Meaning: Emma Thompson's quote, "Children are the most wonderful audiences. What's struck me most is that they watch it so silently, until the end when they shriek and shout and clap," reflects the unique and captivating nature of children as an audience. As an actress, Thompson has likely experienced the joy and energy that children bring to performances and entertainment. In this quote, she highlights the contrast between the attentive silence of children during a performance and the exuberant expression of their emotions at the conclusion. This observation sheds light on the dynamic and engaging experience of entertaining children, as well as the impact that their uninhibited reactions can have on performers.

The first part of Thompson's quote, "Children are the most wonderful audiences," underscores the special quality of children as spectators. Unlike adult audiences, children often bring an unfiltered and genuine enthusiasm to their experience of watching a performance. Their openness to imagination and their ability to immerse themselves fully in a story or show make them a unique and delightful audience to entertain. This sentiment also speaks to the rewarding nature of performing for children, as their unreserved reactions can be deeply gratifying for the performers.

The second part of the quote, "What's struck me most is that they watch it so silently, until the end when they shriek and shout and clap," captures the intriguing behavior of children as they engage with a performance. The contrast between their initial quiet attentiveness and the explosive release of their emotions at the conclusion speaks to the intensity of their experience. This observation highlights the emotional journey that children undergo while watching a performance, from rapt attention to unbridled excitement. It also emphasizes the power of storytelling and entertainment to captivate and move young audiences.

Thompson's quote provides insight into the captivating nature of children as an audience, as well as the unique dynamics at play when performing for them. The ability of children to become fully absorbed in a performance and to express their genuine reactions without inhibition creates a vibrant and interactive atmosphere for entertainers. This interaction between performer and audience is especially pronounced when it comes to children, as their unreserved responses can significantly impact the energy and success of a show.

In conclusion, Emma Thompson's quote eloquently captures the joy and wonder of performing for children. Their uninhibited reactions, from silent fascination to exuberant outbursts, create a dynamic and rewarding experience for entertainers. The genuine and unfiltered nature of children as an audience makes them a truly wonderful and engaging group to perform for. Thompson's observation serves as a reminder of the unique magic that occurs when children are the spectators, and the profound impact that their enthusiastic responses can have on the performers.