children's shows feature
13 To See: Kids
2008 Festival Preview
Let me start by saying this: not all shows suitable for children at the Festival this year are in the Children's section of the Fringe programme. No, indeed, some of them are in the Book Festival programme, three of which I have included here. But it's also worth bearing in mind, especially if you have older children, that the theatre and musicals sections and dance and physical theatre sections are probably also full of shows which are family friendly. You may even find something suitable in the comedy programme, especially if you have children who love swearing. Anyway, the point is, the city is bursting with events suitable for even the most cynical and bored of your offspring this August. Here, I have focused primarily on the shows in the programme that are actually aimed at children, but don't just go by what I say; there's loads of stuff I wanted to mention, and just didn't have enough slots.
The Hidden Secrets Of Your Favourite Stories (Book Festival)
This sounds really interesting. I think I'd like to go myself. Nury Vittachi talks to seven to ten year olds about the origins of stories; you know how, like, Cinderella is originally an ancient Chinese tale, and all that. Promises to be interactive, so not just sitting and listening, in case you were worried.
Charlotte Square Gardens, 10 Aug only, bfpp9
The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Book Festival)
I defy you not to have heard of 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'. This workshop will feature a reading of Eric Carle's classic picture book, and participants will then work on designing their own creatures with the help of artist Julie Dawson. Suitable for three to six year olds.
Charlotte Square Gardens, 9 Aug only, 3.00pm, bfpp5
Seussical The Musical (Fringe)
This production is presented by the American High School Theatre festival. The reason I am telling you this is because AHST stuff varies in quality a lot because there are a lot of different schools with very different standards of ability taking part. We've given their shows 5/5 before, but also been less kind on occasion. But they're usually good at musicals, so I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt. And because if your child is a Seuss fan, this might be worth checking out.
Rocket @ Roxburghe Hotel, from 10 Aug, times vary, fpp177
I Can't Sleep By David O'Doherty (Fringe)
He's not the only comedian doing a show for kids at this year's Festival, but he's one of my personal favourites, which is why I am mentioning him here. This show is about David and Maeve, who cannot get to sleep because the audience are keeping them awake. I'm sure parents everywhere can relate to that. Except, it's possibly not an audience that's keeping them awake… for five to eight year olds.
Assembly @ George Street, from 31 Jul, 2.20pm, fpp14
Comedy Club For Kids (Fringe)
As you might expect, this is a comedy show for kids. It's in its third year, therefore tried and tested, and it's on at the Bongo Club, which is good, because we here at ThreeWeeks like the Bongo Club. We also like the idea of comedy for kids. Especially intelligent comedy not dependent on bottom gags. For children six years and older.
The Bongo Club, from 31 Jul, 6.00pm, fpp12
The Flower Fairies (Book Festival)
One for the girls, possibly, though I'm not one to encourage gender stereotype. All about flower fairies. I'm hoping, as there's one illustrating this event, that it's based around Cicely Mary Barker's Flower Fairies and they're lovely and plant based, and wear lovely outfits, not like those unpleasant modern day fairies that wear day-glow pink all the time, and put glitter on everything.
Charlotte Square Gardens, 11 Aug only, 5.00pm, bfpp13
Potted Pirates (Fringe)
The Fringe seems slightly awash with pirates this year, and this is the pirate show I picked to represent them all, partly on the basis that these chaps have a successful Fringe record, they previously presented the acclaimed 'Potted Potter', a Reduced Shakespeare take on the works of JK Rowling. They're doing that one again this year, too, but I don't like Harry Potter, so I shan't recommend it on principle. Ages six+.
Pleasance Courtyard, from 30 Jul, 3pm, fpp17
We All Fall Down (Fringe)
This is the latest thing from En Masse Theatre, the company that brought you the wonderfully spooky, ThreeWeeks recommended, site-specific piece The Echo Chamber (which, by the way, is also back at The Underbelly this year). The new play, as you might guess from the title, if you think about it, is set during the time of the plague. Ages eight and upwards.
Underbelly, from 31 Jul, 4.15pm, fpp19
Storytelling Tours (Fringe)
This is in the Fringe Programme but is actually part of the Edinburgh Art Festival - storytelling tours based around visual exhibits. I like the idea of this because although you get lots of stuff attempting to engage kids in creating their own visual art, there's less getting them to appreciate artworks in the manner of an exhibit. And it's free! You will have to pre-book places, though. Ages four-eleven.
Stills Gallery, from 9 Aug, times vary, fpp18
The Sun Dragon (Fringe)
An intergalactic fairy tale, so says the blurb, which is good enough for me. Actually, I'm recommending this one on the basis that it's produced by Gomito Productions, whose shows we've enjoyed before, and this one looks like fun. From five years.
Pleasance Courtyard, from 30 Jul, 12.45pm, fpp18
Visualise: Reloaded (Fringe)
A new updated show from Total Theatre Award nominees Science Made Simple, who garnered a great review from us the last time they hit Edinburgh. Described as "live science mixed with mischievous physical theatre", it sounds like the kind of stuff to engage even your more cynical pre-teens. For ages six plus.
Venue 13, from 1 Aug, times vary, fpp19
The Little Mermaid (Fringe)
I read the story of The Little Mermaid over and over when I was a child. It was kind of sad. But I think the point is here that what was good enough for me should be good enough for a new generation - they should be reading this, not Tracy Beaker. However, if they don't feel too much like reading, I would suggest that this will be a more than adequate alternative. For those aged four and over.
C, from 20 Aug, 11.20am, fpp16
The Man Who Planted Trees (Fringe)
This is a puppet show, and I'm recommending it on the basis of what all the other critics said, to be honest. But really, it does sound good, and the same show completely sold out last year, so I'd get your tickets sorted ASAP if you're interested. For sevens and over.
Scottish Storytelling Centre (The Netherbow), from 2 Aug, 3.00pm, fpp15
published: Oct-2008
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