It sounds like your kids had the time of their lives! It's a huge sacrifice isn't it? But, I guess if the opportunity came up then I'd just have to do whatever it takes.
Thanks.

hate to be even more negative, but there is unlikely to be work in the west end for a 16yo

there is a lot of work for a for a good lad with an unbroken voice (see jo hawes) - but then life is fallow until they are an adult with a track record