Kids

Doctor Austin and Doug Safety's Time-Tastical Time Tale

It’s science Jim, but not as we know it

16 Aug 2009

Time travel is a gift to fiction writers, but when it comes to the facts, even Doctor Who had to resort to describing it as ‘a big ball of wibbly wobbly timey wimey stuff’. Dr Austin and Doug Safety have set themselves a hard task. Starting with…

Ice Cream Man and the Jelly Incident

Pies fight puddings in this chuckle-worthy children’s tale

16 Aug 2009

With its healthy eating message and cheeky send-up of a celebrity chef, there’s an educational element to Ice Cream Man and the Jelly Incident that many parents will love. Yet it’s delivered with such fiercely imaginative silliness that children won’t…

The Legend of Magnificent Moon

Interactive African tale

16 Aug 2009

There’s a charming simplicity to this new show by Edinburgh-based Toto Tales, which you can’t help but warm to. Inspired by a traditional African tale, the story centres on two brothers – the Moon and the Sun – who love each other dearly, but find their…

5 questions: Potted Potter and Potted Pirates

16 Aug 2009

With two high-speed shows on the go, David and John, stars of Potted Potter and Potted Pirates whiz through our 5 Questions. Give 5 reasons why people should see your shows They’re funny; interactive; action packed; have music; and are themed…

Visualise Reloaded

16 Aug 2009

There are an awful lot of confusingly big words in the world of science – which is why these guys don’t use any at all. Instead, Science Made Simple blend physical theatre with live science demonstrations, projected images and music to create a…

Kids Events at the Book Festival

The events and authors for the younger generation

14 Aug 2009

Old favourites for kids include Michael Morpurgo (22 Aug), Malorie Blackman (22 Aug), Jacqueline Wilson (23 Aug), Anne Fine (23 Aug), Julia Donaldson (24 Aug), and Terry Deary of horrible history stardom (28 Aug), but there’s a whole lucky-dip of events…

First Word: Supergran

12 Aug 2009

First record you ever bought I have never bought a record. Last time you were chatted up The chance would be a fine thing! First film that really moved you I have not a clue. Last lie you told I’m too goody-goody. First movie you…

Rapunzel and the Tower of Doom

Puppet king still rules the Fringe

10 Aug 2009

Each year, Bedfordshire-based storyteller and puppeteer, Andy Lawrence packs up his bag of tricks and heads to the Fringe. And each year, on arrival, he unpacks a 5-star show filled with unique surprises. Happily, this year is no different. Rapunzel…

Book Festival day planner

Our guide on the festival's must-see events

10 Aug 2009

As with most of the festivals, the Book Festival is a scary prospect at first glance. Here, Lizzie Mitchell maps out a plan which should make the minefield a little easier to negotiate. All events are based in Charlotte Square Gardens.

Kids Shows Hitlist

The best kids shows from the festival

10 Aug 2009

Andy and Mike’s … Big Box of Bananas This comedic hour from CBeebies presenter, Andy Day and his equally daft pal, Mike is packed to the rafters with silliness. Merriment and mayhem that’s quite literally for all the family. Pleasance Courtyard…

Antoine and the Paper Aeroplane

Aviation fantasy

10 Aug 2009

Blak Wulff productions has based this mostly wordless performance around the life and work of Antoine de Saint Exupéry, famous as the father of The Little Prince, and also a keen aviator. In 1935, his plane crashed in the Sahara desert, which is where…

Frog

Amphibian tale that puts a spring in your step

10 Aug 2009

Pity poor Max. He’s moving house in the morning, and is terrified of leaving behind his friends, his school and his teacher. The only thing his mother can do to reassure him is read from his favourite picture books – all about a kindly, inquisitive frog…

It Was a Dark and Stormy Night

Engaging storytelling for all

10 Aug 2009

Midway through telling the story of Antonio, a little boy kidnapped and held in a cave, Danya Miller hands three very chuffed looking girls in the front row some ‘precious jewels’. It’s actually just fresh air she’s giving them, but the storytelling…

Room on the Broom

Musical storybook adaptation hits the right note

9 Aug 2009

The coming together of Tall Stories theatre company and children’s author Julia Donaldson has already proved itself to be a winning formula, with the hugely popular Gruffalo and Gruffalo’s Child. There’s no obvious route for taking Donaldson’s enjoyable…

Giraffes Can't Dance

Warm-hearted moral in the jungle

9 Aug 2009

Most children’s theatre companies endeavor to make their young audiences feel at home – but Blunderbus always seem to go the extra mile. From the moment you enter the theatre, you feel welcomed. And, as the show unfolds, the cast regularly spill out…

Andy and Mike's… Big Box of Bananas

Fun and frolics in the fun pad

9 Aug 2009

The power of children’s TV was always going to ensure that CBeebies presenter, Andy Day found an audience at the Fringe – and a big one at that. What’s pleasing, therefore, is that it’s thoroughly deserved. Day and his partner in silliness, Mike James…

Crime of the Century

Young lives on the edge

9 Aug 2009

Chickenshed’s strength is simultaneously its weakness. The company boasts of its willingness to take on social issues, yet Crime of the Century is undermined by blunt stereotyping. Drawing the link between knife crime and social depravation in simple…

Anomie

Energy and technology come together

9 Aug 2009

Precarious has been upholding awkward multi-media performance art for three years at Zoo, staging an annual ambitious extravaganza that combines dance, words, a storming soundtrack and video installations. Anomie continues their run of hard-edged…

Burglar Bill

Winning adaptation of kids’ classic

9 Aug 2009

This stage re-imagining of Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s much-loved illustrated fable, by Pandora’s Box theatre company, retains the offbeat humour and otherworldly atmosphere of the original, while throwing in plenty of opportunities for audience…

Site Specifics - Alien Wars

6 Aug 2009

What is it? Imagine stepping into the world of Alien and Aliens (as created by Ridley Scott and James Cameron respectively) as you are guided round the Arches’ basement with extra terrestrials leaping out to scare you at every turn. ‘A ghost train on…

Minibeast Safari & A Wander With Bugs and Butterflies

Ugly Bug Ball

6 Aug 2009

If you’re already bored of staring at comedians, why not spend a little time investigating a very different kind of wild and unpredictable beastie? Summer is excellent bug-spotting time, as both Cammo Visitor Centre, who are offering A Wander With Bugs…

Dude! Where's My Teddy Bear?

6 Aug 2009

Back in 2003, this rock’n’roll musical was one of the most popular children’s shows on the Fringe. Having played at numerous venues since – including the Glastonbury Festival – Dude is back for another slice of Fringe fun. Young Max has lost his teddy…

Andy and Mike's ... Big Box of Bananas

CBeebies guy goes bonkers

3 Aug 2009

To the nation’s children, presenters on CBeebies and CBBC are practically like gods, bringing great programmes, reading out birthday cards and generally acting the fool. Currently enjoying his place in the sun is Andy Day, a regular smiling face on the…

Lighter Than Air

Balloon comic capers

3 Aug 2009

As any parent of a six-year-old will confirm, kids love watching adults making total balloons of themselves. So, if you take one adult, arm him with a cupboard full of actual balloons, you’re probably on to a winner. ‘The bit where I walk my inflatable…

The Legend of Magnificent Moon & A Most Curious Quest

Double helping of African tales

3 Aug 2009

Having discovered two great stories ripe for adaptation, Mara Menzies of Toto Tales was torn between which show to deliver at this year’s Fringe. But help was at hand. ‘I was deliberating for weeks, when my 7-year-old niece piped up, “Why don’t you do…