Theatre Reviews

Milkshake! Live in my first concert

“OK I will come” I said to my Mum.  My little cousin Amelia wanted to see ‘Milkshake Live’. She is only three and I’m nine but I thought “No I shall just have to tag along”.   I mean if Charlotte can go then so can I, Oh Charlotte is Amelia’s big sister, she is twelve.

So off we went down to Tunbridge Wells to the Assembly Halls Theatre.   I was secretly getting excited but I didn’t tell anyone.   I mean, come on I’m nine and Milkshake is for little kids, right?!   WRONG!   From the minute the curtain went up it was non stop, singing and dancing.

This show is fab….and the best bit of all was there is a really cool story that went with the show. Everyone from Peppa Pig and George to Noddy, Rupert Bear, Mr Men, the Little Princess and not forgetting Fifi, all played a role im putting together a wonderful, if not fabulous concert.  We sang to all the songs and did all the actions.  I think I enjoyed it more than Amelia. So it does not matter how old or young you are, this show is for everyone, even my Mum and Aunt, was having a sing-along!

By Andi Lewis

This is a review of Beauty and the Beast showing at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin

A must see production, this UK produced family show is superb with a full professional cast and sumptuous costumes and sets making it a must for all Disney musical lovers.   A Top Class Show!

Beauty and The Beast at the Olympia Theatre for a Limited run from Wednesday 23 July - 31 August. Doors 7.15pm, show starts at 8pm sharp.

No show on Sunday 28 July and Monday 4 August

Booking: Tickets from €27.00 are available from Ticketmaster Desk, Dublin Tourism, Suffolk Street and other outlets nationwide. Also on line: http://www.ticketmaster.ie

Pick  Of The Edinburgh Fringe 2008

EDINBURGH FRINGE 3rd - 25th AUGUST

The Fringe Festival is great for families. For full list of children's events pick up a free copy of the Fringe magazine from the Fringe shop, 180 High Street, Edinburgh or visit www.edfringe.com. Book any tickets on line or Tel 0131 226 0000 9am - 9pm.  Don't forget to keep checking the web site for reviews. Shows are reviewed by families with comments from our young reviewers! All the reviews will be Italics.   

16th, 17th, 19th 23rd and 24th Aug

Silly Billy Bum Breath Strikes Back

This mischievous imaginary friend is back again. What trouble is he going to get his friends into this year!!!  Get your tickets quick as it's only on for 5 days and has been a sell out the last 2 years! Guilded Balloon Teviot, 13 Bristo Square. 11am (lasts 1hr) £8.50 (£7.50) age 4+

There was no chance to congratulate Laura and Feri in person on this first performance of their new show Silly Billy Bum Breath Strikes Back (Gilded Balloon, Teviot Square) because they were doing shows back to back to cater for popular demand.  Try not to miss them as naughty but nice child-grownups 'doing porridge' in a cunning plan to be reunited with imaginary friend Silly Billy Bum Breath, a Bob Hoskins-style voice-over character tempting them to ever more irreverent pranks.  'Gigglingly rude! It was cake-splatting fun,' said Jamie (aged 8),  'It was great! Very funny,' said Maddie (aged 6).  If you are looking for good clean fun (or perhaps a bit sticky), woopee-cushion humour and plenty of knowing asides for accompanying adults then this is the show for your 3 to 8 year olds. This is well-targetted character comedy making the most of slapstick, music and props, oh... and gentle unintimidating audience involvement.  Go on - you know you shouldn't... but join in with the fun and blow one last raspberry for old time's sake!

Runs until the 24th Aug.

Treasure Island
Hartshorn-Hook Productions, Venue C, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, time: 12:30 (run time 40mins)

This was a very well presented production.
The Story line from Robert Louis Stevenson's classic was told by a cast of seven.
The atmosphere is set in a dimly lit bedroom scene.
There was a very good use of the bed, which was transformed into many things throughout the production.
The minimal use of scenery and good use of lighting made for very swift scene changes. This in turn made for a very slick show, without any long pauses and loss of atmosphere of the storyline.
Many productions in the Fringe often suffer from poor amplification or voice projection.
I am delighted to say that this is certainly not one of them. Every actor projected their lines clearly and could be easily heard at the back of the hall.
From the audience reaction, the Pirates had obviously got the message to the children. Just the right amount of menace without frightening the children too much.
It would be unfair to single any one out as being better than the others as everyone acted their part extremely well.
Suitable for ages 4+ and is easily enjoyed by adults and children alike.
Definitely a show worth going to see with the family.

"Well played, amazing use of time and such a small cast" Gordon (age 10).

8th - 24th

Let the Earth Breathe

KeNoDeKe, Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride's, 10 Orwell Terrace 8th - 16th - 13:30, 17th - 24th - 14:30, £8.00 (£6.00).  An interactive children's show using theatre and music to explore the problems our Earth is facing and what we can do to help. Throughout the duration of the show, we create a song that we perform together as a finale.

This is a must-see show with fabulous theatre, compelling content and a 4-piece band!

There is a real sense of drama in this performance from the very start.  The actors and musicians are in place on the stage as you enter, frozen until the action kicks off with frenzied cycling and music! The constant tension between good and evil drives the storyline and pacing, with the live band setting the ever-changing atmosphere.

Whilst rooting around some rubbish, rescuing items that could be reused or recycled, a young girl discovers a seedling.  The story is of how the girl tries to help the seedling grow by overcoming the threats posed by environmental pollution.

I found that this performance explained very clearly to my children (8, 6 & 4) exactly what ‘bad for the environment’ means.  This is a phrase I often use but am never really sure that they understand it.  The powerful symbolic drama illustrated the basic problems facing the environment in a very graphic way. The overall effect was nevertheless positive; as for each problem presented there was a corresponding solution.  There is a joyous optimism in the final glorious samba rap illustrating how we can work together to help the planet.

We all enjoyed this performance for the beautiful individual scenes such as the seedling growing and the fish playing in the river, the element of suspense and the amazing, funky live band.  My 8 year old loved the start and felt that it explained everything well whilst my 6 year old was fascinated by the way the main character used her reversible jacket to play both the hero and the villain.  My youngest loved the bicycles!

I would strongly recommend this powerful performance by a strong and vibrant cast and musicians.

Clare Forteath 8.8.08

30th - 25th Aug 12:45 (45mins)

The Sun Dragon, Gomito Productions

Pleasance Courtyard, Tickets £7 (£6)

Out of the damp and musty Cavern Theatre at the Pleasance, on a stage seemingly strewn with junk, a little bit of theatrical magic is created in this bold, imaginative show by Gomito Productions.

When Jacob, an ordinary young boy with a great imagination and an extraordinary love of homework, is visited by the four ‘Story Tellers’, it is the catalyst for a great intergalactic adventure.  Jacob is transported, by means of a time-travelling telescope, to a far off planet to track down the dragon who has stolen their source of life, the sun.  Jacob must harness the forces of science, magic and imagination to prevail over selfishness and evil in order to prevent a climatic catastrophe.

On his journey Jacob encounters many mythical creatures such as witches, wizards, wise men and giant spiders, all skilfully realised using puppetry, ingenious props and fabulously assured acting by the talented, young cast.

There is so much originality in this production, from the atmospheric live music to the use of puppetry.  It’s as magical an experience as anything conjured up by Harry Potter or Narnia, and as such appeals as much to adults as the younger members of the audience.

Jojo, 6, sat spell-bound throughout the entire experience, but she particularly loved the puppets, especially the mysterious ‘traders’.  “I also loved the fight between the witch who was quite scary but also a little bit funny, and the boy,” she commented.

2nd - 23rd (not 3rd, 10th and 17th)

Three Billy Goats Gruff and Other Furry Tails

Theatre of Widdershins are back with some more amazing hand crafted puppets  and scenery.  This year they are accompanied by porridge loving bears, domesticated pigs and fearless goats all ready for great stories with toe tapping tunes. Be warned this show sold out quickly last year!  Scottish Storytelling Centre, The Netherbow, 43-45 High Street, 11am (lasts 1hr) £7.50 (£5) age 3+

This is story telling in the style that children love.  The Theatre of Widdershins’ Andy Lawrence held an audience enthralled for the duration of the show with his wonderful props, gripping story- telling style, and puppets with so much character you feel you’ve always known them.  In this year’s production, he tells the stories of The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears and the Three Billy Goats Gruff (yes, 3 is the theme!).  This is an ideal venue for this show, as the detail in the puppets and props is easily visible, and children feel sufficiently involved to call out to the puppeteer in their excitement.  There is humour to appeal to both children and adults, and the music adds dramatically to the atmosphere – in fact, several children shifted closer to parents, as the music announced the arrival of the wolf or the bears!  I would have been happy to bring a wide age range of children to this show, and been confident they all would have loved it.  As it was, I brought Andrew and Alex (aged 3 years), who watched wide-eyed, laughed out loud, shouted out answers, and jigged to the music.  They talked about it all the way home, and I was even driven to buy the Widdershin’s CD of the show, which I know will be a bedtime and journey favourite.  Book your tickets early – this one will be a sell-out.

31st - 11th and 21st - 25th

Dr Bunhead's Crash Test Jelly Babies

He's back with more bangs and crazy experiments. Great live science show for kids. Musical Theatre, George Square, 10am (lasts 1hr) £10 (£8) age 7+

Here is a great opportunity to experience science as it affects our
lives and for anyone who has ever wondered why certain things happen -
then many of the questions are answered here.

This is a great production. From begining to end Dr Bunhead keeps the
audience engrossed in a great number of scientific experiments.
Appealing to a wide spectrum of ages, the approach is witty, factual
and very well presented.
Why do we have Guinea pigs? What happened at the Hindenberg Disaster?
How can you make your own rockets?
Want to know?..... Then go to the show!!!
Lots of bangs and flashes with down to earth explanations that we can
all understand.
This was my son's second visit in four days and he made sure we were
there early just "to get a good seat!"
If after the show your children come away as enthusiastic about
science as my son, then we will have a new generation of budding
scientists emerging in the next few years.
If you only see one show in this years Festival - then this has to be
the one. A must see!!!

"Brilliant, Fantastic, did you hear those bangs!!!" Gordon (age 10)

20th - 25th August

The Man Who Planted Trees

Scottish Storytelling Centre, 3pm (55 mins); Tickets  £7.50 (£5)

This is a wonderful and entrancing adaptation of Jean Giono’s story, which is essentially the story of one man who could see a way of making a difference, and who conscientiously persevered to achieve his goal.  The story is told by two wonderful puppeteers, Richard Medrington and Rick Conte, who have been professional performers for many years, and this is quite obvious from their enthralling performance.  I attended this show with Katriona (9 yrs), Ellana (8 yrs), Amelie (6 yrs) and Andrew (3 yrs).  Although they all enjoyed it immensely I would suggest that children under 6 years will simply fail to follow the story, although they will still be entertained by the puppetry.  All the children loved the ‘dog’, and the multi-sensory ‘rain’, ‘scents’ and the sound effects.  There were plenty of laughs, but the story itself really tugs at the heart strings, and there were several people producing tissues to wipe their eyes.  Personally, I now feel compelled to read the book, but I would thoroughly recommend anyone to go and see this show.  The venue (Scottish story-telling centre) is easily accessible, has terrific facilities, and is just the right size for this type of show.  If you miss it this week, however, I’ve noticed it’s on at the Brunton Theatre (Musselburgh) fairly soon.

Finally, here’s what the real critics had to say:

• Eco Trust prize winner 2007;
• “It is very, very rare to find something that appeals as effortlessly to children and adults as this magical show.  For all the laughs to be had along the way, the ending is genuinely touching.” – The Scotsman;
• “Meldrington’s voice is lilting and perfectly modulated, creating tension and pathos.  Tempered by Conte’s jaunty puppet work with the dog, this is a multi-sensual and visually witty hour of children’s theatre.” – The Stage;
• “Jean Giono’s story surely belongs among the most moving and endearing statements of our hope.” – Wendell Berry

9th - 17th August

The Apple Tree Maiden

Gilded Balloon Triviet, 13 Bristo Square, 12noon, £8.00/£7.00 (£7.50/£6.00)

Children will love it! Everything expected from a fairytale: a fearless prince, an enchanted princess and an old witch. who'd like to take her place. With a gentle humour, and a Gothic style, a beautiful poem, a beautiful performance.

There was slight confusion when booking this show: the box office refused to sell me tickets for an under-5, saying that the company felt it was not appropriate for smaller children.  However, the Fringe guide states it is a fairytale, suitable for age 3+.  In the end, I took all of my children – ages 3, 6 and 8 years, as well as a 15 year old French student.  Most people attending the show had small children, under 5 years, and nobody felt it had been inappropriate for their child.  The 3 actors mimed the entire performance to the most wonderful music, and although the children didn’t entirely follow the story, they were certainly enchanted by it.  It was very simple, with few props and no scenery, but held one’s attention throughout.  The prince falls in love with the Apple Tree Maiden, but is then tricked by a witch (this part is slightly dark, but none of the children appeared frightened).  The Apple Tree Maiden and prince eventually manage to overcome the witch’s evil.  Ellana (8 years) liked their costumes but felt she didn’t really understand the story, Amelie (6 years) loved the music and the ending, and Andrew (3 years) said he loved the whole show, but especially the sword fight.  The French student thoroughly enjoyed it, as there were no words!

31st - 17th

Rapunzel – May the Force be With You

Rapunzel Star Wars Style! Rupunzel lives in an ancient rocket ship, imprisoned by Dark Vadia! Help defend Rapunzel's tower with a real lightsabre and chop off Rapunzel's hair with the Dark Vadia! Great interactive theatre for kids who don't just want to sit still and watch! Spotlites @The Merchants Hall, 22 Hanover Street  11:30am (lasts 1hr)  £5 (£3.50) age  4-12yrs

Well written play crossing the story of Rapunzel with a Star Wars theme. The wicked witch becomes Dark Vadia, Duke Skylord is the handsome prince, Rapunzel's tower turns out to be a space rocket and the story wouldn't be complete without some friendly aliens!!   Lots of good audience participation which the children all loved. Different people were picked for the tasks giving everybody that wanted one a turn on stage and for those that were stage shy (my children!) they could interact from their seats! Tasks varied from pulling Rapunzels hair down from the tower, learning "the force", to playing Saturn ring game, hunting for goldens lettuces and standing guard at Rapunzels tower with a real lightsabre. A good fun show which had all the children's attention. Also very good value with tickets costing £3.50 for children and Edinburgh residents at a very comfortable spacious new venue in the town centre.  

Donald age 5 loved the Jedi fight with the lightsabres which he practised going down George St after the show.  

Lottie age 8   - "liked it all"  

31st - 25th

Comedy Club 4 Kids

Experience “Real” Comedy Club atmosphere with great comedians strutting their stuff without the rude bits! The Bongo Club, 37 Holyrood Road, 6pm(lasts 1hr) Tickets from £7(£6) age 6+

On entering the rather dingy looking venue you're not quite sure what to expect but James Campbell, the compere, soon made us forget our worries! This was an intensive hour of clean, child friendly humour.There was a line up of three comedians each of whom were performing different shows around Edinburgh for adults but who had revised  their stand up acts for children. There was no juggling or acrobatics just pure comedy and plenty of non threatening interaction with the audience. Although all three comedians were excellent, James Campbell was certainly the star of the show. He was so comfortable on the stage and even ran over time at the end. You really did feel he didn't want to leave us. All in all a very safe bet for kids of all ages.  Rosie says: 'The best thing I've seen in ages, even better than Mamma Mia!! I had to hold my belly for laughing so much ' .  

"In its 3rd year the 'Comedy Club 4 Kids' offers real Comedy Club 
atmosphere where real comedians strut their stuff without the 'rude 
bits'"
This is a well produced show. The Compere for the evening, James 
Campbell, very quickly had both children and adults laughing and set 
an excellent atmosphere for the following acts.
The club is very inclusive and the second act, Georgia (age 10) was 
full of energy in her comic presentation.
This was followed by Patrick Monaghan who was absolutely brilliant and 
had the audience in stitches. His interpretation of Postman Pat has to 
be one of the funniest sketches I have seen in years.
The acts change nightly but it was so refreshing to take family 
members to see a real 'family show!'.
Real Comedians - without the rude bits.
Highly recommended and definately a show to be re-visited time and 
again. Excellent, well done.
"Very funny, Entertaining, Great for everyone" - Gordon (age 10).

10th - 17th

Ants in Your Pants

Follow the story of a day in the life of a bumbling circus troupe with young artists attempting the impossible! Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row, 1pm (lasts 45 mins) Free age 3 – 15 yrs

3rd – 25th August

Circus Oz

Assembly @ Assembly Hall, The Mound.  Thrilling and cheeky, Australia's premier circus ensemble are pulling out all the stops to celebrate their 30th birthday. Strength, agility, beauty and irreverent humour. 'Physical danger, outrageous jokes and jaw dropping skills' (Guardian).

If I just mentioned somersaulting kangaroos and builders doing tricks with bricks, you’d have to go and see this show just out of curiosity!

There’s a good chance that you’d be really pleased that you did as the acts flow together nicely with a good balance of comedy and sheer talent, backed by a live rock band which keeps the energy high!

Some of the feats we witnessed include 6 club juggling whilst pulling trousers up, one handed handstand on someone else’s head and self propulsion around the stage inside a giant hoop!  Oh, and the robotic dog with a wicked sense of humour (for children and adults).

Tickets are a bit steep at £17.50 but if you’re feeling flush you’ll not be disappointed.  Suit age 5 to adult.

Talking of steep, be sure to note that the ‘Assembly Hall’ venue is on The Mound and not George Street (makes me feel better if others benefit from my mistake)!

3rd - 25th

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

 C too, St. Columba's by the Castle, Johnston Terrace, 8p.m. (1 hr. 40 mins) Tickets from £9.50 (£6.50). Broadway's longest running musical about killer plants.  Skid row florist Seymour becomes overnight sensation with exotic plant Audrey II (named after his beautiful shop assistant).  Soon horticultural terror meets young love in a cautionary tale for florists everywhere.

The production had very strong performances from all actors/actresses.  It was a thoughtful costume choice and imaginative and original portrayal of the plant. 

Talented singers in particular Audrey who was outstanding.  Cast made good use of the space available in the theatre including some dynamic action in the aisles.  Great musical to see, suitable for families with children age 10+. 

Kimberley (Age 15)  - “I would go and see it again” 

Morven (Age 15) - “Amazing how the cast became part of the plant by the use of their costumes” 

Robyn (Age 15) - “Very creative” 

Reviewed by Kimberley, Morven and Robyn (Age 15)

9th - 25th

One Small Step

Assembly Rooms, By Oxford Playhouse, £11.50/£10.50 (10.50/£9.50). Check your oxygen, adjust your spacesuit and buckle up for the biggest mission of your life ... to the moon. A brilliantly inventive exploration of the space race. Fast, furious and really rather funny!

This show is not advertised as a children's show but my two, Beth 9 and Katie 6, loved it and giggled the whole way through.  Six Years old is probably the youngest ago who would enjoy the show unless they are totally into space travel.  2 Actors take you on an amazing space journey using junk found in an office, it is totally believable and you end up thinking you have landed on the file.  Beth loved the funny faces the guys kept pulling, and Katie loved the improvised space outfit of a box and a bucket - to understand you will need to go and see it. Well worth the expense a great 1 hour watching a very good show

18th - 23rd

Alice in Wonderland

At seven you want to be grown up but disappearing down holes, looking through doors and talking to strangers – of the animal variety – can lead to confusion and the possibility of losing your head!  Quakers Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, 11:30am (lasts 1hr) £7 (£5) age 5+

8-16th Aug (not 12th and 14th)

Tape Ole

Assembly at the Queens Hall, 7:45pm. An explosion of rhythm and energy from Fringe 2007 sell-out company! 'Sexy, contemporary ... melancholic, sensual, dramatic ... the quartet performs as one precision unit in this enchanting, exuberant show'

Had expected a troup of dancers but was pleasantly surprised with the impact the dyanmic duo made on the stage . they were accompanied by 2 very acomplished Flamenco guitarists who added their own style of musical interpretation and excellant humour. the entire show was punctuated with cheeky comedy routines and outstanding flamenco based tap dancing. The skill and speed of the dancers was breathtaking. A thoroughy entertaining festival show which would appeal to lovers of both traditional and modern flamenco and tap dancing.

9th - 25th

I Cant' Sleep

Assembly Rooms, 14.20, £9.00/£8.00 (£700/£6.00). David and Maeve are trying to get to sleep but the audience is keeping them awake. A comedy show for 5 to 8 year olds by children's author and if.com nominee David O'Doherty. With Maeve Higgins.

This was a brilliant show, loads of ad hoc story telling and masses of laughter from the audience, they wanted audience participation and they got it.

Beth (9) giggled the way through and the best bit was David trying to sleep with no success. Katie (6) loved the stories they made up using the children's suggestions.

Worth everyone seeing for a totally different type of show.

13th - 25th (not 17th and 24th)

Noah's Ark and Other Stories

Take a family friendly trip through a fantastic adventure book. Fast moving and fun with depth to suit all ages! Saughtonhall,  United Reformed Church, 87 Saughtonhall Drive 1:30pm (lasts 1hr) £7 (£5) age 5 – 11yrs

This show was billed as being non stop action packed and fun filled and that was exactly what you got!   Three very energetic performers turned their scary attic into a stage for 3 well known stories - The Creation of the World, Noah's Ark and Moses leading the Isralites out of Egypt. The stories were easy and fun for the children to follow with brilliant use of colourful props that constantly changed keeping the audience fully attentive. - and for anybody that wasn't they were by the end of the 40 days of rain!!   A fun packed hour that is well worth seeing. The venue is  light and airy and although slightly further out of town has the advantage of free on street parking. Selling well so get there early for a seat near the front. Suitable for families with children age 4+.   Lottie (age 8) - really funny and liked Adam and Eve (with no clothes on!!) story the best  

Donald (age 5) - liked the fight with the crocodile in the ark and when everybody got wet!!  

12th - 25th (not 18th)

Mr Fizzwig’s Story Factory

Craig Ricci Shaynak/Kingswell Productions; Sweet Grassmarket, Apex City Hotel

Mr Fizzywig’s Story Factory is marvellous.  In the space of one hour Mr Fizzywig shows the children how to write a story and then gets them to both create it and act it. 

We first see Mr Fizzywig exhausted. He has been up all night trying to write a story to appease his grandfather so that he will not sell the Story Factory.  Mr Fizzywig hasn’t had much success, cue the audience!  In order to help the children with their characters, he has a truly wonderful Giant Wheel of Silly Voices, which they get to spin, and a hilarious zany hat to match each silly voice. We had a Scottish Viking penguin, a purple King, a movie star pilot and a Russian dynamite fanatic but the possibilities are endless.  And so the fun begins…..!

The success of this performance lies in its simplicity. The beauty of story telling and story writing are celebrated, as is the combined creative genius of the children involved. The excitement and tension of the spinning wheel is not to be underestimated (we loved it), as is the powerful dramatic effect of a simple hat.

There is no pressure on the children to perform.  Both my daughters (6 and 8) were feeling rather shy at the time of the show.  Predictably, five minutes later on the way home they were lamenting ‘ I wish I’d gone on the stage now’ and ‘I wish I’d spun the wheel at the end’ …(aaaagh!)

Our favourite part of the show was Mr Fizzywig himself. He is hugely talented with his dazzling array of accents and personas and ultimately very likeable. There was a palpable feel-good factor by the end of the performance.

I would definitely recommend this show to friends and certainly not just because all performers and helpful audience members are handsomely rewarded for their efforts!

1st - 25th

A Pirate's Life for Me

James dream is to become a pirate. Join him for some Yo Ho Ho adventure on the high seas, spectacular sword fights and a bottle of rum. Find out what treasure he will find. C Central, Carlton Hotel, North Bridge, 10:30am (lasts 45 mins), Tickets from £6.50 (£4.50) 

Runs until the 24th Aug (except the 11th)

Ian Billing's out of his Mind
Wee Room, Gilded Ballon, George Square, Edinburgh. time: 11:00 (45 mins) Enter the wonky bonkers world of kid's comedian, Ian Billings, for a tickle-filled hour of chuckle-puns and giggle-gags. Be prepared for belly laughs - remember to bring your belly.

This was a well presented production, bright and breezy and full of
energy which is transferred to the audience.

Ian's material is mainly aimed at the 3 to 10 year olds - as befits a
childrens production. However, there are still a lot of jokes in there
for Mums and Dads.
The show is interspersed with Educational Trivia which makes this an
enjoyable learning time for everyone.
The material is topical and deals a lot with situations children will
encounter in their everyday lives. Dealing with School, teachers,
bullies, Christmas and of course bodily functions but to name a few of
the many.
Ian starts the show by introducing his material as being unplanned and
'straight out of his mind'. This will lead to the production being
slightly different everyday.
A good show, certainly one for the younger members of the family.

" A good show, some really funny jokes!" Gordon (age 10).

3rd - 24th (not 4th, 11th, 18th and 21st)

Tales From An Enchanted Forest

Live storytellers weave magical tales from Scotland and beyond. Funny, mythical and sparkling, - bring your imagination and be enchanted.  Scottish Storytelling Centre, The Netherbow, 43-45 High Street, 1pm (lasts 55mins) £6 (£4) age 6+

31st - 25th (not 6th, 13th and 14th)

Potted Potter – The Unauthorised Harry Experience

For all Harry Potter fans - all seven Potter books in seventy minutes!! Pleasance Courtyard, 60 The Pleasance, 12:45pm, (lasts 70 mins) tickets from £9 (£8) age 6+

31st July - 17th August

Robin Hood

Join Robin Hood and pelt the Sheriff of Nottingham with real arrows! Fight Little John with quarterstaffs  and shoot boiling oil at Robin with the Sheriff's catapult! Great interactive theatre for kids who don't just want to sit still and watch! Spotlites @The Merchants Hall, 22 Hanover Street  1:30pm (lasts 1hr 45 includes interval)  £5 (£3.50) age  5-12yrs

There aren’t many shows where you can virtually guarantee your kids won’t get bored and restless but this is certainly one.

The classic tale of Robin Hood is well told through top class acting and lots of interactivity.  I don’t think there was ever a spell of more than 5 minutes without the opportunity for children from the audience to participate.  All children who want to participate on the stage will get a chance.  And for those with stage fright there are opportunities to fire bows and (foam!) arrows from their seat and hone your battle skills with a (foam!) quarterstaff.

The show is in two parts, roughly 45 minutes and 30 minutes each, separated by a 10 minutes break, which Lottie and Donald liked, as it meant ‘sweetie time’!

For such an entertaining show that keeps the children engaged with the ticket price at  £5/£3.50 it has to be one of the best value shows at the Fringe.  Suit age 4-12.

*********

There aren’t many shows where you can virtually guarantee your kids won’t get bored and restless but this is certainly one.

The classic tale of Robin Hood is well told through top class acting and lots of interactivity.  I don’t think there was ever a spell of more than 5 minutes without the opportunity for children from the audience to participate.  All children who want to participate on the stage will get a chance.  And for those with stage fright there are opportunities to fire bows and (foam!) arrows from their seat and hone your battle skills with a (foam!) quarterstaff.

The show is in two parts, roughly 45 minutes and 30 minutes each, separated by a 10 minutes break, which Lottie and Donald liked, as it meant ‘sweetie time’!

For such an entertaining show that keeps the children engaged with the ticket price at  £5/£3.50 it has to be one of the best value shows at the Fringe.  Suit age 4-12.

10th - 16th

Goldilocks and the Three Hoods

Have you ever wondered what Goldilocks and her family are really like? What type of girl would break into a strange house anyway? Discover the truth behind the fairytale! C Chambers Street, 1:45pm, (lasts 40 mins) Tickets from £6.50 (£4.50) age 4+

The Magic City

Pleasance Dome, 11:30am (1hr) Tickets £7 (£6)

In this adaptation of E Nesbit’s story, two children have an adventure in a magical city which they have built with their toys. The cast of eight (all adults) take on various roles which use imaginative costumes and involve several fun puppets.  The scenery and props have been thoughtfully crafted to create the impression of a toy city, and are moved between scenes to some magical music.  Amelie (aged 6 years) liked the adults pretending to be children, and Stella (also 6) loved the building of the boat and watching the characters travel in it.   They didn’t follow the story very well, and I think some of the language made it difficult for them to follow the plot, but overall they thought it was a good show.

10th - 16th

Overboard

A family lost at sea and a race against time to make a rescue. A gripping drama about a disaster made good by the strength of family love. Sweet Teviot Place, Teviot Place, 1:20pm (lasts 1hr) £7.50 (£6.50) age 7+

This one might not sound exciting on paper, but of all the shows we’ve seen at the Festival this year, we all agreed this was our favourite.  It is about a family going on a sailing holiday, and is actually played by a family – mum, dad, daughter and son.  I think this was one of the aspects which gripped my children, to see other children performing in such a natural but talented way, which gave the impression this really was this family’s holiday story.  As you can guess, one of the family does fall overboard, but in the build-up to this incident, we find out a great deal about each of the characters.  There was plenty of humour, with many parents recognising the agonies of a grumpy teenage daughter, and some children possibly recognising themselves in the characters.  But for me, this was a very emotional play and I actually fought to hold back the tears.  The venue is very easy to access and well suited to the play, and the scenery was very simple but effective.  The whole cast, but especially the children, gave a wonderfully talented performance.  My children’s first comment on leaving was “please can we come and see it again”.  Book early, because there are not many seats in the theatre, and this is bound to be a popular show. 

13th - 25th August

The Mozart Question – Michael Morpurgo

Assembly Rooms@ George Street, 12:15pm (1hr) Tickets from £11 (£9). Paolo Levi, the greatest violinist in the world refuses to play Mozart. Why? Michael Morpurgo's extraordinary story takes us from Venice to the horrors of the Nazi gas chambers. A moving, inspirational tale for young and old.

The story by Paolo Levi (Andrew Bridgmont), told through the eyes of a boy, is engaging right from the start and compelling throughout. It is recounted in a highly personal and intimate way on a simple stage with the minimum of props – as the story-teller explains ‘sound needs air to breathe.’ This is a virtuoso solo performance with exuberant acting and powerful emotion that visibly moved the audience. The suspense builds as the secret at the heart of the story is preserved until close to the end. Paulo Levi is also an accomplished musician who bounded his tale with moving opening and finishing renditions of high quality, classical violin. My 8-year old daughter listened intently throughout, while other children in the audience seemed similarly captivated. The story was also educational for her and we discussed the historical significance of the ‘secret’ afterwards. The only thing that detracted slightly from the experience was noise from a simultaneous event upstairs that intruded on some of the poignant silences and sound track that added to the atmosphere. The assembly rooms have been given feedback about this and hopefully will look at their scheduling.   However I wouldn’t let that put anyone off taking older children (all ages above 8) or adult friends for that matter to see this excellent performance. 

4th - 25th

The Golden Voyage of Sinbad

Join the hero Sinbad and his cheeky brother Binbag as they set sail for the Golden Amulet. Gasp as he fights a dragon and catches a ride from a giant eagle – all without being seasick!   C Chambers Street, 10:15am, (lasts 45 mins) Tickets from £6.50 (£4.50) age 4+

The Golden Voyage of Sinbad opens with the four-strong cast in a highspirited dance routine that is a perfect introduction for what is to come – an entertaining retelling of a familiar story by a talented and versatile cast.

The hero, Sinbad, having failed to make his fortune selling pottery at his local bazaar, rashly accepts the King’s request to find a golden amulet.  Accompanied by his brother Binbag, a beautiful slave girl with a terrible accent and a host of other colourful characters, he sets off on a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas to find the treasure and their fortune.

If it’s pantomime you’re after Sinbad certainly delivers.  All the traditional elements are there: the cartoon baddie (ssss), the hero (played by a woman), the half-witted accomplice, some audience participation, silly songs and even sillier jokes, with topical references that in true pantomime style were lost on the children.  It’s not the glitzy production you would expect at Christmas at a larger theatre, but it succeeds despite the minimal stage set and small cast to entertain the target audience of 4+ year olds.

The 45 minutes fly by, and my 5 and 6 year old children enjoyed every minute of it.  They didn’t get every joke, but there was enough toilet humour to keep them thoroughly amused.  Amelia, age 5, said: “I loved all the funny people and their costumes, especially the dragon who was really silly”.

31 July to 25 August

Mort

C, Chambers Street, Edinburgh Fringe, 3:25pm (1hr 15) Tickets from £7.50 (£5.50). Your first day at work can be intimidating - especially when your employer is Death! Wizards, witches, assassins, priests, seven-foot skeletons, princesses who can pee through a dozen mattresses (or something like that)! Terry Pratchett's 'Discwold' brought to life on stage.

Mort is an entertaining 75 minutes of comedy and adventure, based on Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novel of the same name. Death is a big skeleton with a black robe, glowing eyes and holding a luminous scythe. He hires the appropriately named Mort to be his apprentice but what happens when Mort can’t bring himself to do his duty? The cast of nine romp through the production, with some excellent acting in both the lead and more junior roles. C venues included this show by Parabox Productions in their list of kids’ shows, although it is listed only in the main ‘Theatre’ section of the Fringe programme. My 8 year-old did enjoy the jokes but had trouble following the (slightly complicated) plot. It’s a good production which is probably suitable for ages 11+ (note: one instance of mild innuendo and some mild language), especially if they are familiar with Pratchett’s children’s books ‘Maurice and his Educated Rodents’ or ‘The Wee Free Men’.

31st - 25th (not 11th)

Animal Olympics

Your Vote counts! Help decide who the winner will be in this Olympic sized talent show as the queen of British poetry introduces Dragon. Rabbit, Tiger, Monkey and all the stars of the Chinese zodiac. Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, 11:30am, (lasts 1hr) tickets from £9 (£8) . age 5+ 

Long time ago before clocks and calenders the Jade emperor commanded the Celestial animals to race accross the Lo river and named the hours and years by the order in which they came. All was not well and someone among the Chinese Zodiac animals was causing problems.

The audience has to help clueless Francesa work it out and help her find her birthday sign.!!   Good interactive show that involved all the children from the start. Francesa, the storyteller  introduces all the zodiac animals using song, poetry, rap and dance keeping the atention of the young audience all the way through.

At the end all the children and some adults draw a picture of a chinese zodiac animal and the most popular one becomes Francesca's birthday.  

Lottie (age 8) loved the animals and although she already knew she was born in the year of the dragon loved finding out her secret animal sign (based on time she was born) - the rat!  

Donald (age 5) loved the cool tiger, the rapping ox and the dog when he pretended to wee!!

31st - 25th (not 5th and 11th)

A History of Scotland (In 60 mins or less!)

Meet kings, queens, hero's, villains and everyday Scots who shaped Scotland's past. A fun fast paced hour of storytelling, song and excitement. An easy way to learn Scottish history! Musical Theatre @ George Square, 12:15pm (lasts 1hr) tickets from £6.50 (£5.50) age 5+  ( Image by Aaron Dron)

An hour might not seem long enough in which to relate the entire history of Scotland, but this production races through over a thousand years’ worth, and makes it thoroughly enjoyable too.

From the outset we are told that this history lesson is not going to focus on haggis and tartan, instead it is a musical romp through stories of kings and queens, battles and massacres, offering a fresh perspective on familiar stories.  We discover what the many famous characters who shaped this proud nation of ours, including Bonnie Prince Charlie, Macbeth and the blue-faced Picts, were really like.  We find out what happened when Robert the Bruce met … Spiderman!  And there can’t be many Fringe show where you get to take part in a re-enactment of the Battle of Bannockburn.

The three actors perform with great aplomb, and manage to pitch the performance at a level that will really appeal to children.  I wondered whether my 6 year old daughter would really enjoy the show given that she didn’t know a thing about any of the characters being depicted, but her audible laughter assured me that she was greatly enjoying it nonetheless.  Who ever said that history was boring?

5th - 24th (not 11th and 18th)

Kidnapped: When Kilts Were Banned

Two actors take you on an action-packed journey through RL Stevenson's Kidnapped story. A tale of high adventure, friendship, falling out and growing up – all in the days when kilts were banned! Storytelling Centre, The Netherbow, 43-45 High Street, 5pm (lasts 45 mins) £6,  age 8 – adult

31 July - 25 August

Finding Alice

CToo, 11.00am (50 mins), Up near the Castle

The lines between the worlds blur as one Mr W Rabbit looks for an Alice (or a game of tennis). If you find Alice, an unusual walrus or a cricket ball, then come and join his interactive adventure. Tea, anyone?

This is a great show for all kids to see, my two girls who are 6 & 9 loved it and giggles the whole way through, as did us parents.  It is 5 actors playing several parts very well and time passed too quickly - I'd recommend this to all.

Katie 6 says "Very funny, it was good, I liked the rabbit and the mad hatter and I'd liked the Dormouse who kept falling asleep! And I liked Queen Alice and the Queen of Hearts".

Beth 9 says "When the book was in the back of the Queens Dress it made me laugh, and Alice tried to take it off - it was very funny.  I liked it when the Dormouse kept falling asleep playing the guitar".

3 August to 9 August

Jabberwocky

C cubed, Brodie’s Close, Edinburgh Fringe, 2:05pm (1hr) Tickets from £6.50 (£4.50)

Hurry to see this show during a one week run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Grapple Theatre Company spin a new story around the Jabberwocky  monster as the large and enthusiastic cast take you on a not quite traditional quest. Find out whether Bob the unintentional cake criminal can kill the monster and reach his true destiny! A well staged performance with bright costumes and an excellent monster which is not too scary for the smaller kids. Great performances, well-judged audience participation, a new take on a classic pop hit, and free cake as well. The littler children were entranced and entertained by the story and the spectacle; older children appreciated the humour; grown-ups enjoyed the ‘in’-jokes. Katie, aged 5 said ‘I liked it when he became King’, while Alex, aged 8, said ‘Good cake… and I really liked the jokes’. I think one little girl in the audience thought she really was talking to a King….. All in all, good fun for 5-10 year olds.

30th July - 25th August

Potted Pirates

Pleasance Courtyard, 3pm

Potted Potter’s Dan and Jeff return with this all-new show, packing pirates from Long John Silver to Jack Sparrow into one madcap, swashbuckling and plank-walking hour. Dan and Jeff hurl themselves into the farce with all their enthusiasm and have everyone roaring with laughter.

This is a most amusing very quick tour round Pirates, including Captain Jack, Dan and Jeff work very hard and kept us entertained all the time.  Suitable for all ages my 6 & 9 year old girls loved it to.  They laughed all the way and chatted about how funny it was long after we had left the theatre.  I would recommend all go see it... And you get to blow up the Spanish Armada with cannonballs also...

13th - 25th

Russian Play

Enjoy a delightful session of Russian fun. Wild Russian games, dressing up and traditional music from St Petersburg. C Chambers Street, 11am, (lasts 50 mins) Tickets from £6.50 (£4.50) age 3+

Don’t be confused by the title: this isn’t a play, it’s an interactive activity event based around traditional Russiangames and songs. Seven Russian women who form the ‘Koleso’ troupe sing, dance and given half a chance will show your whole family how to do the same. Starting with a display of dancing and singing (all in Russian) which I loved, I was nevertheless worried about what my children’s reactions would be. No worries! Katie (aged 5) was enraptured, gazing at the swirling colours of their beautifully embroidered dresses and shawls. Then the fun really started: lots of games, including Russian variations on ‘Oranges and Lemons’ and ‘Duck, Duck, Goose’, and a wonderful folk dance which translates as something like ‘The Half-Moon Dance’. Singing along in Russian and the chance to join in the Treshotka orchestra rounded off the session. Alex (aged 8) said ‘I liked playing the shaker’, while Katie ‘loved the singing and dancing’. The ladies of Koleso were good at getting the kids (and some of the grown-ups) to take part: encouraging but not too pushy. I also felt that they were careful to look after the children while they were ‘on stage’. I think the whole audience enjoyed themselves, but those who were confident enough to join in had a fantastic time. If your children are old enough to join in some games and young enough to still want to, then this is the show for you. I thought the whole event was enchanting; and yes, it was us dancing the Half-Moon Dance down Chambers Street afterwards.

Runs until the 25th (not 13th and 14th)

Heartbreak Soup
(The Empty Space and Laura Lindow), Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh, Time 11:30 (run time 60mins) Writer/Director: Laura Lindow Producer: Natalie Querol. "The life of Heartbreak Soup began in the heart and lung unit of the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, a place where the spirit of play shines resilient through even the darkest of circumstances. The idea was conceived in response to the overwhelming sense of a world untold, that halfway house of the transplant experience in which so many children and their families reside. How do young people rationalise the irrational? What anxieties and understandings hide under the bed of a child pre transplant?"

This was a very innovative production, which was a pleasure to watch and listen to. A story of a young boy (11 years old) waiting for a heart transplant
and told from a hospital bed. This show is a dialogue between Cuddy Gill (Scott Turnbull) and his 'friend' Dan (Chris Price).

Both actors gave a very convincing and well polished performance. The
dialogue and action were projected well and the use of puppetry helped
to 'soften' what at times was a very serious subject. The mime scene
and in particular, the fishing part, was brilliant. The humour was excellent and appealed to both adults and children. The twist in the story at the end certainly left you leaving the theatre thinking about the show and the subject matter. Well written, well produced, this is a show that will leave you
appreciating a most enjoyable performance.

"Heartbreak Soup is dedicated to all those on both sides of the
transplant deal - the children that give, and the children that
receive."

"Quite good, amazing how they did the show with just two people.
Puppets were brilliant!" Gordon (age 10)

9th - 24th

The Little Mermaid

C Theatre, Chambers Street , 11.20, £8.50 (7.50). The sweet-bitterest story ever whispered between the stars and the sea. Lighter than spray, weightier than a forsaken heart. See Hans Christian Andersen's classic brought to life by the creators of 'The Snow Queen'. 'Thrilling, tautly-written' (TES). www.ctheatre.com

This is a wonderfully told story, with excellent acting, clearly spoken prose and plenty of action to hold the attention of younger audiences.  The actors are clearly enjoying performing, and their simple use of props is very effective, to distinguish between scenes under the sea or on land.  Amelie (6 years) was expecting a Disney version of Ariel, but thought this was far better, and was longing to know what would happen to the little mermaid.  She thought the sword fish was very funny.  Muirihn (5 years) liked the show very much, especially the way the mermaids ‘danced’.  Sadly, were not able to see the end of the show due to a problem with the building, but we would love to have the chance to return to see the end – what we saw had been so promising.

10th - 25th (not 18th)

Mrs Wobble The Waitress and Friends

Mrs wobble is a waitress, the only trouble is she wobbles! Happy families brought to life with Mr Biff the Boxer, Mrs Plug the plumber and others! Pleasance Dome, 1 Bistro Square, 11;30am (lasts 50 mins), tickets from £7 (£5) age 5+

31st - 25th (not 12th)

How the Giraffe Got its Neck

Join two intrepid explorers as they discover how the Elephant got its trunk and solve the mystery of  the Giraffe's neck! C too, St Columba's by the castle, Johnston Terrace, 15:20pm, (50 mins) tickets from £7.50 (£5.50) age 4+

The Tall Stories Theatre Company has been coming to the Fringe to capture our imagination with their professional shows for children since 1997 (www.tallstories.org.uk) and now two actors go on a voyage to find out how the giraffe got its neck… This show has been inspired by the “Just So” stories of Rudyard Kipling and the discoveries of Charles Darwin on the Galapagos Islands where otherwise similar birds on different islands have evolved different beaks to suit the type of food available. The bird puppets were imaginatively realised and the set simple but effective. Katie, aged 5, said “I liked the bit when they were swimming in the sea.” Alex, aged 8, said “The bird’s beaks were good but they shouldn’t have spent so much time on it. It would have been better if they really had found the giraffe. Otherwise, it was really good!” Pre-school children were a bit restless in this otherwise enjoyable and beautifully performed show; but with some delicate editing it could easily evolve into a faster paced, high energy show, and form the ideal celebration of the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth in 2009.

10th - 24th (not 19th)

The Bear who Paints

Can you help bear survive in a colourless world. Hope colour and pure enchantment along with puppetry, comedy and live musicians. Pleasance Courtyard, 60 The Pleasance, 11:40am (lasts 50 mins) £7.50 (£5) age 4+

31 July to 25 August (not 12th)

Bubble-Ology: Magic, Art and Science

C too, St Columba’s by the Castle, Edinburgh Fringe 1:10pm (45mins) From £7.50 (£5.50)

Bubbles of all sizes, colours and combinations are made in this fun show: square bubbles, revolving bubbles and some bubbles big enough to get aperson or two inside. Children from 3 to 103 will be inspired by this show featuring California’s Louis Pearl (www.bubbleguy.com) and whatever your age, you are guaranteed to be amazed and taught a thing or two. You can learn how to catch and throw a bubble, shrink a bubble, bounce a bubble, and even make a bubble float upwards! Scientific explanations will interest the older kids but don’t get in the way of the spectacle. Alex, aged 8, said “I liked it when he put people in bubbles; that was kind of cool!” Katie, aged 5, said “I wish I’d helped at eating the bubbles” and was inspired to try her own bubble tricks later. If you like bubbles, you’ll love this show but get there early as it started at least 5 minutes before the advertised time of 1:10 p.m.

31st - 25th Aug (not 12th)

The Greatest Bubble Show on Earth

C too, St Columba's by the Castle, Johnston Terrace, 12:10 (45 mins), Tickets from £6.50 (£4.50)

You get what you were promised with this show ...bubbles!... and in all shapes and sizes. It mixes clever bubble tricks with lots of audience participation - much to the delight of the kids – such as throwing and catching bubbles, kissing bubbles, eating bubbles, and even ‘being in’ bubbles. The ‘Bubbleguy’s’ (www.bubbleguy.com) performance is slick and fast moving keeping the attention of all ages. My 5 year old son Scott (a bubble fan) has been inspired to try some of these tricks at home e.g. making big bubbles using clothes hangers and tiny bubbles using a fly swat. His verdict? Definitely a thumbs up: ‘I liked the planet bubbles, golf ball bubbles, square bubbles, bubbles in bubbles….can I try?’  Venue tip:  There are supporting pillars which can obscure the view from some of the aisle seats. We had to change seats to the back row half way through the performance because of constantly straining our necks to see.

31st - 25th

The Gruffalo

He's back!!! The big scary monster returns to Edinburgh! Follow mouse's adventure in the deep dark wood in this magical musical story. C too, St Columba's by the castle, Johnston Terrace, 12:10pm, (lasts 55 mins) tickets from £7.50 (£5.50) age 3+

30th - 25th

How does Kanga-Roo

Bruce thinks he is the loneliest creature in the great Sandy Dessert but can he become the most famous? A bonanza of Koalas, Kookaburras and Crocs! C Chambers Street, 10am (lasts 45 mins) tickets from £6.50 (£5.50) age 3+

3rd – 25th August

Circus Oz

Assembly @ Assembly Hall, The Mound, 4:45pm (1hr 10) Tickets from £15, Thrilling and cheeky, Australia's premier circus ensemble are pulling out all the stops to celebrate their 30th birthday. Strength, agility, beauty and irreverent humour. 'Physical danger, outrageous jokes and jaw dropping skills' (Guardian).

If I just mentioned somersaulting kangaroos and builders doing tricks with bricks, you’d have to go and see this show just out of curiosity!

There’s a good chance that you’d be really pleased that you did as the acts flow together nicely with a good balance of comedy and sheer talent, backed by a live rock band which keeps the energy high!

Some of the feats we witnessed include 6 club juggling whilst pulling trousers up, one handed handstand on someone else’s head and self propulsion around the stage inside a giant hoop!  Oh, and the robotic dog with a wicked sense of humour (for children and adults).

Tickets are a bit steep at £17.50 but if you’re feeling flush you’ll not be disappointed. If your lucky some 2 for 1 tickets are available on the day from the Assembly room box office.  Suit age 5 to adult.

Talking of steep, be sure to note that the ‘Assembly Hall’ venue is on The Mound and not George Street (makes me feel better if others benefit from my mistake)!

31st - 24th

We All Fall Down

Turn back the clock to 1665 when the plague was raging and death was everywhere. Find out what lengths one village does to save themselves. A darkly comic musical tale for fearless families. Underbelly, 56 Cowgate, 4:15pm (lasts 65 mins) Tickets from £9 (£6) age 8+

1 - 25th Aug (not 10th, 17th 24th)

Koko the Crocodile
The Zoo, 140 The Pleasance, 11:00am (45mins), £6 (£4)

Have you ever wondered how the hyena got its laugh?  You can find out in the company of Toto Tales’ Mma Africa and her daughter Mara, who bring traditional African folktales to life in this fabulous show at The Zoo.

These colourfully-clad story-tellers evoke the sights and sounds of Africa, in the company of a host of exotic creatures.  You’ll meet a glamorous, but rather vain zebra, a sleepy lion, a hare with a magni