Forget sports day or parents’ evenings – the primary school Christmas show is the single most competitive time of year for parents, according to research.
As auditions and preparations for end-of-year productions begin to kick off across the UK, a nationwide survey of 2,000 UK parents has revealed one in 10 have splashed out for extra singing and dancing lessons for their little darlings, in a bid to give them the “edge” over other auditionees.
Not only that, but almost one in 20 have attempted to suck up to their child’s teacher, to help land them a top role. Two thirds of parents admit their child auditioning for the school play brings out their worst competitive edge, and almost a fifth confess to spending hours making costumes from scratch to “out do” the competition.
And when it comes to the biggest production of the year – the Nativity play – over half of the parents polled (58 per cent) said they are secretly deeply disappointed when their child misses out on playing Mary or Joseph. Sob.
One in 10 of the parent’s polled admit to bragging on social media that their child had won a coveted “lead” role, while a further 11 per cent will complain to anyone who will listen that their child has missed out on a big role.
Watching the play is just as important: 28 percent have got to their child’s school early in bid to bag a front row seat, while 11 per cent have thrown a sickie from work to make sure they can get to the play in time.
The research was commissioned by Virgin TV to launch its Christmas Stars competition, giving primary schools the chance to have their Christmas play recorded. As part of the prize, the winning school will get to work with TV presenter Stephen Mulhern, who will join as the play’s narrator.
As the season approaches, we want to hear from parents who feel like this about their child’s Christmas play, or perhaps feel the complete opposite. Are you gearing your child up for their audition? Or could you not care less if they went as a singing sheep? Get in touch by emailing ukparents@huffpost.com.